This little tool may be the key to keeping everyday germs at bay

clean key tool to stay safe from germs and coronavirus
Credit: KeySmart

“Don’t touch that.”

This phrase has been playing on repeat in my mind since news of COVID-19. Though some new research says that COVID may be more of an airborne than a surface disease, I still like avoiding those germs that are surface-based.

With a one-year-old at home and a busy work schedule, I have no desire to get sick. I also work with people who are at high risk. Because this virus is a danger to those around me, I view cleanliness and sanitation as a personal responsibility — to keep them and myself safe. 

During this season, I have found one type of sanitary tool that I feel confident is effective in keeping germs away. This is a brass touch tool that allows for indirect contact with surfaces. It prevents the spread of germs from my hands to surfaces and vice versa. While it won’t prevent COVID-19, I am still put at ease avoiding germs surfaces throughout my day.

I’ve carried one with me for a few weeks now and have learned to love it. At first, I would forget I had it in my pocket but it’s second nature to me now. I walk to a door, pull out the brass tool, and open it. I pay for gas and use it to press buttons on the screen. It comes in handy more than I imagined it would — it’s shocking to learn how often we touch grimy surfaces.

Many companies have designed similar products and they go by many names. Regardless, the idea is the same.

Here are three of my personal favorites.

KeySmart Clean Key ($25)

The KeySmart Clean Key is the touch tool I continuously return to. I love the shape, size, and feel in my hand and pocket. While it shipped with a retractable lanyard to help carry it, I prefer it without. Sadly, due to metal door handles, it is getting slightly scratched on the inside of the hook — but I like the “rugged” look. While it looks similar to the other attempts at the same concept, I really like how this one feels in my hand. The basic shape is a “6” or “9” with the loop being what you hold the tool by. Then the top of the “6” or the bottom of the “9” is the portion where you touch the “non-clean” area.

Peel Touch Tool ($35)

At first glance, I thought this would be my favorite touch tool by far. It’s slightly larger than the KeySmart Clean Key, but not by much. The shape is smoother with curved lines and less sharp angles. Peel also integrated a bottle opener. I would say I carry this touch tool 49% of the time. Personally, since I carry this tool in my (skinny) jeans pocket, it feels a little large. However, I prefer the overall design and shape to any other touch tool I’ve found.

Milspin No Touch Key ($20)

Milspin states they are the original no-touch tool. The boxier design is a draw for some, though not for me. However, Milspin is the cheapest option of the three. One thing I found incredibly unique about this tool is the divot in the front designed for twist locks (think in a home or office, perhaps a bathroom). Other than this divot, the shape and size are very similar to the KeySmart Clean Key.

2 thoughts on “This little tool may be the key to keeping everyday germs at bay

  1. I will right away grab your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  2. I use a trick all the time..since I wash dishes with rubber gloves, there’s always one there…I did buy and OXO for trade shows, when I have to open multiple jars…

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