Valet key - rubber button free solution !

[JonnyCJ]

It’s not pretty, but it works !

My rubber keys, were like most owners’ a bit bobbins.

I blagged some 2 part silicone putty from my dentist last time I was in and used it to form new keys.

This is as simple as mixing the two parts together to get an even colour and then moulding it into the apertures where the rubber keys should sit.

I’m sure I can get it looking much neater, however, the buttons click and bounce back and it’s as strong, if not stronger, than the original rubber.

The important thing is to ensure that the buttons don’t sit proud of the casing, otherwise you’ll struggle to get it out of the slot when switching off your engine, which might be embarrassing...



Takes a bit of trial and error to get the buttons formed, you need just under a standard sized British pea amount of each of the two part silicone and then press it through gently from behind and the buttons form themselves.

I had 10 or so goes to get to this and am very happy with it compared to the rubber ones.

[David Ramsbotham]

That’s really good, an excellent prototype, I am sure there is a demand for, shall we say, a little more mature design. Have you thought about going into a small production run?

[JonnyCJ]

It did cross my mind, however it’s more of a functional solution for my key rather than something I would market.

Each customer’s perception of an acceptable finish would be different, so happy to provide the information and let everyone who needs one have a go themselves.

[avinalarf]

An ingenious solution that has an added benefit should a tooth filling fall out.