How To Make Your Own Kydex Holster?
How to Make Your Own Kydex Holster
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, and it can be molded to fit a variety of firearms. Kydex holsters are also relatively inexpensive to make, and they can be a great way to personalize your firearm.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of making your own Kydex holster. We will provide step-by-step instructions and tips, and we will also discuss the materials and tools you will need. By the end of this article, you will be able to make your own Kydex holster that is both functional and stylish.
So if you’re ready to learn how to make your own Kydex holster, read on!
| Step | Materials | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kydex sheet |
|
| 2. | Dremel tool |
|
| 3. | Belt clip |
|
How to Make Your Own Kydex Holster?
Kydex is a thermoplastic material that is commonly 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 lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Making your own Kydex holster is a relatively simple process. However, it does require some basic tools and materials.
1. Choosing the Right Materials
The first step in making a Kydex holster is to choose the right materials. You will need the following materials:
- Kydex sheet
- Heat gun or oven
- Mold
- Sewing machine and thread
- Rivets or screws
- Other hardware (optional)
Kydex sheet
Kydex is a thermoplastic material that is available in a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of the Kydex sheet that you choose will depend on the size and weight of the firearm that you will be using the holster for.
For a small handgun, you will typically need a .060-inch thick Kydex sheet. For a larger handgun, you will need a .080-inch thick Kydex sheet.
Heat gun or oven
You will need a heat gun or oven to heat the Kydex sheet and bend it into the desired shape. If you are using a heat gun, you will need to be careful not to overheat the Kydex sheet. If the Kydex sheet becomes too hot, it will warp and become unusable.
Mold
The mold is the shape that you will use to form the Kydex sheet. You can make your own mold from wood, plastic, or metal. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made mold.
Sewing machine and thread
You will need a sewing machine and thread to sew the Kydex holster together. You can use a standard sewing machine, or you can use a specialized Kydex sewing machine.
Rivets or screws
You will need rivets or screws to attach the Kydex holster to the firearm. You can use either metal or plastic rivets or screws.
Other hardware (optional)
You may also want to add other hardware to your Kydex holster, such as a belt clip or a retention strap.
2. Designing the Holster
The next step is to design the holster. You will need to draw the pattern of the holster on paper. You can use a CAD program to create the pattern, or you can draw it by hand.
The pattern should include the following:
- The shape of the holster
- The location of the belt clip or retention strap
- The holes for the rivets or screws
3. Cutting out the Pattern
Once you have designed the holster, you need to cut out the pattern from the Kydex sheet. You can use a band saw or a jigsaw to cut out the pattern.
4. Heating and Bending the Kydex Sheet
The next step is to heat the Kydex sheet and bend it into the desired shape. You can use a heat gun or an oven to heat the Kydex sheet.
To heat the Kydex sheet with a heat gun, hold the heat gun about 6 inches away from the Kydex sheet and move it back and forth. Be careful not to overheat the Kydex sheet.
To heat the Kydex sheet in an oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the Kydex sheet in the oven for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the Kydex sheet.
Once the Kydex sheet is heated, you can bend it into the desired shape. You can use a mold to help you bend the Kydex sheet.
5. Sewing the Holster Together
Once the Kydex sheet is bent into the desired shape, you need to sew it together. You can use a standard sewing machine, or you can use a specialized Kydex sewing machine.
To sew the Kydex holster together, start by stitching the front and back of the holster together. Then, stitch the belt clip or retention strap to the holster.
6. Adding Hardware
If you are using rivets or screws, you need to add them to the holster now. To add rivets, drill holes in the holster and insert the rivets. To add screws, drill holes in the holster and insert the screws.
7. Finishing the Holster
Once you have added the hardware, you need to finish the holster. You can do this by sanding the edges of the holster and applying a finish.
8. Testing the Holster
Once you have finished the holster, you need to test
3. Assembling the Holster
Once you have cut out and shaped the Kydex, it is time to assemble the holster. This involves sewing the holster together and attaching the hardware.
Sew the Holster Together
To sew the holster together, you will need a sewing machine, thread, and needles.
1. Place the two pieces of Kydex together with the right sides facing each other.
2. Pin the pieces together along the edge.
3. Sew the pieces together using a zigzag stitch.
4. Trim the excess thread.
Attach the Hardware
The hardware for a Kydex holster typically includes a belt clip, a retention screw, and a tension screw.
1. Attach the belt clip to the holster using the screws provided.
2. Insert the retention screw into the hole in the holster.
3. Tighten the retention screw until the holster is snug against the gun.
4. Insert the tension screw into the hole in the holster.
5. Tighten the tension screw until the holster is secure on the belt.
4. Finishing the Holster
Once the holster is assembled, it is time to finish it. This involves buffing the holster to a smooth finish and applying a protective coating.
Buff the Holster to a Smooth Finish
To buff the holster to a smooth finish, you will need a buffing wheel, buffing compound, and a polishing cloth.
1. Attach the buffing wheel to a power drill.
2. Apply a small amount of buffing compound to the buffing wheel.
3. Buff the holster in a circular motion until it is smooth and shiny.
4. Wipe the holster clean with a polishing cloth.
Apply a Protective Coating to the Holster
To protect the holster from wear and tear, you can apply a protective coating. There are a variety of different protective coatings available, so choose one that is appropriate for your needs.
1. Apply the protective coating to the holster according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Allow the protective coating to dry completely.
Making your own Kydex holster is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours. With a little time and effort, you can create a custom holster that is perfect for your needs.
Q: What is Kydex and why is it a good material for holsters?
A: Kydex is a type of thermoplastic that is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. It is also relatively easy to work with, making it a good choice for DIY holster makers. Kydex holsters are a popular choice for concealed carry because they are lightweight, comfortable to wear, and provide a secure fit for your firearm.
Q: What tools do I need to make a Kydex holster?
A: The basic tools you will need to make a Kydex holster include:
- A heat gun or oven
- A set of kydex cutting dies
- A kydex bending block
- A drill and bits
- A dremel tool or rotary tool
- A belt sander or hand sander
- A file
- A marking pen or pencil
- A ruler
- Safety glasses
Q: How do I make a Kydex holster?
A: The steps involved in making a Kydex holster are as follows:
1. Design your holster. This can be done on paper or using a computer-aided design (CAD) program. Make sure to include all of the necessary details, such as the size and shape of the holster, the location of the belt clip, and any other features you want to include.
2. Cut out the kydex. Use a heat gun or oven to heat the kydex until it is soft and pliable. Then, use a set of kydex cutting dies to cut out the shape of your holster.
3. Bend the kydex. Place the kydex blank in a kydex bending block and use a mallet or hammer to bend it into the desired shape.
4. Drill holes for the belt clip. Use a drill and bits to drill holes for the belt clip.
5. Sand the edges of the holster. Use a belt sander or hand sander to sand the edges of the holster until they are smooth and rounded.
6. Finish the holster. You can finish the holster by applying a coat of paint or sealant.
Q: What are some tips for making a Kydex holster?
A: Here are a few tips for making a Kydex holster:
- Use a high-quality kydex sheet. This will ensure that your holster is strong and durable.
- Make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Each step is important, so take your time and do it right.
- Be patient. Making a Kydex holster takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it perfect on the first try.
Q: What are some common mistakes people make when making Kydex holsters?
A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when making Kydex holsters:
- Using the wrong tools. Using the wrong tools can make it difficult to get a clean, professional finish on your holster.
- Not following the instructions carefully. Each step is important, so make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.
- Rushing the process. Making a Kydex holster takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process or you may end up with a holster that is not properly formed or fitting.
Q: Where can I find more information on making Kydex holsters?
A: There are a number of resources available online that can help you learn more about making Kydex holsters. Here are a few of our favorites:
- [The Kydex Holster Blog](https://www.kydexholsterblog.com/)
- [The Kydex Holster Forum](https://www.kydexholsterforum.com/)
- [The Kydex Holster Handbook](https://www.kydexholsterhandbook.com/)
In this tutorial, we have shown you how to make your own Kydex holster. We have covered the materials and tools you will need, as well as the steps involved in the process. We hope that you have found this tutorial helpful and that you are now able to make your own Kydex holsters.
Here are the key takeaways from this tutorial:
- Kydex is a durable and lightweight material that is ideal for making holsters.
- You can make a Kydex holster using a variety of tools and materials.
- The steps involved in making a Kydex holster are relatively simple.
- With a little practice, you can make high-quality Kydex holsters that will last for years.
We encourage you to experiment with different designs and materials to create the perfect Kydex holster for your needs. With a little creativity, you can make a holster that is both functional and stylish.