QA

Question: How To Mold Kydex Holster

Can you mold kydex?

You need to heat Kydex using a home oven or heat gun before you can begin to mold it to whatever shape you choose. At 320-degrees Fahrenheit, the Kydex will soften and you will be able to work with it effectively. It will continue to soften up to about 390 degrees, but it will burn at 400 degrees.

Can I make my own kydex holster?

Drill a couple holes, and a with two Chicago screws, you almost have a holster! All that’s left is to polish the edges with some wet 600 grit sandpaper, and add the belt attachment. Now, you can make your own belt attachment out of kydex, but beware, it will break eventually.

How much does it cost to make a Kydex holster?

Price: $24.95. The KYDEX Concealment DIY Holster Making Kit is a great way to go when you’re making your own custom concealment pistol holster, magazine clip or accessory sheath for a concealed style carry system.

Can you mold kydex with a hair dryer?

A heat gun is a much faster way to heat the KYDEX® sheet, but with patience a hair dryer may be used. It is important to keep the KYDEX® sheet to about 166-193°C (330-380°F) while forming. The sheet will burn at a temperature greater than 204°C (400°F).

Can you use a heat press for Kydex?

Top of the line heat press for our Kydex holster and sheath makers! It is important to note that the back of the heat platen raises above and away from the bottom table. This provides better access than other clamshell presses.

At what temperature does Kydex soften?

165 – 177°C( 330 – 350°F ) for 0.71mm – 1.50mm (0.028” to 0.060”).

What type of KYDEX is used for holsters?

Two types of KYDEX sheets that are the most popular with companies making gun holsters and knife sheaths are KYDEX T and KYDEX 100. KYDEX 100 is known a superior material for thermoforming.

Who makes KYDEX?

Kydex is a line of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride materials manufactured by Sekisui SPI. It has a wide variety of applications, including for aircraft bulkheads, firearm holsters, and sheaths.

What is KYDEX plastic?

KYDEX is a line of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride materials manufactured by a company called Sekisui SPI who also own the ALLEN Thermoplastics brand. KYDEX is a world renowned brand name, with its uses spanning a huge range of industries, for a wide variety of uses.

What is the difference between Boltaron and Kydex?

Boltaron is an extremely tough, stiff plastic used by law enforcement and military personnel. Boltaron holsters are tough, wear-resistant, weatherproof, scratch-resistant, and slightly flexible for comfort. Many people tend to buy Boltaron holsters because they are less expensive than Kydex holsters.

How long does it take to make a leather holster?

How long does it take to make a holster? Every holster goes through a series of many many different steps before completion. It takes approximately 3 days to finish a holster properly due to various drying, forming and finishing times.

What are gun holsters made of?

The most common holster materials are Kydex, leather and nylon.

What temperature do you heat kydex?

Optimum forming temperature range for KYDEX® sheets is 365-400ºF (depending on the thickness of material).

Can I put kydex in the oven?

Also, if you are thinking of using the oven in your kitchen, don’t. Kydex tends to smell a little when getting hot, and it lingers in the oven. Your wife will be pissed, and it probably isn’t safe to cook food in the same oven you are melting plastic in.

Is kydex the same as ABS?

KYDEX® sheet is stronger, stiffer, more impact resistant, and more chemically resistant than either ABS or HIPS. KYDEX® sheet also has superior flammability characteristics compared with ABS or HIPS.

Is kydex better than leather?

It really comes down to personal preference which is better. Kydex holsters come out on top when it comes to retention and reholstering. Leather holsters take the crown when it comes to comfort and style. The best holster is the one you are going to carry everyday.

Is kydex a PVC?

Kydex® 6565 is a proprietary, high performance acrylic/PVC thermoplastic sheet that is specifically formulated to meet the safety needs of the aviation industry.

Is KYDEX bad for guns?

Conclusion. Kydex holsters are very popular. They do not damage a gun in the mechanical or operational sense of the word, but they can wear out the gun’s finish and produce scratches in some scenarios. To some, this aesthetic blemishing might be enough to steer them away from Kydex holsters.

Is KYDEX hard plastic?

KYDEX sheet is a relatively hard thermoplastic with a hardness of 90 on the Rockwell R scale. In service, this excellent abrasion resistance is further enhanced by the grained surface of the KYDEX sheets. KYDEX sheet has a UL classification of 94 V-0.

How stiff is KYDEX?

KYDEX sheet offers rigidity along with a high degree of toughness and resilience. KYDEX sheet is a relatively hard thermoplastic with a hardness of 90 on the Rockwell R scale. This hardness, combined with its grained surface, increases its abrasive resistance.”Aug 27, 2012.

Is KYDEX similar to plastic?

Kydex Thermoplastic Sheet is a durable plastic product that comes in a range of patterns, thicknesses, colors, and textures. Because of its durability and easy-to-clean nature, as well as its resistance to staining and lightweight density, Kydex sheeting is the perfect plastic product for a range of applications.

How thick should a KYDEX holster be?

Material Thickness The thickness of the Kydex, Holstex or Boltaron used to build a holster plays a major role in the strength of the holster. The most popular thickness of Kydex material (from our experience) is . 080. This is a great thickness with good flexibility and enough rigidity to make the retention a snap.

How do you mold plastic sheets?

Just heat the sheets with a heat gun or in hot water above 150 degrees F for 2-3 minutes until they turn from white to clear. Once they are molten, you can mold them into any shape you desire. Upon cooling, they will be strong and permanent. If you change your mind, you can reheat and modify until you get it right.

Can you laser cut KYDEX?

Laser cutting and hot gas welding of KYDEX® sheet are two techniques that are potentially hazardous due to the emission of fumes. Reports indicate that these techniques work well but should only be performed under the proper conditions.

Is KYDEX weather resistant?

Kydex is weather-proof. Kydex is easier to clean and keep clean.