Keyless entry and remote start systems are incredibly convenient, but they also come with a security risk. Thieves can use signal amplification devices to intercept your key fob’s signal, unlock your car, and even drive off with it. This is where the idea of a Key Fob Blocker Box comes in – a simple Faraday cage to block those signals. I decided to put the DIY approach to the test using materials you probably already have at home.
The internet is full of suggestions for making your own key fob blocker. The most common DIY methods involve either specialized RFID-blocking fabric or good old tin foil. You can buy pouches lined with this special fabric, often advertised with claims like “four layers of protection!” But being a hands-on type of guy, I was skeptical about the fancy fabrics and more curious about the humble tin foil approach. Could something as simple as tin foil really block those signals? My wife, ever the pragmatist, was already rolling her eyes at my latest experiment.
To find out, I grabbed some cardboard and tin foil and fashioned a small box. The instructions were simple: line the inside with two layers of tin foil. Now, honestly, even I was doubtful. It seemed too simple to actually work. To test my low-tech Faraday box, I placed my car key fob inside and asked my wife to call my cell phone, which was also inside the box. The idea was straightforward: if the phone rang, the tin foil failed to block the signal. If it stayed silent, well, maybe I was onto something. My wife dialed, a mix of amusement and disbelief on her face.
And… my phone rang. Defeated, I started to dismiss the tin foil box as another internet myth. But then, upon closer inspection, I noticed a tiny gap in one of the tin foil seams. It was maybe two centimeters long and barely a millimeter or two wide. Could such a small imperfection ruin the whole thing? On a hunch, I carefully closed the gap, ensuring complete coverage of the cardboard box with the double layer of foil. “Okay,” I said, handing the phone back to my wife, “one more try.”
She dialed again. This time, silence. No ringing. Nothing. My wife’s eyebrows shot up. She was genuinely surprised, even impressed, that my “hair-brained” idea actually worked. The tiny gap had been the culprit! It turns out, even a small break in the Faraday cage can compromise its effectiveness. While she conceded that my DIY tin foil box did indeed block signals when properly sealed, she also pointed out that my initial failure meant I still wasn’t getting those beadlock rings I was hoping for (apparently, initial attempts count).
While my impromptu experiment was a fun and somewhat successful proof of concept, for everyday use, a dedicated key fob blocker box or pouch is definitely the more practical solution. Fumbling with tin foil every time you come home isn’t exactly convenient. Plus, commercially available key fob pouches are designed for durability and portability. They offer a reliable and convenient way to protect your car from key fob signal theft without the need for DIY projects and tin foil seams. We’ve decided to explore some of these ready-made pouches for our key holder. Stay tuned to keyfobx.com for reviews and comparisons of the best key fob blocker boxes and pouches on the market!
