So a couple months ago, I lost my house keys (and luckily ended up finding them under my desk at work) when a hook in my key case broke (similar here). I wanted to find a combo wallet/keychain with a clear window for my ID, and fell in love with this “Grand Street” version of Kate Spade’s Darla Card Case (now unavailable – but check eBay). I love everything about it – the twist toggle in front, the surprising number of pockets, the traditional keyring, all with a clear window for my ID on the back. After a couple months of use though, one thing REALLY annoyed me. The ID pocket doesn’t have a cut-out to help slide out whatever card you put in it. I spent a number of times standing in front of a bounder that INSISTS I take my ID out of my wallet for him to check, trying to pull it out with one tightly wedged finger. Today I did it for the last time, and decided to do something about it once and for all. Check out the (really easy) steps below – hope it keeps you breezily sauntering past bouncers!
The Struggle
You’ll need rubber cement, a piece of cardboard, scissors, a nail file (medium grit), and exacto knife.
First, make a template. I made this one on my computer, but you could use a ruler etc to make one too.I made the whole thing about the same width as my license ( 2.1 inches), and about double the length so I could pull it out easily (mine is 4inches). The inner rectangle is the same dimensions as the clear window, so I can line up the cut-out easily, and the oval in the middle is 0.75″w x 1.5″h). After cutting out the whole thing, I rubber cemented it to the cardboard so I can easily get it in/out of the slot.
Insert the template into the slot, and line it up so it’s centered in the window.
Use the exacto knife to carefully score the window, following the template. Go slowly, and be careful when doing the curves. After you go around once, go around again with a little more pressure – the plastic should cut easily.
Pull the template out, and use your finger to pop the piece out that you cut. Using the nail file, lightly buff the edges so they’re smooth – shouldn’t take much effort.
Voila!
Now, you can easily slide your ID/card out of the slot =)
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