Keyless entry systems in modern cars offer convenience, but they also bring security concerns. With the rise of relay attacks, many car owners are looking for ways to protect their key fobs from signal theft. One popular DIY method involves using materials you likely already have at home to create a Key Fob Protector Box. But do these homemade solutions, like a tin foil box, actually work? Let’s delve into a real-world test and see if DIY can effectively block your key fob signal.
The idea behind a DIY key fob protector box is simple: to create a barrier that prevents radio waves from reaching your key fob, thus stopping thieves from amplifying and relaying your car’s signal to unlock and potentially steal your vehicle. Online forums and articles suggest various materials, from specialized RFID-blocking fabrics to common household items like tin foil. Skeptical but curious, one car owner decided to put the tin foil method to the test.
The experiment began with building a small cardboard box and lining it with two layers of standard kitchen tin foil. While commercially available key fob pouches often boast multiple layers of RFID-blocking material, the DIY approach aimed to see if even a basic double layer of tin foil could make a difference. To test its effectiveness, the key fob was placed inside the homemade tin foil box, and a phone was used to call the key fob owner’s mobile. The theory was straightforward: if the phone rang, the tin foil box failed to block signals; if it didn’t ring, the DIY protector was working.
Initially, the phone rang, suggesting the tin foil box was a bust. However, upon closer inspection, a tiny gap was discovered in the tin foil seam, a mere centimeter long and millimeters wide. After sealing this small opening, the test was repeated. This time, the phone remained silent. The DIY tin foil key fob protector box, even in its rudimentary form, successfully blocked the phone signal when completely sealed.
This simple experiment reveals a surprising truth: tin foil, when properly applied without gaps, can indeed act as a signal blocker. This is because tin foil, being a conductive metal, can function as a Faraday cage, which disperses electromagnetic radiation around its exterior, preventing signals from reaching the inside. While this DIY approach proved effective in this test, it’s important to consider the practicality and durability of a tin foil box for everyday use. Commercial key fob protector boxes and pouches are designed for convenience and longevity, often using more robust materials and construction for reliable, long-term signal blocking. However, for a quick, cost-free test or a temporary solution, a DIY tin foil key fob protector box can be a surprisingly effective way to explore signal blocking and understand the principles behind key fob security.
