You've got questions? We've got answers!
If you have questions about using the Keyhole Companion or have come across an unusual keyhole configuration that doesn't seem quite right, please scroll through the information below where we have covered some of the most common questions.
If you have a questions that is not addressed below, please email info@accumounttools.com and we will be happy to assist.
1) The Keyhole Companion comes with 3 interfaces. Which should I use?
The flat interface is used for any keyhole slots that are flat on the underside where the interface engages the material (for example molded-in plastic or cut-in metal). The tapered interface is used for add-on hardware that has angled keyhole slot edges. The short tapered interface is used for surface mounted hardware; the long tapered interface is used for recessed hardware.
2) Will the Keyhole Companion work with all keyhole slots?
Keyhole Companion is designed to work with all common keyhole slots – molded-in (for example in plastic), cut-in (for example in wood or metal), and for add-on hardware that is either surface mounted or recessed. The key factor for the Keyhole Companion being able to accurately mark is that it must tighten on the object perpendicular to the object surface. Perpendicularity can be confirmed by viewing the product from the sides once the Keyhole Companion is tightened. For any keyhole slot configuration where the Keyhole Companion will not directly tighten perpendicular to the object surface, one or more spacers can typically be used so that the Keyhole Companion will work.
3) I have a flat keyhole slot that is on a small raised surface area and the Keyhole Companion will not mount perpendicular to the object surface. What can I do?
In this situation an adapter can be easily made by using a fender washer with a #6 or #8 center hole (large round washer commonly available at hardware stores). Unscrew the flat interface, put it through the washer, and then re-install the interface. Once the interface is inserted into the keyhole slot, the washer will allow the Keyhole Companion to mount perpendicular to the object. In the event the washer results in insufficient interface grip range to engage the keyhole slot, partially unscrew the flat head interface to increase the grip range.
4) Will the Keyhole Companion tighten on all keyhole slot materials?
Yes, the Keyhole Companion is designed to tighten on all materials as long as the main body of the product does not rotate during the tightening process.
5) The Keyhole Companion sits firmly seated in the keyhole slot without tightening it. Why is tightening needed?
Tightening is important for three reasons. First, it makes sure that the Keyhole Companion interface does not move from its proper position in the keyhole slot. Second, it ensures the positional accuracy of the mark by removing “play” in the device that is present in the untightened state. Last, tightening ensures that the stamper pad travel under normal use conditions will always be sufficient to mark, and always with the same push-to-mark “feel”.
6) With the interface fully extended, I cannot get the Keyhole Companion to engage the keyhole slot. What should I do?
This situation occurs when the grip range of the extended interface is insufficient, for example the keyhole slot material being too thick. It can also occur as a result of the use of one or more spacers needed to deal with certain situations where the Keyhole Companion will not tighten perpendicular to the object surface. The remedy is to partially unscrew the interface to increase the Keyhole Companion grip range.
7) Are there any key considerations when using the Keyhole Companion?
There are two key considerations. First is that the Keyhole Companion needs to tighten so that it is perpendicular to the surface, which it is designed to do for most keyhole slot configurations - molded-in, cut-in, or add-on. Second is that the user needs to push the Keyhole Companion toward the end of the slot while tightening to ensure the Keyhole Companion occupies the same position in the slot that the mounting fastener will ultimately occupy.
8) I am planning to route keyhole slots in wood. What are the considerations?
Most important, the keyhole slots must be parallel. It is best to keep the keyhole slot material thickness 3/16” or less to ensure marking, but thicker material can be accommodated by partially unscrewing the flat keyhole interface. Vertical positioning (alignment) of the keyhole slots is not important, nor is the length of the slots, as the Keyhole Companion marks the exact position for each keyhole slot fastener.
9) The Keyhole Companion will not mark. What is the problem?
If the keyhole slot engagement requires the full grip range of the Keyhole Companion interface, the end cover cannot move to expose the stamper pad. The solution is to partially unscrew the interface thereby increasing the grip range. In order to ensure marking, a good rule of thumb is that tightening the Keyhole Companion should take more than one full turn of the ink cap.
10) I am planning to use add-on keyhole slot hardware. What are the considerations?
Most important, the keyhole slots must be parallel. For flat hardware (without angled slot edges) that is surface mounted, it is best if the hardware mounting screws are flush with the hardware surface. For hardware with angled slot edges that is surface mounted, the Keyhole Companion will generally accommodate screws that are not completely flush with the hardware surface. For any hardware that is recessed, screws do not need to be flush as long as the top of the screws are below the object surface. In all cases, vertical positioning (alignment) of the keyhole slots is not important as the Keyhole Companion marks the exact position for each keyhole slot fastener.
11) I have flat narrow add-on hardware and the Keyhole Companion will not mount perpendicular to the object surface. What can I do?
In this situation an adapter can be easily made by placing a spacer such as a coffee stirrer stick adjacent to each long side of the hardware. The Keyhole Companion will then rest on the spacers and mount perpendicular to the object surface.
12) The object has some surface protrusions and the Keyhole Companion does not mount perpendicular to the object surface. What can I do?
The typical solution to this is to rotate the Keyhole Companion to a position that clears the protrusion. If that cannot be done, use one or more spacers under the side of the Keyhole Companion opposite the protrusion.
13) I want to use flat round add-on keyhole slot hardware. Will the Keyhole Companion work?
How easily the Keyhole Companion will work with this add-on hardware will depend on the hardware diameter and whether the hardware is surface mounted or recessed. For surface mount, a spacer will typically be needed under one end of the Keyhole Companion in order to have it tighten perpendicular to the object surface. For recessed, two spacers will likely be needed with one of them long enough to fully bridge the recess diameter. In general, when choosing add-on hardware, it is best to choose a configuration that is more rectangular in shape rather than round.
14) I work with very wide keyhole slots. Will the Keyhole Companion work?
Typically, yes. But if there is ever an issue of gripping the keyhole slot material, the interface head diameter can be increased using a #6 washer small enough to enter the keyhole slot (commonly available at hardware stores). Unscrew the flat interface, put it through the washer, and then re-install the interface. In the event the washer results in insufficient interface grip range to engage the keyhole slot, partially unscrew the flat interface to increase the grip range. If so desired, the interface shaft diameter can also be increased by fitting a #6 spacer (cut to the right length) over the interface shaft.
15) I have an object with slots forming a “plus sign” configuration and no hole for the interface to enter. How do I use the Keyhole Companion?
This “plus sign” configuration of slots occurs most commonly on plastic molded objects, for example on power strips. The solution for engaging a slot is to tilt the Keyhole Companion which allows one side of the flat interface to enter the area where the slots intersect and then tilt it upright which allows the other side of the interface to enter.
16) I have an object with keyhole slots too small (either/both the entry hole or the slot) to accept the interface. How do I use the Keyhole Companion?
The occurrence of objects with keyhole slots being too small is quite infrequent, but it can be found. The only solution in this situation is to widen the hole and/or slot dimensions. If that is too difficult or cannot be done, then the Keyhole Companion cannot be used and one of the alternate methods of making a template or measuring must be utilized.