Key Holder
Draft · not yet checked by a carpenterFour hooks for keys and a little shelf with a lip for mail and sunglasses. A good use for offcuts and an easy housewarming gift.
- Skill
- Beginner
- Build time
- About 1 hour, plus finish
- Lumber
- 1 1x4 and 1 1x2
- Joinery
- Glue, screws and brads
- Finished size
- 16″ W × 3½″ D × 5¾″ H
What you need
A 1x4 is actually ¾″ × 3½″ and a 1x2 is ¾″ × 1½″. Every measurement in this plan uses the real size.
Shopping list
- 11x4, 6 ftOr use offcuts.
- 11x2, 6 ftOr an offcut.
- 4Key hooks or cup hooks
- 31½″ wood screws
- 31¼″ brad nails
- 22½″ screwsWith wall anchors if there's no stud.
- 1Wood glue
- —Sandpaper, 120 and 180 grit
- opt.Paint or stain
Tools
- SawMiter saw, circular saw or hand saw.
- Drill/driverWith a ⅛″ bit for pilot holes.
- HammerFor the brads.
- Level
- Tape measure, pencil
Cut list
Three pieces from two boards. Label each piece with its letter in pencil as you cut it.
| Part | Qty | Size, inches | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABacker | 1 | ¾ × 3½ × 16 | 1x4 |
| BShelf | 1 | ¾ × 3½ × 16 | 1x4 |
| CLip | 1 | ¾ × 1½ × 16 | 1x2 |
Board layout. Each row is one board, cut left to right, with the remainder hatched. Dark lines are saw cuts, about ⅛″ wide.
Build it
Six steps. The 3D view follows along as you scroll. The parts you're working on are yellow, and the screws, nails and hooks for that step are red.
- 01
Cut the pieces
Cut the three pieces. Offcuts from another project are perfect:
- A Backer, one at 16″
- B Shelf, one at 16″
- C Lip, one at 16″
- 02
Add the shelf
Glue the shelf (B) flat on the top edge of the backer (A), flush at the back and the ends. Pre-drill and drive three 1½″ screws down through the shelf into the backer.
- 03
Add the lip
Glue the lip (C) on edge along the front of the shelf, flush with the front and the ends. Turn it over and drive three 1¼″ brad nails up through the shelf into the lip. The lip keeps mail and sunglasses from sliding off.
- 04
Sand and finish
Sand with 120 then 180 grit, soften the edges, and paint or stain.
- 05
Add the key hooks
Mark four hooks across the front of the backer, 4″ apart starting 2″ from the left end, and 1½″ up from the bottom edge. Pre-drill and twist in small cup hooks or screw on key hooks.
- 06
Hang it by the door
Hold it level by the door and drive a 2½″ screw through each end of the backer. Into a stud if one lines up, otherwise into rated wall anchors.
Build at your own risk. Check every measurement against your own lumber before you cut, test-fit before you glue, and wear eye and ear protection. Full disclaimer.
