Is the DRYFOB® container really waterproof for scuba diving?
Yes! We had an external accredited lab certify and IPx8 rate all DRYFOB models to 330ft (100m) for one hour. While most dives are much shallower than this, we wanted the extra peace of mind to ensure that the design would go above and beyond most typical dive profiles.
We continue to inspect every unit personally before they go on sale and randomly sample multiple specimens from each production batch to ensure conformance to our specifications.
Further, we always take our DRYFOB with us on every dive ourselves and it has always worked perfectly.
How deep can I dive with DRYFOB?
You can safely dive to 330ft (100m) for prolonged periods with the DRYFOB. This is by no means a product limitation, but simply the specification we provided to our test laboratory. Technical divers and lab personnel have told us that they believe the design can withstand much more. We’ve had marine scientists take it to over twice that depth for hours at a time (see our news). We have also done our own tests at extended pressure for over 24 hours continuous submersion without any leaks or issues.
Does DRYFOB work in saltwater?
Yes, the anodized aluminum is corrosion-resistant and the dual O-ring design seals in all environments. Most of our shore dives are ocean ones and we use our DRYFOB each time. We also had Florida based Dive Labs, a Navy test facility, test the product and all tests were done in salt water.
Be sure to rinse your DRYFOB after diving to remove any salt residue that can accumulate or get close to the O-rings or threads. We rinse ours along with our flashlights, regulators and computers.
What can I put in my DRYFOB?
While the original DRYFOB was designed to carry electronic car key FOBs, there is also room for spare camera batteries, some currency, extra O-rings, a photocopy of your ID or driver’s license, and more.
We designed the DRYFOB-L for larger key FOBs and for those wanting a little extra room.
The largest or our products, the DRYFOB-XL was designed for PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons), but some divers have purchased this model to carry credit cards and even small prescription glasses or sunglasses. Ship captains have used the DRYFOB-XL for their on-board marine radios and others store their satellite communicators or flip phones. Some cave divers have even used it to carry snacks for long multi-hour dives. We are always interested to hear feedback from our customers about creative uses for the DRYFOB.
Check the dimensions on the product specifications page and the buoyancy characteristics before making your choice to ensure any desired items will fit in the model you choose.
Will my car key fit in the DRYFOB or DRYFOB-L
While most keys fit in the smaller original sized DRYFOB, some were too big, and this led us to develop and release the DRYFOB-L.
Known FOBs that will require the larger DRYFOB-L:
- JEEP 4-Button FOB
- Newer BUICK FOBs
- Flat VOLVO FOB
When measuring, please be sure to account for both the thickness and the width of your FOB as the DRYFOB interior is circular and rigid. See the measurements in our product specifications
Please let us know if you notice an error, or if your FOB won’t fit in the original DRYFOB and is not listed above so we can improve our FAQ.
Will my PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) fit in the DRYFOB-XL
Here are some popular PLB models that WILL FIT in the DRYFOB-XLs interior which measures 4.80″ (122 mm) height and 2.75″ (70 mm) diameter:
- ACR ResQLink (Various Models) 4.25 x 2.03 x 1.49 inches
- ACR PLB-375 ResQLink 3.9 x 1.9 x 1.3 inches
- ACR Artex 3 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches
- McMurdo PLB Fast Find 220 4.17 x 1.85 x 1.34 inches
- Micro PLB 4.75 x 2.3 x 1.1 inches
- PLB OCEAN SIGNAL PLB1 2 x 3 x 1.32 inches
- PLB Rescue Me 3 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches
The following models are known NOT TO FIT:
- ACR PLB Aqualink 5.8 x 2.3 x 1.45 inches (Discontinued)
- ACR Resqlink Ais Gps Plb-450 Ais&Rls 7.87 x 1.41 x 1.18
Please write us if you notice an error or if your model is not listed. We will check for you and improve our FAQ for others.
What about Marine Radios, Flip Phones and Satellite Communicators?
Some divers and ships captains also house their marine radios, flip phones, and other communications devices in a DRYFOB-XL for security and water tightness. Far from an exhaustive list, the following outlines radios we know WILL FIT in the DRYFOB-XLs interior which measures 4.80″ (122 mm) height and 2.75″ (70 mm) diameter:
- ACR BIVY global Satellite Communicator 4.47″ x 1.85″ x.83″
- Garmin Inreach Messenger 3.1″ x 2.5″ x 0.9″
- Garmin Inreach Mini2 3.9″ x 2.4″ x 1.03″
- Garmin Inreach Mini 4″ x 2″ x 1.3″
- Horizon HX 40 marine radio 3.74″ x 2.05″ x 1.3″
- Kyocera Dura X2 Extreme flip phone 4.26″ x 2.22″ x 1.07″
- Motorola defy satellite link 3.35″ x 2.45″ x .45″
- Nokia 2780 flip phone 4.33″ x 2.28″ x 0.77″
- Sonim XP3plus rugged flip phone 4.57″ x 2.36″ x 1.10″
- ZOLEO Satellite Communicator 3.58″ x 2.6″ x 1.06″
Please let us know if you notice an error or if your model is not listed. We will check for you and improve our FAQ for others.
What other sports is DRYFOB good for?
While primarily designed for scuba diving, DRYFOB is also used by snorkelers, swimmers, boaters, anglers, boarders, surfers, outdoor enthusiasts and more.
DRYFOB makes an excellent choice for any activity where you want to protect your car key FOB from the elements. The rugged waterproof construction will safely protect against water, humidity, sand, or mud and is tough enough to withstand getting tossed around in your gear bag.
How tough is the DRYFOB? Well, to prove the point my crazy husband just had to try driving over it with our 5000 pound SUV. It survived just fine and passed the pressure test afterwards with no leaks. At least he used cardboard, so it didn’t get scratched up on the pavement.
The DRYFOB-XL makes a perfect waterproof container for marine radios and personal locator beacons and is an extra layer of protection for these all-important lifesaving devices.
How do I attach my DRYFOB?
Both the DRYFOB and DRYFOB-L containers are small enough to keep in a BC pocket and have two attach points on the lid allowing you to clip them on a D-ring or use a (not included) lanyard, key ring, clip or bungee cord. Many divers attach a bolt-snap on a short piece of bungee cord through one or both of the attach points.
Two recessed grooves in the housing also allow for attaching a loop-around cord or bungee. The knurled nonslip outer housing also works well to attach a hose clamp. DRYFOB can even be stored in a clipped-on mesh bag. Since you don’t need access to your car keys when diving, some have opted to attach the DRYFOB to their backplate or between tanks.
We are always interested to know how you are using and attaching your DRYFOB. Please send us more ideas and pictures to info@dryfob.com.
Does it come with attachments?
The DRYFOBs do not come with any included attachments as there are so many ways of carrying it and each diver may want to attach it differently depending on their setup. Clips, key rings, and bungees are readily available and the DRYFOB can be mounted according to what works best for you and your equipment configuration.
Update: We have recently started offering some attachment accessories in our store. These reasonably priced options include a basic plastic clip as well as a number of 316 marine stainless-steel bolt-snaps of various sizes along with some bungee cord. We may add other options in future base on demand. Please give us your feedback.
Check out this link to see some options from our customers on how they are securing their DRYFOBs as well as our store for accessories that can be ordered directly from us.
Can I attach my PLB to the inside of my DRYFOB?
Some divers using the DRYFOB-XL for a PLB and secure their units to the inside of the DRYFOB cap in case they have to open it in rough seas.
The interior surface of the DRYFOB cap is smooth and accommodating to adhesive stickers or other glues with which one could attach a lanyard for this purpose.
The DRYFOB-XL also comes with a small 3mm hole on the bottom lip which can be used to attach the cap to the case using some thin line or a small split ring.
We don’t endorse any particular product or method but we would love to hear how you are attaching your PLB so we can share this information with others.
Why is my new DRYFOB case hard to open or close?
When new, the O-rings make a tight seal with the DRYFOB container which can make it difficult to open or close. This is normal and once you apply some of the supplied silicone grease, the opening and closing will become much easier. The tight seal is necessary to have the waterproof capability at depth.
Should I keep the DRYFOB open or closed when storing it?
We recommend keeping the lid on and the unit closed when storing the DRYFOB. This prevents dust or other debris particles from sticking to the silicone grease used to lubricate the O-rings.
If storing the DRYFOB for an extended period of time, we would recommend re-lubing with silicone grease prior to storing it. Check that the O-rings are well lubed and form a good seal before using it again after an extended storage period.
If the O-rings look cracked or deformed, make sure to replace them before diving. We can provide O-ring kits and spare O-rings from our store at nominal cost.
What about pressure inside the unit when diving at depth?
Since the DRYFOB is sealed, rigid and non-compressible, the pressure inside the container will not change at depth and the contents of the container will not feel the effects of compression even when diving at depth.
Does DRYFOB also shield RFID signals?
Yes! In addition to being waterproof, DRYFOB’s rugged aluminum construction also acts as a Faraday cage for key FOBs blocking remote entry and wireless functions. When you put your key in the DRYFOB and close the lid, functions such as remote entry or remote start are disabled. Open the lid and the signal is restored.
Is there any maintenance required with DRYFOB?
Prior to each use, you should inspect the O-rings to ensure they are lubed and don’t have any debris or dust which may affect the seal. After each use, rinse your DRYFOB in freshwater to remove any salt, dirt, or contaminants that may affect the O-rings or get caught in the threads. We typically put our DRYFOB in a freshwater bin along with our flashlights, computers, regulator, etc.
When exiting the water, we recommend closing the DRYFOB after retrieving your key in order to prevent any blowing sand or debris from getting stuck to the O-rings. If you should drop it in the sand, simply remove and clean the grooves and O-rings to ensure no sand particles remain that can interfere with the seal before the next dive. An old toothbrush makes a good tool for cleaning the grooves. Pass your finger along the O-rings to detect and remove any particles and reapply silicone grease when putting the O-rings back.
Replace an O-ring if you see any signs of cracking or deformities. Replace your DRYFOB if visible damage has occurred to the body or threads. Take care when removing the O-rings to use a plastic or nylon tool so as not to scratch the O-ring grooves. We provide a removal pick in our O-ring replacement kits, but you can also use an O-ring removal tool or even a rigid guitar pick or the edge of a credit card.
You can buy replacement O-ring kits in our store which come with two replacement O-rings, a plastic removal pick and a spare tube of compatible silicone lube. We also ship O-rings alone.
See our videos for instructions for lubricating and changing the DRYFOB O-rings on the Product Information Page.
Does the product have a warranty?
Yes, we warranty all DRYFOBs for 1 year from the date of purchase against defects of manufacturing. Please hold on to your sales receipt. We take pride in our product, and we inspect each unit personally before they are shipped or made available for sale. See our: Warranty Policy
Can I return it and get a refund?
We know you’re going to love your DRYFOB, but if you do decide to return it, we have a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. See: Returns and Refunds
Can I sell DRYFOB in my Dive Shop or Sporting goods store?
We welcome resellers and distributors for DRYFOB. Contact us through the contact form for more details about reseller agreements and reseller pricing through the Contact page.
Where can I buy a DRYFOB?
You may find a DRYFOB® in your local dive shop and we encourage you to support your local dive business if they carry it. If they don’t carry it, do us a favor and please tell them they should!
You can also order a DRYFOB online directly from our store or from Amazon.com where it can he shipped via Amazon Prime. We have enabled international fulfillment with Amazon allowing them to ship internationally handling all shipping, duties, taxes and fees. DRYFOBs are also available on Amazon.ca and Amazon.mx as well as some of the international Amazon stores.
Note that we occasionally see unauthorized resellers listing DRYFOBs at either exorbitant prices or extreme discounts. We do our best to stop these fake listings by working with the FTC. Do not fall victim to these scams. We will gladly confirm any reseller as authorized, just contact us at: info@dryfob.com or 1.888.8.DRYFOB (1.888.837.9362)