DIY Kydex Holster: Build Your Own! (Guide)

Entities:

1. Kydex: A thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride composite material.
2. HolsterSmith.com: A popular online retailer for holster-making supplies.
3. Heat Gun: A tool used to heat and mold the Kydex material.
4. Concealed Carry: The practice of carrying a handgun in a hidden manner.

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The world of do it yourself kydex holster creation is now open to you, offering a pathway to unparalleled customization and satisfaction! Kydex, that incredibly durable thermoplastic, stands ready to be molded to your exact specifications. HolsterSmith.com provides a vast array of tools and materials, ensuring you have everything needed to begin this exciting project. A heat gun is your most important tool, empowering you to shape the Kydex precisely for a perfect fit. Discover the advantages of crafting a custom holster tailored for your preferred method of concealed carry and experience the pride of creating something truly your own!

Craft Your Perfect Carry: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Kydex Holster

So, you’re thinking about crafting your own kydex holster? Awesome! It’s a rewarding project that allows you to create a custom fit, save money, and gain a valuable new skill. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from gathering the right materials to molding and finishing your very own, personalized "do it yourself kydex holster".

Let’s break down the essential steps. We’ll need to cover everything from safety to the finer points of shaping. Think of this less like a rigid instruction manual and more like a friendly mentorship; we’re here to help you succeed!

1. Preparation is Key: Gathering Your Arsenal

Before diving into the hands-on work, let’s ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. This upfront work will save you headaches (and trips to the hardware store) later on. Think of it like prepping ingredients for a delicious meal – the quality of the final product is largely determined by the quality of the components. You’ll need:

• Kydex Sheet: The heart of your holster! Choose the appropriate thickness (typically .080" or .093") for your needs. Consider color and texture as well for aesthetics.
• Foam Press: This essential piece applies even pressure during molding. A quality press ensures crisp, clean definition.
• Heat Source: A toaster oven or heat gun specifically designed for plastic molding is ideal. Avoid using your kitchen oven!
• Clamps & Spacers: For securing the Kydex and creating necessary gaps for retention.
• Rivet Gun & Rivets: To securely fasten the holster components.
• Drill & Drill Bits: For creating holes for rivets and attachments.
• Sanding Tools: Sandpaper (various grits), files, or a rotary tool for smoothing edges.
• Cutting Tools: A bandsaw, jigsaw, or even heavy-duty shears for cutting the Kydex.
• Safety Gear: Safety glasses and gloves are non-negotiable.
• Eyelets (Optional): These provide more durability when attaching clips or loops.
• Hardware: Belt clips, loops, or other mounting options.

2. The Dance of Design: Planning Your Holster’s Blueprint

Careful planning upfront will translate directly into a better finished product. Consider the following factors:

• Firearm Model: This is paramount. Ensure you’re working with the correct size Kydex and understand the firearm’s contours.
• Carry Position: IWB (Inside Waistband), OWB (Outside Waistband), appendix, etc. will dictate the holster’s shape and attachment points.
• Retention Level: How tightly should the holster grip the firearm? This is determined by the molding and any retention devices.
• Cant Angle: The angle at which the firearm sits. This affects draw speed and comfort.

Create a simple sketch or template. This doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, but a visual guide will be incredibly helpful during the molding process.

3. The Heat is On: Molding the Kydex

This is where the magic happens!

1. Preheat: Warm your Kydex sheet in your heat source. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for temperature and time. Kydex should become pliable but not bubbly.
2. Positioning: Carefully place the heated Kydex over your firearm (or a blue gun replica – highly recommended for safety!).
3. Pressing: Quickly close your foam press, ensuring even pressure. Use clamps and spacers to achieve the desired retention and gaps.
4. Cooling: Allow the Kydex to cool completely in the press. This ensures the shape sets properly.
5. Demolding: Carefully remove the firearm (or replica) from the holster.

4. The Finer Details: Cutting, Shaping, and Refining

Now it’s time to transform the molded Kydex into a functional holster.

1. Cutting: Use your chosen cutting tool to trim the excess Kydex, following your design. Leave a small margin for sanding.
2. Sanding: Smooth the edges using sandpaper, files, or a rotary tool. Pay close attention to areas that will contact your body.
3. Drilling: Drill holes for rivets and hardware. Ensure proper alignment and use the correct drill bit size.
4. Riveting: Securely attach the holster components using rivets. Apply consistent pressure to avoid cracking the Kydex.

5. Assembling for Action: Attaching Hardware and Adding Finishing Touches

The final steps bring everything together.

1. Hardware Attachment: Attach your chosen belt clips, loops, or other mounting options.
2. Retention Adjustment: Fine-tune the retention by adjusting screws or adding shims.
3. Edge Finishing: Use edge dressing or polishing compounds to create a smooth, professional finish.

Safety First

Working with heat, power tools, and firearms requires utmost care.

• Always wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
• Unload and double-check your firearm before working with it.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all tools and materials.

Let’s say you need to calculate the perfect Kydex dimensions for a specific pistol. Here’s how you could approach it:

Measurement	Description	Example (For a Glock 19)
Length (L)	Total length needed to cover from the front of the slide to slightly past the ejection port.	8 inches
Width (W)	Width covering both sides of the slide, plus additional space for the trigger guard area.	6 inches
Thickness (T)	Consider the firearm’s thickness and any desired extra space.	Use .080" or .093" Kydex
Attachment Area	Area needed for belt clips, loops, etc., usually an additional 2-3 inches.	2 inches

Therefore, for a Glock 19, you might start with an 8" x 6" piece of .080" Kydex, keeping in mind the 2" extra for attachment. This isn’t an exact science, and adjustments will be necessary.

Building your own "do it yourself kydex holster" isn’t just about saving money; it’s about crafting a holster that’s perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences. Good luck, and enjoy the process!

So, there you have it! Building your own do it yourself kydex holster might seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience and these steps, you’ll have a custom-fit holster in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, stay safe! Happy crafting!