Re-Form A Holster?

[BigRiverLeather]

Does anyone know if it is possible to reform a holster? 7-8 oz. I would strip the finish first.

This would be for the same gun, just to tighten up the retention.

Edited March 15, 2010 by BigRiverLeather

[olliesrevenge]

Does anyone know if it is possible to reform a holster? 7-8 oz

Hey, I found a question I can answer!

I have exactly 2 months experience with leatherworking & I'm currently working on only my 6th holster, but I did re-wet and reform my 4th holster.

Attached is a pic of my 5th holster. My 4th was virtually identical except for the fact that my trigger guard stitching was too far away from the gun and it wound up being very loose. I rewet the holster by submerging it in water for about 10 seconds and then letting it case for about 10 minutes.

I really suck at the boning process at this point so all I really did was take the handle of a Crafttool and create large indents in the triggerguard area to enhance retention. I deliberately tried to overdo it to see if it would create a danger of touching the trigger and I found this not to be the case.

At any rate, I dont have much to compare to as far as experience goes, but I was able to reform my 4th holster and turn it from a turd into a functional piece of gear.

Take care,

Lance

Edited March 15, 2010 by olliesrevenge

[BigRiverLeather]

I'm going to have to give it a try. I have an early holster I made that did not retain very well. I've learned a lot since then and I think I can improve it. I may even add some stitching.

[Lobo]

About a year ago I had made a couple of holsters for a customer who reported that they would not fit on his belt. Belt slots were the correct size, but he was using a very thick belt (I learned to ask after that!).

Anyway, I tried to reform both by soaking in hot tap water for several minutes, then scrubbing off the finish with a rough towel. After that I was able to reform the holsters and used a wooden mandrel to stretch the belt slots out. Drying time was long, of course, but I was able to completely reform the holsters properly, then refinished both. They looked just great. If anything, the second round of forming and boning resulted in an improved fit overall.

So, it can be done. The time involved is actually about the same as making another holster.

Best regards.

[BigRiverLeather]

I would think deglazer should make short work of the finish which at the time was satin sheen. If so, I figure I wet it down and let it case, then in the press you go!

[dickf]

I've used acetone to strip resolene off to to rework a project - it turned out okay, but not great. If it's possible to remake something, that's the route I'd take first and use reforming as a last ditch option.