DIY Guide: How to Make a Kydex Holster

Are you tired of searching for the perfect holster for your firearm? If you are, then you might want to consider making a kydex holster yourself. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also allows you to customize the holster according to your own preferences. Making a kydex holster may seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of patience and effort, you can have a holster that’s perfect for your firearm.

Kydex is a thermoplastic material that is perfect for making holsters as it’s durable, lightweight, and high-impact resistant. The process of making a kydex holster involves heating the kydex sheet until it becomes pliable, and then molding it around your firearm. You can make a kydex holster in a variety of styles – from an inside the waistband holster to an outside the waistband holster- the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re new to holster making or a seasoned pro, read on to learn how to make your own kydex holster.

Section 1: Gathering Your Supplies

Gathering Materials and Equipment

Before you begin making your kydex holster, you will need to gather the necessary materials and equipment. Kydex is a thermoplastic material that is popular for making holsters, as it is durable, lightweight, and customizable to fit your specific needs.

1. Kydex Sheets: You will need a 12×12 inch kydex sheet which you can easily purchase online or at any hardware store.

2. Heat Gun: You will need a heat gun that can reach high temperatures, around 300°F (149°C) to heat and mould the kydex sheet.

3. Cutting Tools: You can use a pair of scissors or a utility knife to cut the kydex sheet to your desired size.

4. Drill and Bits: For making the holes to accommodate for the firearm and holster, you will need a drill and a set of drill bits.

5. Sandpaper: You will need sandpaper for smoothing any rough edges of the kydex sheet and the holster.

6. Moulding Foam: Moulding foam is an optional material but is helpful for forming the kydex sheet around the firearm for a perfect fit.

7. Clips and Hardware: Lastly, you will need clips and other hardware to attach the holster to your belt or waistband.

Section 2: Preparing the Kydex Sheet

Preparing the Kydex Sheet for Molding

Once you have gathered all the necessary equipment and materials, it’s time to prepare the kydex sheet for molding. Follow these steps to get your kydex sheet ready:

1. Measure and Cut the Kydex Sheet: Before anything, measure and cut the kydex sheet to the desired size and shape for your holster.

2. Heat the Kydex Sheet: Now it is time to heat the kydex sheet using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun at least 6 inches away from the kydex sheet and evenly distribute the heat all over the surface. The heat gun will cause the kydex sheet to soften, and it will become pliable.

3. Form the Kydex Sheet: Once the kydex sheet is flexible, you can mold it around your firearm. Use your preferred method to mold the kydex sheet around your gun and an extension of 1/4 inch beyond your gun’s size.

4. Mold and Trim the Edges: Use your mold foam or anything to gently form your molded kydex around the desired adhesion. Then, trim any additional and give the perfect shape to the kydex sheet.

Section 3: Drilling the Holes

Drilling the Holes for the Holster

The next step is to use a drill to create holes in your kydex sheet that will enable you to attach it to your belt or waistband. Follow these instructions carefully.

1. Mark where the holes should go: Place the molded kydex sheet against your hip or waistband and mark where the holes should be with a marker.

2. Drill the Holes: Next, using a drill, make the holes in the marked spots on the kydex sheet. While drilling, you must maintain precision throughout the process. Keep your drilling machine at a moderate speed. A severe or fast swiftness can damage the material and create cracks.

3. Sand the Holes: After drilling, you should smooth out the holes with the sandpaper for a clean finish. In case of any roughness or sharp edges, you should sand the area to ensure its smoothness.

Section 4: Attaching the Clips

Attaching the Clips and Other Hardware

Now that you have drilled holes in your kydex holster, it’s time to attach the clips and other hardware to it. Follow these instructions.

1. Choose your desired clips or belt attachments: You can use J-hooks, C-clips, or any attachment that suits your needs. Check if any additional screws or nuts are needed to secure them onto the holster.

2. Insert the Clips: Gently insert the hardware through the hole you made earlier, from the front to the back of the holster.

3. Add Adapters or Spacers: If needed, use spacers or adapters to fix the hardware and the clips in the required positions.

4. Tighten the Screws: Tighten the screws and attachments ensuring everything is secure. Check that the holster fits comfortably and is not too tight or loose on your waistband or belt.

5. Your holster is ready to use.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You have successfully made your very own Kydex holster. Following these steps guarantees that you are sure to end up with an astonishing holster that fits perfectly around your firearm and is comfortable to wear. If you’re a firearm enthusiast, this is a fun and fulfilling project to take on. Creating and customizing your holster provides a sense of ownership, more so when it serves the purpose of protecting your firearm. Happy holster-making!

Getting Started: Materials and Equipment

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of making a kydex holster, it’s important to have all the necessary materials and equipment on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Kydex Sheets

First things first, you’ll need kydex sheets which can be purchased from a variety of online retailers. Kydex is a thermoplastic material that is heat-moldable, durable, and lightweight, making it ideal for holster-making.

Holster Kit

While you can make a holster from scratch, using a kit can make the process much easier, especially if you’re new to kydex holster-making. Holster kits come equipped with everything you’ll need, from eyelets to screws.

Heat Gun

A heat gun is essential to the kydex holster-making process as it’s what enables you to mold your kydex sheet into the desired shape. You can purchase a heat gun at your local hardware store or online.

Mold

A mold is necessary to achieve the proper shape and retention for your holster. You can make your own mold from wood or plastic, or purchase one online.

Holster Hardware

You’ll need a variety of hardware such as screws, washers, and eyelets to attach parts of your holster together. Make sure to purchase hardware that is compatible with kydex material.

Cutting Tools

A sharp pair of scissors or utility knife will come in handy when cutting your kydex sheet to the desired size and shape. Be sure to use caution when handling sharp tools.

Sanding Tools

After molding your kydex sheet, sanding tools such as sandpaper or a Dremel tool can be used to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections.

Drill and Drill Bits

A drill and drill bits are necessary for making holes in the kydex sheet for attaching hardware.

Ruler and Marker

Using a ruler and marker will help you measure and mark out where you need to cut and drill your kydex sheet.

Protective Gear

Lastly, it’s important to protect yourself while making your kydex holster. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask to avoid inhaling any fumes or particles from the kydex material during the heating process.

Now that you have all the necessary materials and equipment, it’s time to move on to the next step in making your kydex holster.

Materials Needed for Making a Kydex Holster

Making a Kydex holster requires several materials, which we will highlight below for a comprehensive understanding of the process.

Kydex Sheets

Kydex sheets are thermoplastic sheets used to make Kydex holsters. They are available in various colors and thicknesses, ranging from 0.060.093 inches. We recommend starting with a thickness of 0.080 inches.

Firearm Mold

A firearm mold is a replica of your firearm that helps you to mold and shape Kydex sheets to fit a particular holster. There are several types of firearm molds available in the market, and some brands produce molds specific to different holster designs.

Rivets and Eyelets

Rivets and eyelets are used to hold together different parts of the holster. They are available in different sizes, and the selection depends on the thickness of the Kydex sheets used.

Industrial-Grade Adhesive

An industrial-grade adhesive ensures that the Kydex sheets firmly stick together and create a stable holster. The adhesive used depends on the holster’s design and personal preference.

Tools

Several tools are needed to make a Kydex holster. Some of these tools include:

In conclusion, the materials needed for making a Kydex holster are readily available in the market, making it a convenient DIY project. With the right tools and materials at hand, making your holster can save you money and provide a custom fit for your firearm.

Thanks for joining me on this kydex holster crafting journey! I hope that I’ve been able to provide you with some useful tips and tricks to help you create your own customized holster. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out exactly the way you’d hoped. And please, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or thoughts about the process! Thanks again for reading, and I hope to see you back here for future projects. Happy holster making!