Kydex hardware

dsmegst

dsmegst

Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
1,421
Hi guys,

I had a question regarding kydex sheaths.

I see that the larger #8 size eyelets are commonly used for 0.08 and 0.093 kydex rather than the #6 size. Is there a lot of difference between the #6 and #8 regarding strength and durability? I'm making a neck knife sheath so I want to keep things small and light but I also don't want to have to worry about durability.

Also for future reference, can I use #6 eyelets for bigger blades or should I stick with the #8? I'm also wondering why folks use eyelets vs rivets. Is it just cosmetic or is there something wrong with rivets and kydex? I see rivets commonly used for leather, but not with kydex.

Thanks for looking,

Dan
 
dsmegst said:
Hi guys,

I had a question regarding kydex sheaths.

I see that the larger #8 size eyelets are commonly used for 0.08 and 0.093 kydex rather than the #6 size. Is there a lot of difference between the #6 and #8 regarding strength and durability? I'm making a neck knife sheath so I want to keep things small and light but I also don't want to have to worry about durability.

Also for future reference, can I use #6 eyelets for bigger blades or should I stick with the #8? I'm also wondering why folks use eyelets vs rivets. Is it just cosmetic or is there something wrong with rivets and kydex? I see rivets commonly used for leather, but not with kydex.

Thanks for looking,

Dan
Click to expand...

Dan,

#8 and #6 refer to the diameter of the eyelet. When you see the -9, -8, -10, etc. behind them, this is referring to the length of the eyelet. For the proper strength you need to use the proper length. I think the diameter of the eyelets comes down to preference. You will be able to get a more slender sheath with the smaller eyelets.

I use eyelets because it allows for more points of attachment on the sheath for lashing to gear and what not. If one did not plan on attaching to anything rivets would work very well. There are some makers who do use them on their rigs.
 
There's no real difference in strength between #6 and #8. As Grandsuave said, that has more to do with getting the right length.

#8 eyelets are commonly used because the machine screws used to attach belt clips, firesteel holders, etc.. will fit through them. #6 will work fine for the beaded chains used for neck knives.
 
uh... #6 and #8 refers to diameter? i'm pretty sure it's the length because both my #6 and #8's are 1/4" in diameter. maybe i'm mistaken, i'll double check them in the morning. then again, i'm talking about roll rivets. the OP might mean flared eyelets, i don't know if they're measured differently.

OP - using a longer RIVET with thinner kydex will NOT cause a problem. you just roll it a little more, it'll get as short as you need it to.
 
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