# Keychain > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Keychain > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Keychain.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keychain > Source revision: 1349556143 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Device attached to a key or several keys For the cryptography concept, see [Keyring (cryptography)](/source/Keyring_(cryptography)). For mobile phone application, see [Key Ring (software)](/source/Key_Ring_(software)). For the password management systems, see [Keychain (Mac OS)](/source/Keychain_(Mac_OS)) and [GNOME Keyring](/source/GNOME_Keyring). Three keys on a keyring with a promotional message A **keychain** ([/ˈkiːtʃeɪn/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) [ⓘ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:En-us-keychain.ogg)), also called a **key chain** or **keyring**, is a small ring or chain of metal to which several [keys](/source/Key_(lock)) or fobs can be attached. The terms *keyring* and *keychain* are often used interchangeably to mean both the individual ring, or a combined unit of a ring and fob. The length of a keychain or fob may also allow an item to be used more easily than if connected directly to a keyring. Some keychains allow one or both ends to rotate, keeping the keychain from becoming twisted, while the item is being used. Keybearer with a keyring, 1605, from one of the [Nürnberger Hausbücher](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=N%C3%BCrnberger_Hausb%C3%BCcher&action=edit&redlink=1) [[de](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%BCrnberger_Hausb%C3%BCcher)] ## Keyring A key can be added to a keyring by forcing an end of the loop open and sliding the key along the spiral. A key with a keyring and a simple text label keychain A keyring or "split ring" is a [circle cotter](/source/Circle_cotter) that holds [keys](/source/Key_(lock)) and other small items sometimes connected to keychains. Other types of keyrings are made of leather, wood and rubber. These are the central component to a keychain. Keyrings were invented in the 19th century by [Samuel Harrison](/source/Samuel_Harrison).[1] The most common form of the keyring is a single piece of metal in a 'double loop'. Either end of the loop can be pried open to allow a key to be inserted and slid along the spiral until it becomes wholly engaged onto the ring. Novelty [carabiners](/source/Carabiner) are also commonly used as keyrings for ease of access and exchange. Often the keyring is adorned with a fob for self-identification or decor. Other forms of rings may use a single loop of metal or plastic with a mechanism to open and securely close the loop. ## Key fob A wooden key fob made in [Finland](/source/Finland) A key fob is a generally decorative and at times useful item many people often carry with their [keys](/source/Key_(lock)), on a ring or a chain, for ease of tactile identification, to provide a better grip, or to make a personal statement. **Key fob** can also specifically refer to modern electronic [car keys](/source/Car_key), or [smart keys](/source/Smart_key), which serve as both a key and remote. The word *fob* may be linked to the [low German dialect](/source/German_dialects#Low_German) for the word *Fuppe*, meaning "pocket"; however, the real origin of the word is uncertain. Fob pockets (meaning 'sneak proof' from the German word *foppen*) were pockets meant to deter thieves. A short "fob chain" was used to attach to items, like a pocket watch, placed in these pockets.[2] ### Access control key fobs This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message) [Security tokens](/source/Security_token) from [RSA Security](/source/RSA_Security) designed as key fobs. [Access control](/source/Access_control) key fobs are [electronic](/source/Electronics) key fobs that are used for controlling access to buildings or vehicles.[3] They are used for activating such things as [remote keyless entry systems](/source/Keyless_entry_systems) on [motor vehicles](/source/Motor_vehicles).[4][5] Early electric key fobs operated using [infrared](/source/Infrared) and required a clear [line-of-sight](/source/Line-of-sight_propagation) to function. These could be copied using a programmable [remote control](/source/Remote_control). More recent models use [challenge–response authentication](/source/Challenge%E2%80%93response_authentication) over [radio frequency](/source/Radio_frequency), so these are harder to copy and do not need line-of-sight to operate. Programming these remotes sometimes requires the automotive dealership to connect a diagnostic tool, but many of them can be self-programmed by following a sequence of steps in the vehicle and usually requires at least one working key. Some retail establishments such as gasoline stations keep their bathrooms locked and customers must ask for the key from the attendant. In such cases the key often has a very large fob so that customers will not automatically pocket and walk off with the key after completing their ablutions. Key fobs offering added functionalities connected to online services may require additional subscription payment to access them.[6] ## Computer keychains By analogy to the physical object, the terms *keychain* and *keyring* are often used for [software](/source/Software) that stores [cryptographic keys](/source/Cryptographic_key). The term is used in [GNU Privacy Guard](/source/GNU_Privacy_Guard) to store known keys on a keyring. [Mac OS X](/source/Mac_OS_X) uses a password storage system called [Keychain](/source/Apple_Keychain). A "[keyring](/source/GNOME_Keyring)" is also the name of a [password manager](/source/Password_manager) application working under the [GNOME](/source/GNOME) desktop manager (used for example in [Ubuntu operating system](/source/Ubuntu_operating_system)). In cryptography a [keyring](/source/Keyring_(cryptography)) is a database of multiple keys or passwords. There are also portable password manager programs, such as Keepass and KeePassX. ## As a collectible item [Kinkaku-ji](/source/Kinkaku-ji) keychain from Japan, from a personal collection. According to [Guinness World Records](/source/Guinness_World_Records), the largest collection of keychains consists of 62,257 items, achieved by Angel Alvarez Cornejo in Sevilla, Spain, as verified on 25 June 2016. His collection began at the age of 7. Due to the tremendous size of his collection he now stores his keychains in his garage and a rented warehouse.[7] The previous record holder was Brent Dixon of [Georgia, United States](/source/Georgia%2C_United_States) with the largest collection of keychains, at 41,418 non-duplicated ones.[8] ## See also - [Key finder](/source/Key_finder) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** J.T.Bunce, Memoir of Sir Josiah Mason, p. 208; Simon Parkes, A Tale of Two Knives, Midland Ancestor, vol. 8, no. 4, June 1987. Henry Bore, The Story of the Invention of Steel Pens, 1890, at p. 20 says that Harrison made a steel pen for [Joseph Priestley](/source/Joseph_Priestley) in about 1780, "probably the first steel pen ever produced." 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["fob - alphaDictionary * Free English On-line Dictionary"](http://www.alphadictionary.com/goodword/word/fob). Alphadictionary.com. Retrieved 14 August 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["New Zealand Reviews Directory"](http://natsoc.org.au/faq).[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*] 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Why you might want to wrap your car key fob in foil (Why an Ex-FBI Agent Recommends Wrapping Your Keys in Tinfoil Whenever You Leave Your Car)"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/07/08/wrap-car-key-fob-foil/762338002/). *[USA Today](/source/USA_Today)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210626212707/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/07/08/wrap-car-key-fob-foil/762338002/) from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Does Wrapping Your Car Key In Tin Foil Really Prevent Theft?: Some have also suggested keeping keys in your refrigerator or microwave"](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/car-key-in-tin-foil-fob-relay-attack_l_5db8d269e4b00d83f71ef35a). 21 November 2019. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210625033300/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/car-key-in-tin-foil-fob-relay-attack_l_5db8d269e4b00d83f71ef35a) from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Toyota Made Its Key Fob Remote Start into a Subscription Service"](https://www.thedrive.com/news/43329/toyota-made-its-key-fob-remote-start-into-a-subscription-service). 9 December 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Largest collection of keychains"](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-collection-of-keychains). *[Guinness World Records](/source/Guinness_World_Records)*. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Largest Collection of Keychains"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110518143553/http://guinnessworldrecords.com/records/modern_society/collections/largest_collection_of_keychains.aspx). Guinness World Records. Archived from [the original](http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/modern_society/collections/largest_collection_of_keychains.aspx) on 18 May 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2011. ## External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Key fobs](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Key_fobs). Look up ***[key fob](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/key_fob)*** in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. - Ryssdal, Kai; Ekpunobi, Iru (31 July 2025). ["The Key to a Good Car Key"](https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/07/31/how-do-luxury-automakers-design-their-key-fobs). *[Marketplace](/source/Marketplace_(radio_program))*. [Minnesota Public Radio](/source/Minnesota_Public_Radio). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250801090856/https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/07/31/how-do-luxury-automakers-design-their-key-fobs) from the original on 1 August 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025. v t e Locks, locksmithing, lock picking, and security alarms Fundamental concepts Access control Authentication Key control Key duplication Key relevance Master keying Password Physical security Rekeying Lock hardware Bitting Interchangeable core Key blank Key code Key retainer Lockrod Lockset Bored cylindrical lock Mortise lock Rim lock Single-point locking Three-point locking Keys Berlin key Car key Keychain Skeleton key Smart key Mechanical locks Warded lock Pin tumbler lock Disc tumbler lock Lever tumbler lock Magnetic keyed lock Padlock Combination lock Rotary combination lock Time-delay combination locks Time lock Tubular pin tumbler lock Wafer tumbler lock Electronic locks Electromagnetic lock Electronic lock Electric strike Keycard lock Other lock types Arrow lock Bicycle lock Bramah lock Chubb detector lock Child safety lock Kensington Security Slot Latch Luggage lock Power door locks Protector lock Real-estate lock box Steering-wheel lock The Club Lock picking Lock bumping Locksport Slim Jim Snap gun Door hardware Dead bolt Door chain Door closer Door frame Door furniture Door handle Door security Doorstop Hinge Night latch Emergency access/exit Crash bar Electromagnetic door holder Emergency exit Emergency light Exit control lock Exit sign Knox Box Security alarms Alarm device Alarm monitoring center Car alarm Card reader Closed-circuit television Door loop Dual loop Fingerprint scanner Glass break detector Heat detector Key switch Keypad Miniature snap-action switch Motion detector Occupancy sensor Passive infrared sensor (PIR) Perimeter intrusion detection Photoelectric sensor Piezo switch Pressure switch Proximity card Reed switch Tripwire Ultrasonic transducer Vandal-resistant switch Water detector Window security Miscellaneous Glossary of locksmithing terms John M. Mossman Lock Museum Key to the City Lock Museum Lock Museum of America Musée de la Serrure Puzzle lock Category:Locksmithing Keys Locks Book --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Keychain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keychain) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keychain?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.