AirTag, here's how to drill a hole in it

AirTag

The iFixit website demonstrates how you can open a hole in the edge, but you have to make important compromises

(Photo: iFixit) To hang or apply an AirTag securely to an object like a madman of keys or a suitcase must (almost always) pass from an accessory because the small disk does not have a hole. What if you take a drill and puncture the edge? Many users have had the idea of ​​a very practical do-it-yourself solution and so the iFixit portal has gone further, demonstrating how it is indeed feasible. But not advisable.

The well-known site has also subjected the small AirTag to the practice of complete disassembly to analyze hardware, assembly techniques and repairability index. For now, only the first part of the so-called teardown has been published, which demonstrates the excellent engineering level of Apple, which has compacted everything you need into a very minimal gadget in terms of weight and size. For the record, the button battery on board is a 3-volt Panasonic Cr2032.

(Photo: Creativeelectron with Tile Mate on the left, Galaxy SmartTag in the center and AirTag on the right) The comparison with rivals already on the market such as Tile Mate or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag - and even more the X-ray analysis - shows how much work has been done with subtraction and file to not leave too many millimeters unused. However, AirTag had to sacrifice a simple but very useful detail present on the other trackers such as the hole to attach it more easily.

To avoid spending more on one of the many accessories, you can drill the edge. iFixit used a 1.5mm tip and chose one of the three green colored areas below. It goes without saying that it is a very risky procedure because there is very little margin for error and the delicate internal components can be damaged. For those wishing to try their hand, aware of the risks, the first step is of course to remove the battery.

(Photo: iFixit) However, there is another detail to consider: with the DIY hole it could be reduced the resistance of the small body to bumps and small crushing and above all the impermeability is lost. In short, putting on the scale what you gain and what you lose (and risk), it is still worth spending a little more on a cheap AirTag keychain.

Here's our AirTag review to find out how it works and how to best use the Apple tracker.




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The Morning After: Yes, you can add a keyring hole to Apple's AirTag

Apple’s AirTag item trackers are reasonably priced, petite and already rather useful. (I’ve got one attached to my keys and slid one into my wallet). They do, however, demand some sort of extra peripheral to keep them attached to things. Yes, there are official (and less pricey unofficial) keychains and things, but the lack of a keyring hole is a frustration. So can I just DIY it, and drill a hole into it myself?

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