How To Make A Kydex Holster?
How to Make a Kydex 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 lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
If you are a gun owner, you may be interested in making your own Kydex holster. This is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making a Kydex holster. We will provide detailed instructions and tips, so you can be sure that your holster is both functional and stylish.
So, if you are ready to learn how to make a Kydex holster, read on!
Step | Materials | Instructions |
---|---|---|
1. | Kydex sheet |
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2. | Drilling jig |
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3. | Belt clip |
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Kydex is a thermoplastic material that is often used to make holsters for firearms. It is a strong and durable material that is resistant to wear and tear. Kydex holsters are also very comfortable to wear, and they provide excellent retention for your firearm.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a Kydex holster for a handgun. We will provide step-by-step instructions, and 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 holster:
- Kydex sheet
- Heat gun or oven
- Molding block
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Sharp knife
- Sander
- Drill
- Screws
- Rivets
- Thread
- Needle
Steps
To make a Kydex holster, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Cut the Kydex sheet to size. The size of the Kydex sheet will depend on the size of the firearm that you are making the holster for.
2. Heat the Kydex sheet. The Kydex sheet must be heated to a specific temperature in order to become pliable. You can use a heat gun or an oven to heat the Kydex sheet.
3. Form the Kydex sheet around the molding block. The Kydex sheet will need to be formed around the molding block in order to create the shape of the holster.
4. Cool the Kydex sheet. Once the Kydex sheet has been formed around the molding block, it will need to be cooled in order to set its shape.
5. Sand the Kydex sheet. The Kydex sheet will need to be sanded in order to smooth out any rough edges.
6. Drill the holes for the screws and rivets. The Kydex sheet will need to be drilled in order to attach the screws and rivets.
7. Attach the screws and rivets. The screws and rivets will need to be attached to the Kydex sheet in order to secure it in place.
8. Add the belt clip. A belt clip can be added to the Kydex holster in order to attach it to your belt.
In this tutorial, we have shown you how to make a Kydex holster for a handgun. We have provided step-by-step instructions, and we have also discussed the materials and tools that you will need. We hope that you found this tutorial helpful.
Cut the Kydex sheet to size
The first step in making a Kydex holster is to cut the Kydex sheet to size. The size of the sheet will depend on the type of holster you are making. For a simple IWB holster, you will need a sheet that is approximately 12 inches by 10 inches.
To cut the Kydex sheet, you will need a sharp utility knife and a cutting mat. Place the Kydex sheet on the cutting mat and use the utility knife to cut along the lines of the pattern. Be careful not to cut yourself.
Once you have cut the Kydex sheet to size, you will need to sand the edges smooth. This will help to prevent the holster from rubbing against your skin and causing irritation.
Heat the Kydex sheet until it is soft
The next step is to heat the Kydex sheet until it is soft. This will make it easier to form the holster to the shape of your gun.
To heat the Kydex sheet, you can use a heat gun, a toaster oven, or a boiling water bath. If you are using a heat gun, be sure to hold it at least 6 inches away from the Kydex sheet. If you are using a toaster oven, be sure to preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a boiling water bath, be sure to use a pot that is large enough to hold the Kydex sheet.
Once the Kydex sheet is heated, you will need to form it to the shape of your gun. You can do this by placing the Kydex sheet over the gun and using a mallet or a rolling pin to press it into shape.
Be sure to work slowly and carefully. If you go too fast, you could damage the Kydex sheet.
Form the Kydex sheet to the shape of your gun
Once the Kydex sheet is heated and formed to the shape of your gun, you will need to let it cool. This will take about 20 minutes.
Once the Kydex sheet has cooled, you can trim off any excess material. You can also add any additional details, such as a belt clip or a retention strap.
Add any additional details
Once you have finished forming the Kydex sheet, you can add any additional details you want. This could include a belt clip, a retention strap, or a logo.
To add a belt clip, you will need to drill a hole in the Kydex sheet and then attach the belt clip with screws or rivets.
To add a retention strap, you will need to cut a slot in the Kydex sheet and then attach the strap with screws or rivets.
To add a logo, you can either use a laser engraving machine or you can paint the logo on the Kydex sheet.
Making a Kydex holster is a relatively simple process. By following these steps, you can easily create a custom holster that will fit your gun perfectly.
How do I make a Kydex holster?
To make a Kydex holster, you will need the following materials:
- Kydex sheet
- Adhesive
- Heat gun
- Sewing machine
- Fabric
- Thread
- Rivets
- Sander
- Drill
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Instructions:
1. Cut the Kydex sheet to the desired size.
2. Apply adhesive to the back of the Kydex sheet.
3. Place the Kydex sheet on the heat gun and heat it until it becomes soft.
4. Fold the Kydex sheet over the object you want to create a holster for.
5. Press down on the Kydex sheet to create a mold of the object.
6. Allow the Kydex sheet to cool and harden.
7. Remove the Kydex sheet from the object.
8. Use a sewing machine to sew the fabric to the Kydex sheet.
9. Add rivets to secure the fabric to the Kydex sheet.
10. Use a sander to smooth out any rough edges.
What is the best way to heat Kydex?
The best way to heat Kydex is to use a heat gun. Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when heating Kydex, as it can get very hot.
**How do I make a Kydex holster for a specific gun?
To make a Kydex holster for a specific gun, you will need to first make a mold of the gun. You can do this by using a piece of cardboard or wood and tracing the outline of the gun. Then, cut out the tracing and use it as a template to cut the Kydex sheet.
**What are the different types of Kydex holsters?
There are many different types of Kydex holsters, including:
- IWB holsters: IWB holsters are worn inside the waistband of your pants.
- OWB holsters: OWB holsters are worn outside the waistband of your pants.
- Appendix holsters: Appendix holsters are worn in the appendix position, which is just in front of your hip.
- Cross-draw holsters: Cross-draw holsters are worn on the opposite side of your body from your dominant hand.
- Shoulder holsters: Shoulder holsters are worn on your shoulder.
**What are the advantages of using Kydex for holsters?
Kydex is a very durable material that is resistant to wear and tear. It is also lightweight and does not rust or corrode. Kydex holsters are also very secure, as they grip the gun tightly and prevent it from slipping out.
**What are the disadvantages of using Kydex for holsters?
Kydex holsters can be a bit stiff at first, but they will loosen up with use. Kydex holsters can also be a bit bulky, especially if you are carrying a large gun.
**Where can I buy Kydex holsters?
You can buy Kydex holsters online or at many gun stores.
**How much does it cost to make a Kydex holster?
The cost of making a Kydex holster will vary depending on the size and complexity of the holster. However, you can expect to spend around $20-$30 for materials and tools.
**Is it difficult to make a Kydex holster?
Making a Kydex holster is not difficult, but it does require some patience and skill. If you are new to working with Kydex, you may want to practice on a few small projects before making a holster for your gun.
In this tutorial, we have shown you how to make a Kydex holster. We started by discussing the materials and tools you will need. Then, we walked you through the steps of designing and cutting your Kydex sheet. We also showed you how to assemble and finish your holster.
We hope that you have found this tutorial helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.
Here are some key takeaways from this tutorial:
- Kydex is a durable and lightweight material that is ideal for making holsters.
- You can use a variety of tools to cut Kydex, but a rotary tool with a cutting wheel is the most efficient option.
- When designing your holster, it is important to consider the size and shape of the firearm you will be carrying.
- It is also important to make sure that the holster is comfortable to wear and that it will not interfere with your drawstroke.
- By following the steps in this tutorial, you can make a Kydex holster that is both functional and stylish.