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Wanted: A simple method for breaking the key chain wire

Wanted: A simple method for breaking the key chain wire

Old Oct 29, 2013, 4:51 pm
  #1  
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Wanted: A simple method for breaking the key chain wire

Sorry Hertz, but I'm fed up with getting a car from you and have to carry around 2 lbs of keys and remotes because you tie them together.

Any suggestions on how to snap that security wire?

signed

The crank traveler, aka the guy who sticks bumper stickers over the airplane loudspeaker. Its bad enough your hawking stuff to a captive audience, don't make me deaf in the process.
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Old Oct 29, 2013, 5:14 pm
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A lot of the cars with 2 keys sets are from Dollar/Thrifty. When I rented from Hertz before the merger I usually only got one key. You can buy a pair of pliers and cut in between the link (solid metal part) its hard to cut the regular twisted part of the wire.
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Old Oct 29, 2013, 5:29 pm
  #3  
 
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Hardened Steel C̶l̶i̶p̶p̶e̶r̶s̶ Pliers

I completely concur. And since I rent full time, I just do not want to have an inventory tag in my pocket.

The cables can be very tough to cut, so the best thing is a quality hardened-steel pliers. (Edited -- I originally called this clippers, but they are pliers.)

I use this:



And I have a bag of key rings to make return quick and question free:


Last edited by Rut Dog; Feb 23, 2014 at 7:39 am
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Old Oct 29, 2013, 6:10 pm
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Originally Posted by Rut Dog
I completely concur. And since I rent full time, I just do not want to have an inventory tag in my pocket.

Pliers can work, but the cables can be very tough to cut, so the best thing is a quality hardened-steel clipper.

I use this:

This is the tool that I was thinking of, although I got the name wrong.

I agree with RutDog that you should attach everything back together with another one of those tie or rings so that you won't have many problems when returning

Last edited by Rut Dog; Oct 29, 2013 at 6:54 pm Reason: Shortened large image quote
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Old Oct 29, 2013, 6:51 pm
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I like that I get multiple sets of keys, as I'm often on vacation with my wife and that way she can have one, after I cut the steel cable. I usually put them back together with a piece of string or a grocery store bag tie, but set of rings is a super idea, thanks!
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Old Oct 29, 2013, 9:09 pm
  #6  
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Any problems from TSA?
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Old Oct 30, 2013, 2:54 am
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Originally Posted by ua653flyer
This is the tool that I was thinking of, although I got the name wrong.
Actually I did! The name from the catalog is "Klein D234-6 ScotchLok Connector Crimping Pliers".

Originally Posted by fasttimes
Any problems from TSA?
I put it in my checked baggage. But it should be OK according to http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...ohibited-items

"Wrenches/Pliers/Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length)" OK for carry on or checked.
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Old Oct 30, 2013, 7:57 am
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I thought that was a crimping tool. When you use it, that doesn't actually "snip" the wire? you have to work it a bit, correct? Or does it have a cutting feature?
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Old Oct 30, 2013, 1:04 pm
  #9  
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Originally Posted by fasttimes
I thought that was a crimping tool. When you use it, that doesn't actually "snip" the wire? you have to work it a bit, correct? Or does it have a cutting feature?
Looks mighty sharp near the fulcrum.

Never knew anyone did this- been tempted before

Has anyone ended up with a modified key chain?
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Old Oct 30, 2013, 1:39 pm
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The tool in the picture above is a found item. I'm not a big DIY guy, so I didn't buy it.

It cuts the cable quite well, better than almost anything I've ever used before.

The cable they use is quite strong -- I'm specifically avoiding the term "wire" because a wire stripper I tried to cut Hertz cable with was useless.

Did NOT work, damaged blade.

I think the key is a set pliers/pincers/cutters that are heavy duty, hardened steel.

Last edited by Rut Dog; Oct 30, 2013 at 1:44 pm
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Old Oct 30, 2013, 1:40 pm
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Originally Posted by beckoa
Has anyone ended up with a modified key chain?
I have been handed keys I had previously snipped and replaced with the key ring.
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Old Oct 30, 2013, 2:27 pm
  #12  
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Originally Posted by Rut Dog
I have been handed keys I had previously snipped and replaced with the key ring.


I was wondering if HZ went thru and reattached the keys... if you get your own handiwork ^
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Old Oct 30, 2013, 6:27 pm
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Two Keys

Hertz wants to sell or return the car to the manufacturer (if a repurchase car) with both keys and the owners manual.

The cars move from location to location, if the car starts its life in Orlando, it could be sold in Dallas. (That wasn't always the case.) The "Do Not Remove" bag in the trunk will sometimes hold the owners manual. If the car is returned as repurchase they will get a deduction for missing manuals and only one key. (Manual 75.00 and up, key 50.00 and up, up UP) Not to mention floor mats....

Back in the good old days, the extra key and sometimes the manual would be kept at the originating location because they would be responsible for sale/repurchase. I think Hertz got tired of mailing those items all around the country. JMHO
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Old Oct 31, 2013, 7:27 pm
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when all else fails

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Old Feb 22, 2014, 4:12 am
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http://www.marketplace.org/topics/bu...comment-166716

A word of advice from someone who's tried -- you really can't get the keys apart.

A few months ago, I rented a car from Hertz. A parking attendant locked both keys in the car. I called Hertz, they sent triple-A, Im charged $130. I said to the Triple-A guy, "If these keys werent attached I wouldnt have had this problem."

He offers to cut them apart, and his bolt cutter couldn't even do itthat wire is like titanium or something.
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