T-Nuts

[Randyc]

I'm working on my first IWB holster and planning to use T-Nuts and screwa to attach the belt straps. The holster is a 2 piece design made from 6/7 oz. cowhide. The belt straps are also 6/7 oz so I' looking at 18-21 oz. total thickness. I will be using "durable duty" Line 24 Snaps.

Whats the proper size/length of T-nut and screw size to use?

Whats the best way or tool to use to set the T-nut prongs into the leather?

Thanks, Randy

[TwinOaks]

When I've used them, I punch a hole just a little smaller than the shaft of the t-nut, then stretch it out to intall the t-nut. Several times I've needed to clip the points of the prongs to keep from over penetrating the holster. For setting them: a good hard surface, and mallet. Oviously, if the t-nut is longer than the holster is thick, you'll want to use something to allow for that. I'm pretty limited on my selection of hardware (homedepot/lowes) so I've been using the 6/32 size. Just be sure to allow a spacer between the belt loop straps and the holster, and figure that into your thickness.

[Lobo]

Randy:

I use similar weight leathers for my IWB holsters. I use a two-prong Tee-nut with 6-32 screw, length 3/8", when setting the snap base through 2-layer wings on the IWB. Hole punch of approx. size for the shaft of the Tee-nut, set the T-nut with a mallet, mount your belt strap with snap base and screw, done deal.

Your local hardware stores may be slim on Tee-nuts and screws, as those around here are. I buy in bulk, and have several hundred sets on hand. If you need a few for a single project or to experiment with, drop me a PM with your mailing address and I will send you a few sets.

Happy to help if I can.

[10mm]

As Twinoaks said, I sometimes have to trim the prongs on the T nut so that it wont over penetrate though the layers of leather. As far as a setting tool, I bought several fender washers from Home Depot and glued them together. I forget the actual size, but the inside hole just needs to be big enough for the T-Nut collar to fit inside. I put this under the leather and tap the T nut into the leather. The washer setup gives you a good base to set the T nut and allows clearance for the collar while giving a solid base to set the prongs.

[Randyc]

Hey guys, thanks alot for the information. Ray (Lobo) is nice enough to be sending me several sets of T-Nuts so I will know what size to start buying.

Randy