Kydex ridge details

T

theHobbyist

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Oct 3, 2012
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I hope everyone is alright with me asking for assistance here...
As usual, if this needs to be moved pelase do so (TIA)

I'm trying to make a kydex sheath for my newly aquired SOG PowerAssist multitool and am running into a bit of an issue. When I do my press it comes out perfect, too perfect, all of the little thumb numbs and what not make these great little impressions, but the tool gets stuck because of this. If anyone has run into this how did you get around it? I'd post pictures of my kydex but I'm at work right now (net from home is touch and go). You can see by the attached picture what I mean. Do I make little channels to allow those bits to slide in and out? Any hints on how to make them?

powerassist.jpg
 
..i think if i was doing that i would get a wooden rod split it lengthwise in half and attach it to the tool to make a channel of some sort...
i am doing something similar with some of the balisong sheaths that i make, for the horns to get through...the gun holster guys they use pens and dowel rods(?)for the sight channels
Good luck and post some pics of the sheath...
 
These are pretty small... you know the size of thumb studs lol... may be some toothpicks rolled inside of some tape... or coffee stirers...

Thanks for the input/ideas, I'll try experimenting with it this weekend if I don't have to work.
 
gunfixrjoe said:
Duct tape, strategically placed.
Click to expand...

Masking/painters tape is even better, as it can't melt and can be torn off more easily. You can actually wrap it a few layers thick to loosen the grip of a sheath. I went about 7 layers thick for a pocket watch "sheath" and got it just tight enough that it stays in, but it'll slide out without much resistance and won't scratch. Makes a great way to keep the nice watch out of the pocket full of hard scratchy things :p
 
I use painters tape to adjust for "snugness", the big issue at hand is the little details like the thumb studs for the blades, the little nibs for the locks. I'm thinking that I would need some sort of channel to allow these bits to slide in and out of the sheath without messing with its functions or getting it very much jammed in there. What I'm coming to realize as I'm trying to figure this out is that this will also make the sheath uni-directional... the thing will only go in in one direction. I've actually run into a similar issue pressing something for my flashlight... too many damned little details...

Your watch sheath sounds interesting can you post a pic?
 
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Also, you can just mold to the multi tool, then after it has cooled, and set your eylets, put it in the freezer for a while. Use a reducer on your heatgun, and you can then pinpoint where you want to loosen the tension.
 
Ah, I get it. Sonil actually nailed it with the ice cream aisle. You need Popsicle sticks :)



Here's the watch sheath.
zvEhf.jpg
 
gunfixrjoe said:
Modeling clay works well for me also.
Click to expand...
Won't the molding clay get squeezed out when you close the press?

gunfixrjoe said:
Also, you can just mold to the multi tool, then after it has cooled, and set your eylets, put it in the freezer for a while. Use a reducer on your heatgun, and you can then pinpoint where you want to loosen the tension.
Click to expand...
Tried that, I've done anther sheath for a leatherman, and this worked well but the leatherman didn't have all the little bumps and studs and what not.

Grease said:
Ah, I get it. Sonil actually nailed it with the ice cream aisle. You need Popsicle sticks :)
Click to expand...
I'm not big on the sweets, I guess it's time to enlist the aide of my niece and nephews!!!
Grease said:
Here's the watch sheath.
Click to expand...
That's a great idea for an age old problem! I used to keep my pocket piece in an Oakley shades bag... May be a belt clip would make it a bit easier to display your work.
 
theHobbyist said:
That's a great idea for an age old problem! I used to keep my pocket piece in an Oakley shades bag... May be a belt clip would make it a bit easier to display your work.
Click to expand...

It actually has one on the back, I just didn't show it off cause it's ugly :p It's fitted for my big fat woven paracord belt, so it doesn't look pretty like a normal clip would.
 
Grease said:
It actually has one on the back, I just didn't show it off cause it's ugly :p It's fitted for my big fat woven paracord belt, so it doesn't look pretty like a normal clip would.
Click to expand...

Normal... Bah humbug! who needs normal! as long as it works right?!
 
QUOTE=theHobbyist;11647212]Won't the molding clay get squeezed out when you close the press?


I thought it would too, but I keep the clay chilled, so it's not bad. It actually molds itself smooth with pressure.
 
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