ikewineb Report post Posted January 7, 2014 (edited) I need a little advice. I have an order from a guy that wants a paddle holster. My plan is to reenforce the back side of the holster with a piece of kydex and cover with leather. Then reenforce the paddle with kydex and cover both sides in leather. So, this leads me to my question...what is the best way to attach the holster to the paddle? My first thought was chicago screws. My concern is that both ends of the screws would be covered by leather. If it ever worked loose, you would never get it back together without cutting stitches. I also have concerns about the inside piece spinning on the kydex. My next thought, rivets. I doubt they would be strong enough, long term. If anyone has any ideas/input, it would be greatly appreciated. Edited January 7, 2014 by ikewineb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted January 7, 2014 (edited) Idon't use Kydex in the layers of the holster. Nothing wrong with it just not the way I do it. However the system I use for fastening the paddle to the holster ist to put a tee nut in between the layers of the holster. When you make the paddle drill or punch holes at the top of the paddle that line up with the tee nuts sticking out from the holster. Use srews from the back side of the paddle to atach to the holster. You can counter sink the screws if you want to be flush with or just below the surface of the paddle. I have one down in the shop I will try to post some pictures later to show you what it looks like. Here is a picture of a tee nut. I cut the prongs down to the height I need. THey will not spin and make strong atachment points. Edited January 7, 2014 by camano ridge Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ikewineb Report post Posted January 7, 2014 I was thinking of the Kydex merely for the stability of it. Personally, I am not a big paddle fan. They never feel very stable to me. I thought the introduction of the kydex would firm it up quite a bit. On the paddle, I wasn't thinking of the entire paddle. In my head, I was thinking a cross. With the horizontal part at the "hinge". The rest of the paddle would just be leather so it would form. I had another idea too. What if you used a belt clip to connect the two pieces together. On side of the clip attached to the back of the holster and the other inside the paddle. I could weld a small strip on the paddle side of the clip to make it easier to take off. I would have to open the clip up a bit though, I'm sure. I don't know if that makes sense like it does in my head. Anyone have any thoughts? Camano Ridge, I'd appreciate the pictures and any and all advice. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted January 8, 2014 (edited) Ike, here are some pictures that might help you, again I use tee nuts burried in the leather asndwich. the one picture shows a snap around belt loop that also acts as a spacer between the paddle and the holster. Even if you don't us a loop I would still put the spacer in there. Hope this helps any questions just ask. Edited January 8, 2014 by camano ridge Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ikewineb Report post Posted January 8, 2014 I'm curous about the belt snap. Do you feel it is needed? I was also curious...I saw your strip on the paddle, to catch on the backside of the belt. Do you put anything on the back of the holster itself to accomplish the same? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted January 8, 2014 The belt loop was done at customers request. It is to keep the holster from pulling up, however it is some what redundant since there is the stopper strip on the paddle. The other purpose of the belt loop is depening upon where you wear it on your belt it may butt up a gainst a pant belt loop this helps keep it from sliding around. Paddle holster do have a tendancy to move around. You will find that the strip on the paddle is more effective then a strip on the back of the holster. The paddle is between the belt and the body so when you draw if the holster pulls up the strip will hit the bottom of the belt and is trapped between the belt and the body so has no place to go. If it was on the back of the hoster it might hit the bottom of the belt, however ther would be nothing to keep it from pulling away from the belt and pulling up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leatherquestions Report post Posted July 30, 2014 You guys are way ahead of me. I've never attempted a paddle holster, but after seeing yours I think I'll give it a try. ike, I'm from Rutherford Co. N.C. but happen to live in KS now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
