Attaching Armour : Tutorial

On the new setup I'm working on, I was hoping to try the craft push pins, with the metal pinch clip on the other side (not sure of the exact name for those). Wondering how well they will hold up the weight of fiberglass armor, but I have a bunch of them. They would elimate some of the work if all you have to do is push the pins through the fabric, and it would also allow for ease in upgrading or changing armor while keeping the vest intact. Don't know if this will work or not, but I'll be trying it soon.


that's an interesting idea... wouldn't the backers for those pins be sort of uncomfortable though?
 
I used a similar method on my first set of armor. I put the bolts on first, though, and chalked the tips to mark the fabric while the vest was on my mannquin. I think I did one piece at a time to ensure the chalk didn't come off in the handling. It's been years, so my memory is a little fuzzy on that.

On the inside of the vest, I had a plastic sheet insert that basically acted as a big washer with holes for all the bolts. The plastic sections, cut to fit each section of armor, sandwiched the vest.

On the new setup I'm working on, I was hoping to try the craft push pins, with the metal pinch clip on the other side (not sure of the exact name for those). Wondering how well they will hold up the weight of fiberglass armor, but I have a bunch of them. They would elimate some of the work if all you have to do is push the pins through the fabric, and it would also allow for ease in upgrading or changing armor while keeping the vest intact. Don't know if this will work or not, but I'll be trying it soon.

Nice avatar ;)
 
that's an interesting idea... wouldn't the backers for those pins be sort of uncomfortable though?

Shouldn't be. They're made for you to make your own badges and things anyway. You'd also have the jumpsuit between you and the backing clasps. Actually, they should be smaller than the nuts for he bolts used above.

My only concern is if they will hold up the weight of fiberglass armor. I plan to use enough to do the job, so I'm hoping they hold up. Should know shortly.
 
Tried out the clips I mentioned previously and I'm happy to say they work.:cheers

Used an old throw off shoulder bell I don't plan to use for good. I wanted to see if it would work logisitically, so as a test, I used kneadable plumber's putty rather than my affixing of choice (Gorilla Glue). It held fine.

When I get ready to do the real armor, I will fix the flat headed tack part to the armor with Gorilla Glue and let it dry overnight.

The great plus of these clips is that they are lightweight. As with backpackers where every ounce counts, I think this would be a great bonus.

I am using this on a static mannequin, so I'd suggest trying it out for yourself before deciding which way you want to go. If you're really rough on your armor, you might not want to go this route.

Anyway, you can get these clips in the jewelery section of your local Craft's 2000 or other craft store. I got about three packs for a few bucks. This particturlar brand was Darice Jewelry Designer, and they are brass tie tacks w/clutch (nickle plated).

Here are some pics so you get a better idea of how this works . . .

38-739.gif



38-878-1-clsup.gif
 
Where would a person in Australia find these types of eyelets... the only ones we have over here in the 'fabric specialty stores' I can guarantee will slice straight through the Tackle Twill on the outside of my vest... :S
 
I was wondering how the chest armor fitted on ans I don't like using Velcro to much
it has a nasty habit of coming off,
Cheers for that Info Daz Its very helpful to know

Question : what are the chances of you selling a flak jacket already marked up so some one can add Armor
 
Tried out the clips I mentioned previously and I'm

38-739.gif



38-878-1-clsup.gif

The butterfly clutches I think will work fine for a little while, but they wear out. I got tired of getting stuck by the pins in my uniform when they fall off.. I found these and I'm still using the same ones 2 years later w/ no signs of them wearing out. They are kind of expensive, but a much better alternative to the brass clutches.

19164.jpg


http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=NT002

Sorry for digging up the old thread, but it was a good one.
 
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JB-Weld a 2" to 3" metal disk to the nut. this way it's comfortable and the armor rest a half inch from your chest? my 3 centavos
 
Oh snap, thanks for the tutorial! Granted, gotta redo the paint on Jodo, but this is how I've been wanting to attach the armor all along, and now you're made it a nice step-by-step process! Thanks for the instructional!

Bump so newer folks like me don't miss this!
 
Newbie here... I have been wondering how the armour was attaced and so far this has been the best Idea. I was planning to use rivits in a similar manner. Thanks!!!
 
Great idea here, my concern is about using this technique for trash can armor. I used this technique last year for Halloween on my trash can armor. I used hotglue and plumbers epoxy putty, this worked ok, my armor held for most of the night but i had to be careful how i moved, by the time i was heading home though the bolts were breaking off the armor. This year I made a new set of armor and tried to attach the bolts using super glue and then automotive epoxy putty. I didnt get very far, the bolts all snapped off before i even got to attach the putty. I guess my question is is there anyway to use this technique effectively with trashcan armor, or should i save my self some time and effort and just use velcro.
Thanks all
 
Great idea here, my concern is about using this technique for trash can armor. I used this technique last year for Halloween on my trash can armor. I used hotglue and plumbers epoxy putty, this worked ok, my armor held for most of the night but i had to be careful how i moved, by the time i was heading home though the bolts were breaking off the armor. This year I made a new set of armor and tried to attach the bolts using super glue and then automotive epoxy putty. I didnt get very far, the bolts all snapped off before i even got to attach the putty. I guess my question is is there anyway to use this technique effectively with trashcan armor, or should i save my self some time and effort and just use velcro.
Thanks all

Some glue doesn't adhere well to the plastic used in trashcan armor. Another thing to make sure to do is use sandpaper to scratch the surface of the plastic to give the glue something to adhere to.
 
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