General Questions on Armor

italianfett420

New Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #1

What are the best methods for attaching armor pieces to a flak vest, and also I want to install a light kit to the chest armor I will be receiving, and it's made of abs plastic, so what are the best ways to cut out the slots to show the lights?

 

Funkyred

Active Hunter

Preferred Vendor

• Jan 27, 2016

• #2

From wot I have read Velcro seems to be the common way to attach the armour , using large pieces allows you to detach and re attach the pieces so it all fits symmetrically ,

a a drill to start holes in the corners a dremel with a cutting disc and small files for the slots

i may be wrong tho

 

Bounty1138

Active Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #3

A lot of people use magnets. Check out this stickied thread at http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f20/chest-armor-utilizing-magnet-attachment-method-48099/

 

01Hawk

Active Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #4

I will be trying magnets first and want to make sure the armor won't pop off. If that doesn't work I will use the magnets to get it all straight and mount it with the 100 Chicago Screws I just bought

 

kelev

Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #5

The only problem with the magnet method is cost. Getting enough magnets, and with the proper pull strength, is just more costly than some industrial strength velcro

 

syllander

Active Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #6

Another good way is using a bolt( I've seen some nice plastic ones, like FP uses) glued to the armor, and have corresponding holes with eyelets in the vest. Bobamaker had a good tutorial somewhere out there. Just have to play around with how to temporarily attach the armor to get good locations for the hardware. Seem to remember that he used bent cardboard to act as the armor to get a template.
Getting the holes to fall where they needs to be accomplished first. Then locate the mock armor where you are satisfied with it. Mark the holes on the cardboard armor, then transfer the marks to the armor for placement of the bolts. Epoxy and allow to cure, then bolt up with acorn nuts.

Something like that....

 

01Hawk

Active Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #7

The Chicago screws/ binding posts should work just like the bolt - got 100 1/8" ones for $11 on eBay. You can glue the open end to the armor and use the screw side thru the grommet. I got 90 N48 1/2 diameter 1/8" thick magnets with 7.5lbs pull from eBay for ~$40. Obviously more than Velcro but some people said you get a Velcroy noise when moving around on the chest armor

 

starchild99

Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #8

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f20/attaching-armour-tutorial-20322/

 

thinbluefett

Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #9

Ive seen some pics of people using leather string instead of bolts. Cant find the tutorial for it but it seems interesting.

 

AutomaticFett

New Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #10

I would like to now where to start with making a boba fett costume

 

syllander

Active Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #11

AutomaticFett....I'd start by reading all of the stickied threads in the Boba helmet and costume section.

 

Last edited by a moderator: Jul 8, 2017

italianfett420

New Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #12

Thanks for all the replies, might go with the bolt and eyelet method tho the leather string does sound pretty interesting, any thoughts on my second question?

 

thinbluefett

Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #13

Im not sure myself yet. Im not at that point either. Im thinking im gonna stencil it. Drill hole down center then slowly and carefully cut it out. Use small needle files and or sand paper to make it clean.

 

italianfett420

New Hunter

• Jan 27, 2016

• #14

Yeah that seems like the best way to go about it