Key takeaways

• KeyUnity Titanium D shackles are available from Amazon for$18 for the medium size, and$20 for the large.
• It's a very high quality product that's as strong as it is lightweight. 
  
• It's pretty expensive for a key ring. 

When I recently posted about my keychain carry tool, several commenters pointed out that the main key loop I was using was the weak link in my gear, and it was only a matter of time before it came apart. I clearly have some of the smartest and most observant readers on the internet, because the other day, that exact thing actually happened!

To be honest, I was expecting this. I'd already started having problems with that keyring, I was putting a fair load on it, and it was a cheap part made of poor-quality pot metal. 

Also: 10 tiny 'everyday carry' tools and gadgets I keep on my keychain

But fear not! I've replaced it with something that's definitely not going to break. I kitted out my keychain with a titanium D shackle from KeyUnity. Problem solved. 

These D shackles are made of lightweight Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy, providing superb heat, corrosion, and scratch resistance, and are four times stronger than stainless steel. 

The shackles come in two sizes: medium, with a shackle opening measuring 0.5 inches (12.7 mm), and large, with a shackle opening of 0.76 inches (17 mm). 

They are available in black, blue, and sandblasted finishes.

Each shackle comes in a plastic snap case, which you may find either useful or wasteful.

Also: 7 hacking tools that look harmless but can do real damage

Unlike circular split rings commonly used on keyrings that can scratch your keys and other keychain gadgets, the D shackles have a crossbar that screws in place (you'll need a small slotted screwdriver).

Worried that the thread might undo during day-to-day use? I was too, so I applied a tiny amount oflow-strength threadlocker to the thread before fitting it. 

This will prevent the crossbar from undoing on its own, but it will still be easy enough to remove with a screwdriver. 

This D shackle isn't going anywhere!

's buying advice

Yes, theseKeyUnity titanium D shackles are expensive, but they're some of the best that I've every used. They are expertly crafted, beautifully finished, lightweight and strong. I've been using mine for several weeks now, and I'm very pleased with them.

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