Money is probably the first thing that most people think of. Or perhaps old love letters? Directions to another hidden chest? False teeth? Stuff I never inhaled? A lock from baby's first hair cut? The REAL will of Howard Hughes? My Luv Bug has such a chest---well not really a chest so much as a tiny metal jewelry box. If you didn’t know the scale, you might think it was huge----it is actually only about 5” long. The problem?-----there was no Key. The other night she asked me if I knew anyone that might be able to make a key for it----a nice Brass Key----like the box & lock. I said I would give it a try. It is amazing what you can attempt to do with a hacksaw, a pair of vice-grips, a belt sander, and some sand paper----no duct tape in sight. The next few pictures will take you sequentially through the steps to the finished key. This is my first try at the basic shape of the key----and where the belt sander comes in. Unfortunately my first attempt was too short, so I had to make a second one (good thing I had plenty of rod). The second try looked just like this next picture---except longer. Here the "key blank" is starting to look more like what it is supposed to look like. Of course every key has to have a hole----how else is it not going to get lost again. Now for the sandpaper to get rid of the rough edges. The key does fit in the lock---how did that happen? With every treasure-chest opening adventure (remember the safe on Titanic?) there comes....... ....the “moment of truth.” Charles Buell Seattle Home Inspectors, Charles Buell Inspections Inc, Seattle, WA
Locked treasure chests--and even long lost ordinary trunks & briefcases----have always fascinated people, and most people would admit to unwarranted curiosity and unrealistic expectations as to what might be inside them. 
First I had to go buy a piece of 3/8” diameter brass rod----not the kind of thing one can find at the Big Orange Toolbox. Of course the shortest piece I could find was 36” long (I only needed a two inch piece)-----and I had to drive 15 miles round trip to get it. So eight dollars and an hour later I am back home and hunkered down in my workshop.
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Charles - how cool is that! - very :) - this for some reason just reminded me that I need to post a pic for my inspector friends (eventhough it has nothing to do with a pandora's box, quite the opposite) lol ~Rita
Thanks Rita---hey the Sounders play you guys here today:)
Charles - I think I just found a new locksmith. Do you make housecalls?
Matt, people that have gone on inspections with me know that this is a throw back to a "previous profession"----and my general concern for house security systems:)
I had a client buy an REO home. At the time of inspection a number ice chest, boxes, etc where spotted in the attic, including some really big Lego Model sets. The buyer wanted to know what to do with the stuff. I told her I would clean it out, as I could use some of the stuff.
My son was excited for weeks. Unfortunantley the Lego boxes were empty. I picked up a bunch of really nice ice chest (no bodies in them), some life vest, and a nice back pack.
Nice job Charles. I have box, but it doesn't lock. But I did inherit a "wardrobe" and it took me a while to find a key for that, but eventually I did.
Reminds me of the time they made a big hype about opening Al Capone's vault and there was nothing there. Remember that one?
Vice grips and a belt sander?! You mean, no Dremel tool?
A Dremel and you would have done that just a bit quicker... actually you did that pretty quick judging from your phone call.
So now, instead of reaching for the brass ring, you can reach for the brass rod!
Very nice story Charles, Thanks.
Gene---can do without the bodies
Tammy, with this one a bobby pin works---just not as cool as solid brass:)
Steve, you would remember Al Capone---my dad used to talk about him:)
Jay---it took me about two hours---including the blank I made that was too short
Jim, thanks.
Maybe you could make a key to unlock the secrects of the universe. :)
James, you KNOW I already have one of those---shall I make a copy for you? Nutsy wouldn't take one---go figure.
Sure. Could you deliver it on your trip East next week.:)
Charles, you are so hilarious!!!! You made my day.
THANKS for posting, your blog is now featured at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice!
James, OKEEDOEKEE
Thanks Regina----and thanks for the feature---it is a good day when I can make someone laugh:)
She owes you BIG TIME for this! What an amazing set of photos showing your making the key! Nutsy and I are in awe!
Barbara, I am not sure what was more fun, making it, writing about it---or seeing her happy about it:)
Hey Charles,
I enjoyed reading this post. I found it amazing that you were able to make that key. Great work!
Tony, thanks
What I want to know is how did you make the key fit the first time? Great story and photos!
ur the man Charles! I'm sure your sweetie appreciated your hard work making that beautiful key :)
Kara, pretty sure about that:)
The KEY is always inside the locked box. How else are you to keep from losing it? cw
Cheryl, it seems that all too often the key to many things is where we least expect it.
Thanks for the beautiful new key, Dad! I loved seeing the process. It works so well with the box - as if they'd always been a pair!
You are welcome Beaner---glad you like it.