How To Make A Kydex Gun Holster?
How to Make a Kydex Gun Holster
Kydex is a thermoplastic material that is often used to make gun holsters. It is a strong and durable material that is resistant to wear and tear. Kydex holsters are also very comfortable to wear, and they can help to protect your gun from damage.
In this article, we will show you how to make your own Kydex gun holster. We will provide you with step-by-step instructions, and we will also discuss the materials and tools that you will need.
By the end of this article, you will be able to make a Kydex gun holster that is both functional and stylish. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
| Step | Materials | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kydex sheet |
|
| 2. | Drill holes |
|
| 3. | Add belt clip |
|
Kydex is a thermoplastic material that is often used to make gun holsters. It is a strong and durable material that is resistant to wear and tear. Kydex holsters are also very lightweight and comfortable to wear.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a Kydex gun holster. We will provide step-by-step instructions and detailed photos. We will also discuss the materials and tools that you will need.
Materials and Tools
The following materials and tools are required to make a Kydex gun holster:
- Kydex sheet
- Heat gun
- Safety glasses
- Cutting mat
- X-acto knife
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Rivets
- Rivet gun
- Belt clip
- Screws
- Washers
Design and Templates
The first step in making a Kydex gun holster is to design the holster. You can do this by drawing a template of the holster on paper. The template should include the following:
- The shape of the holster
- The location of the belt clip
- The location of the retention screw
Once you have drawn the template, you need to transfer it to the Kydex sheet. You can do this by using a laser cutter or by tracing the template with a marker.
Next, you need to cut out the Kydex sheet. You can do this with a band saw or a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut the Kydex too close to the edges of the template.
Forming the Kydex
The next step is to form the Kydex sheet into the shape of the holster. You can do this by using a heat gun. Heat the Kydex sheet until it is soft and pliable. Then, carefully bend the Kydex sheet into the shape of the holster.
Once the Kydex sheet is in the correct shape, you need to cool it down. You can do this by placing the Kydex sheet in the freezer for a few minutes.
Adding the Belt Clip
The next step is to add the belt clip to the holster. You can do this by drilling holes in the Kydex sheet and then inserting the belt clip.
Adding the Retention Screw
The final step is to add the retention screw to the holster. You can do this by drilling a hole in the Kydex sheet and then inserting the retention screw.
In this tutorial, we have shown you how to make a Kydex gun holster. We have provided step-by-step instructions and detailed photos. We have also discussed the materials and tools that you will need.
If you have any questions about making a Kydex gun holster, please leave a comment below.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for making a Kydex gun holster:
- Use a heat gun that is set to a low temperature. If you use a heat gun that is set to too high of a temperature, you could damage the Kydex sheet.
- Be careful not to cut the Kydex sheet too close to the edges of the template. If you cut the Kydex sheet too close to the edges of the template, you could damage the holster.
- Make sure to cool the Kydex sheet down completely before you remove it from the freezer. If you do not cool the Kydex sheet down completely, it could warp.
- Use a drill bit that is the same size as the rivets. If you use a drill bit that is too small, the rivets will not be secure. If you use a drill bit that is too large, the rivets will be too loose.
- Make sure to tighten the rivets securely. If the rivets are not tightened securely, the holster could come apart.
3. Bending and Forming
Once you have cut out the Kydex sheet, you need to bend it into the desired shape. This can be done using a heat gun or a hot plate.
To use a heat gun, first heat the Kydex sheet until it is soft and pliable. Then, using a pair of pliers, bend the sheet into the desired shape. Be careful not to bend the sheet too much, as this could cause it to crack.
To use a hot plate, first place the Kydex sheet on the hot plate. Then, using a pair of pliers, bend the sheet into the desired shape. Be careful not to bend the sheet too much, as this could cause it to crack.
Once the Kydex sheet is bent into the desired shape, you need to cool it down. This can be done by placing the sheet in the freezer for a few minutes.
4. Finishing and Assembly
Once the Kydex sheet is cooled down, you need to finish it and assemble the holster. This can be done by following these steps:
1. Drill holes for the rivets.
2. Rivet the belt clip and screws to the holster.
3. Add any other finishing touches, such as paint or laser engraving.
Making a Kydex gun holster is a relatively simple process, but it does require some patience and precision. By following these steps, you can create a custom holster that will fit your gun perfectly and provide years of reliable service.
Here are some additional tips for making a Kydex gun holster:
- Use a high-quality Kydex sheet. A good quality Kydex sheet will be thicker and more durable than a low-quality sheet.
- Use a heat gun or hot plate that is specifically designed for working with Kydex. A heat gun or hot plate that is not designed for working with Kydex can damage the material.
- Be careful not to bend the Kydex sheet too much. Bending the sheet too much can cause it to crack.
- Take your time when drilling the holes for the rivets. Drilling the holes too quickly can cause the sheet to crack.
- Use a high-quality rivet gun. A high-quality rivet gun will make it easier to rivet the belt clip and screws to the holster.
- Add any other finishing touches that you want. You can paint the holster, add laser engraving, or add other embellishments.
By following these tips, you can create a custom Kydex gun holster that will be both functional and stylish.
How do I make a Kydex gun holster?
To make a Kydex gun holster, you will need the following materials:
- A sheet of Kydex
- A heat gun
- A mold (or a piece of scrap wood that is the same shape as your gun)
- A drill
- A jigsaw
- A Dremel tool
- A sanding block
- A file
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Instructions:
1. Cut the Kydex sheet to the desired size.
2. Heat the Kydex sheet in the heat gun until it is soft and pliable.
3. Place the Kydex sheet over the mold and press it down firmly.
4. Use the drill to drill holes around the edges of the Kydex sheet.
5. Use the jigsaw to cut out the excess Kydex sheet.
6. Use the Dremel tool to sand the edges of the Kydex holster until they are smooth.
7. Use the file to file down any sharp edges.
8. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working with Kydex.
Tips:
- Be careful not to overheat the Kydex sheet, as it can melt and become unusable.
- Work slowly and carefully when cutting and shaping the Kydex sheet.
- Use a sharp blade when cutting the Kydex sheet, as a dull blade can cause the Kydex sheet to tear.
- Make sure that the holes you drill in the Kydex sheet are large enough to allow the screws to pass through easily.
- Sand the edges of the Kydex holster until they are smooth and comfortable to wear.
- File down any sharp edges on the Kydex holster to prevent them from scratching you.
Troubleshooting:
- If the Kydex sheet is too stiff, you can heat it in the heat gun for a longer period of time.
- If the Kydex sheet is too soft, you can cool it in the freezer for a short period of time.
- If the Kydex sheet is not forming properly around the mold, you can use a hairdryer to heat it up and help it to conform.
- If the Kydex holster is too tight, you can sand it down slightly.
- If the Kydex holster is too loose, you can add a layer of padding to the inside of the holster.
Safety:
- Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with Kydex.
- Do not heat the Kydex sheet over open flames.
- Do not use the Kydex sheet near flammable materials.
- Do not touch the Kydex sheet with bare hands while it is hot.
:
Making a Kydex gun holster is a relatively simple process, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. By following these instructions, you can create a custom-made Kydex holster that will fit your gun perfectly and provide you with years of reliable service.
In this tutorial, we have discussed how to make a Kydex gun holster. We started by discussing the materials and tools you will need. Then, we went over the steps involved in making a Kydex gun holster. Finally, we provided some tips for making a successful holster.
We hope that this tutorial has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.