View Full Version : Kydex holsters on the cheap
toptog
04-15-2011, 04:37 PM
Kydex, sandpaper, rivets, oven, work gloves, and shears.
PM9 IWB and mag holder. Sorry for the crappy photo. I also made a pocket holster, an IWB, and a mag holder for my P380, but I lost the pics somewhere between my phone and computer. I'll get some more up.
I am really happy with the results. Good retention, smooth draw, and it was fun and cheap. $12 bucks cheap!
toptog
04-15-2011, 05:13 PM
Here is the P380 pocket holster and spare mag holder. Easy draw with good retention, one hand reholster, minimal printing, and thin.
melissa5
04-15-2011, 05:56 PM
Did you heat the kydex in the oven and then shape it around the gun?
toptog
04-15-2011, 08:10 PM
Did you heat the kydex in the oven and then shape it around the gun?
Yes indeedy. Flat down on a piece of plywood for the outside, and shaped around the gun on the other. Don't forget the gloves. Shape a belt loop, fit drill and sand every edge til its smooth.
melissa5
04-16-2011, 10:24 AM
Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll give it a try.
Your holsters look nice!
72guy
04-16-2011, 11:56 AM
toptog,
Very nice!
Bill K
04-16-2011, 12:03 PM
Nice work! Where did you get the Kydex and rivet from?
Thanks,
Bill K.
toptog
04-16-2011, 05:29 PM
Thanks everyone!
I got the kydex from ebay. The rivet is a regular aluminum pop rivet from Home Depot. I didn't use any special tools and just experimented with the kydex and figured out what could be done in a short amount of time while the kydex was still malleable. It was a lot of fun playing around with it and believe it or not the mag holders were more of a challenge than the holsters.
Bill K
04-16-2011, 05:41 PM
Thanks everyone!
I got the kydex from ebay. The rivet is a regular aluminum pop rivet from Home Depot. I didn't use any special tools and just experimented with the kydex and figured out what could be done in a short amount of time while the kydex was still malleable. It was a lot of fun playing around with it and believe it or not the mag holders were more of a challenge than the holsters.
Ah, regular old rivet! You said rivet but I was thinking adjustment screw.
Thanks,
Bill K
HighSpeedBail
04-16-2011, 05:58 PM
Nice Work! Thanks for sharing. :)
Mudinyeri
04-18-2011, 03:04 PM
Be careful heating Kydex. If heated to too high a temperature it will give off poisonous fumes. Additionally, if heated to too high a temperature, it cannot be re-shaped. I usually heat at 275° F. A toaster oven works well for smaller projects.
A couple of my recent projects ...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/Mudinyeri/Guns/DSCN1391.jpg
toptog
04-19-2011, 07:56 AM
Made a pocket holster for the PM9 too. One problem, I don't pocket carry my PM9. Just wanted to make one.
Bill K
04-19-2011, 09:10 AM
Once formed can you cut Kydex? Will scissors work or must it be shears? I have a Kydex pocket holster on order that will come with a thumb push-off tab that I'll want to remove. For years I've used a middle finger push off with my 3 Nemesis pocket holsters and will continue with that manual of arms.
Thanks,
Bill K.
toptog
04-19-2011, 12:33 PM
Once formed can you cut Kydex? Will scissors work or must it be shears? I have a Kydex pocket holster on order that will come with a thumb push-off tab that I'll want to remove. For years I've used a middle finger push off with my 3 Nemesis pocket holsters and will continue with that manual of arms.
Thanks,
Bill K.
Scissors will work on shaped kydex provided that they are heavier enough and you have enough room to manuever them to make the cut.
Just sand it smooth after and you shouldn't be able to tell.
Bawanna
04-19-2011, 12:48 PM
I've modified several around here for officers cutting off excess length and stuff. I used a bandsaw. It cuts real clean and a little filing or sanding cleans it right up.
I've never tried scissors or a shear. I couldn't get those maneuvered to shorten up a holster.
A hacksaw or even a coping saw would work pretty well to I'd think if your in a spot where a shear wouldn't do it.
toptog
04-19-2011, 04:06 PM
Made a pocket holster for the PM9 too. One problem, I don't pocket carry my PM9. Just wanted to make one.
Anybody want it? I offerred it to a longstanding member/poster here, but he respectfully declined.
First one to PM me could have it. Please post what you think of it though.
toptog
04-19-2011, 04:09 PM
I do not accept any legal responsibility by sending you this. It's all on you if the shtf!
toptog
04-19-2011, 05:22 PM
Bill K gets it. Please let all of us know what you think of it. No holds barred, no BS, just the plain old truth. Thanks
jocko
04-19-2011, 05:27 PM
hell toptog, that is all we talk here "just the plain truth" u know that. only B-ser here is "the great onje".
Bill K
04-19-2011, 05:42 PM
Bill K gets it. Please let all of us know what you think of it. No holds barred, no BS, just the plain old truth. Thanks
I've agreed in a PM to toptog to give an honest review, in a new thread, even though it'd be like looking a gift horse in the mouth...
http://img.tfd.com/wn/1C/6C068-gift-horse.jpg
Bill K.
Bawanna
04-19-2011, 05:47 PM
The only way true craftsman improve and perfect their hobby is constructive criticism, suggestions and sometimes unbiased ridicule. Well maybe ridicule is a little too much.
By the way, that's a fine looking horse.
The BSer.
jocko
04-19-2011, 05:52 PM
no doubt bawanna, ur work is absolutely super, now if u would just throw away that can of tit-y pink refinishing stuff you have..
Bawanna
04-19-2011, 06:42 PM
no doubt bawanna, ur work is absolutely super, now if u would just throw away that can of tit-y pink refinishing stuff you have..
Now ur too kind. Sadly I only have enough of that pink finish for about 250 more grips. Then I guess if you don't care for it I probably won't buy no more.
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