tomzombie Report post Posted March 30, 2009 hey, im a lurker....this is my first post. i've been scannin this place for awhile trying not to re-ask question that have already been answered. but, Is there a "trick" to harden the holster after it has been molded, and dyed? i am fairly new to the game, just making them for buddies and myself. but i saw one i made for a friend awhile ago, and it was pretty soft with the handgun removed. the molding was still visible, and it was tight when the gun was holstered, but just curious. i thought it should be hard while empty.... this place is awesome. thanks for lettin me in. here are some pics of a few i've made recently... the last 2 pics are of a bag i made for my bike. i lined it with an old pair of camos and rivited a holster for my 1911 in the large cargo pocket. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bronson Report post Posted March 30, 2009 I was having the opposite problem. My holsters were ending up so hard they would crack when flexed. It turns out the problem was my impatience at the process. I would dry the holster with a hair dryer or heat gun. This extreme heat causes the leather to become brittle. One of the members here gave me some great advice that worked very well on my last holster. After the forming I hung it in the oven on the lowest setting (warm, about 150 degrees) for about 20 minutes to dry. The holster is firm but not hard or brittle. It retains it's shape but can still flex and move without cracking. Good luck, Bronson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOOMSTICKHolsters Report post Posted March 31, 2009 Bronson pretty well hit the nail on the head. After you're satisfied with the boning, "temper" the holster in an oven at 110 to 120 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour. Remove the holster and re-edge it if necessary, then apply an acrylic finish (or whatever you use to protect the holster). Let it set in front of a fan on the highest setting over night and you will have a stiff, tight holster that is ready for the break in process. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomzombie Report post Posted March 31, 2009 thanks guys! the wifey is outta town tonite, so it looks like i got the "all clear" on kitchen appliances...! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
