Locksmith Sheath

[HallisChalmers]

I have never made anything in leather, so this would be my very first project. What I would like to do is make a very simple sheath that attaches to the belt with a small Tandy holster clip, and accomodate a dual combination lockpick approx 7" long with handle 1/2" wide and 1/4" thick.

I'm planning on using some thin 5 oz scrap leather that I found that will suit my purpose well.

My question is this: The holster clip has a single 3/16" diameter attachment hole - so should I use a plain rivet, Chicago screw, or combination Chicago screw w/ T-nut?

Thank you all for your help.

[badger]

Hi,

A rivet or Chicago screw will do it. If there's a way to fit the clip so that the structure of the holster takes the weight and the brunt of the work, and the rivet or screw simply keeps the clip in place, it'll be more secure.

For example, if the clip is sewn into a slot in the holster body and then the rivet set through the leather on one side, through the clip in the middle and out through the leather on the other side.

Cheers,

Badger

[HallisChalmers]

Hi,

A rivet or Chicago screw will do it. If there's a way to fit the clip so that the structure of the holster takes the weight and the brunt of the work, and the rivet or screw simply keeps the clip in place, it'll be more secure.

For example, if the clip is sewn into a slot in the holster body and then the rivet set through the leather on one side, through the clip in the middle and out through the leather on the other side.

Cheers,

Badger

Thanks very much Badger. I've been looking at several knife sheaths with holster clips and noticed they have that slot you are talking about - consequently, I'll fit that into my plans.

I appreciate your help.

HC

[hidepounder]

I'm with Karl on this...there is not going to be any weight pulling on the clip. The rivet is just going to insure that it doesn't slip. I also agree with creating a groove for the clip to lie in...I think this is important. Although I'd prefer not to, I have gotten away with gluing the clip in a groove with Barge and eliminating the rivet all together, as long as the clip penetrated the leather top and bottom. In that instance the clip was sandwiched between two pieces of leather and had nowhere to go.

Bob

[HallisChalmers]

I'm with Karl on this...there is not going to be any weight pulling on the clip. The rivet is just going to insure that it doesn't slip. I also agree with creating a groove for the clip to lie in...I think this is important. Although I'd prefer not to, I have gotten away with gluing the clip in a groove with Barge and eliminating the rivet all together, as long as the clip penetrated the leather top and bottom. In that instance the clip was sandwiched between two pieces of leather and had nowhere to go.

Bob

Yes, this will be a low stress tool sheath - something that is just slipped on the belt as you go out the door. Not really meant for strenuous or continuous work. Weight of the picking tool with wrenches is on the order of 6 - 8 oz.

Thanks for the advice, Bob.

[jbird]

thats right on the money the advice you have gotten good luck

Josh

[HallisChalmers]

thats right on the money the advice you have gotten good luck

Josh

Thanks Josh, y'all are being very helpful.

[bigorange]

You may wish to look into sewing the clip in place by useing a small pcs of leather and a slot at the top and bottom for the metal clip to appear from, All the best Bo

[HallisChalmers]

You may wish to look into sewing the clip in place by useing a small pcs of leather and a slot at the top and bottom for the metal clip to appear from, All the best Bo

Thanks Bo...