Begali Simplex Key Dust Cover

This article is published in the Spring SPRAT 2020 (The Journal of the GQRP group)

Replacement key dust cover

So new year and time to dust of that key and get on the air, but with this iambic key cover there is no dust so no excuse.

My Begali key is a lovely twin paddle but unfortunately the supplied dust cover is not and has disintegrated over the years. Replacement covers are hard to come by and expensive but not so the acrylic “Wilko small drawer organiser”, it costs just one pound (as of Spring 2020) and measures   9.1 cm by 9.1 cm (other sizes also available).

Conversion is easy, simply remove the internal non-slip base which is held in place by the four protruding feet, cut out these out and replace back into the holes. Now carefully measure (twice) and cut out a slot to accommodate the paddles. Rough edges can be filed smooth and the edges smartened up by stripping of the sheath of a piece of RG-58 or similar and fitting on the cut edges.

To fine tune the fit, a dot of hot melt glue can be placed on the inside corners of the cover as well as the two tiny holes on top (well actually the bottom !)

You now have smart durable protection for your key.

Any disadvantages of this cover? Well actually yes it’s not dishwasher safe!

Wilko is a home-ware store in the UK

Begali Key Cover