Kydex Clip Forming

[JoelR]

Got tired of molding kydex clips one-bend-at-a-time so I put together a forming jig, then got to thinking, is there already such a device available somewhere for sale? My jig does really well as a first attempt, but I'm sure a commercially made device would be more accurate and form a better clip. Anyone know of one?

[Nooj]

I know you can buy the clips... but an actual forming jig, I've never heard of. I think most companies would rather sell the clips than let folks in on how to make thier own. Maybe you're on to something ;-)

I'd like to see some of your clips.

Nooj

[JoelR]

Here's the resulting first clip for a tuckable PF9 holster I am working on. The clip measures 2" wide for reference.

And here is the clip in the jig.

[Nooj]

Hey- cool jig! I bet it makes short work of the forming part. What thickness kydex are you using, and how sturdy is it?

Thanks for sharing the pics.

Nooj

[JoelR]

Yes, much better than heat - bend - cool - heat - bend - cool - heat - bend - cool. Simply heat the top 2.5" of the Kydex strip, line it up in the jig, fold it up and hold it closed for about a minute to cool. Next version will be more accurate, add a better back-bend to the end of the clip, have a swing-away core for easier Kydex positioning, have a properly sized core (hence the reason this first run has a leather-wrapped core), and possibly add the ability to do "C" clips and quick-release style clips.

The Kydex is .093" in thickness and can be bought at Springfield Leather. For the indended use, it is more than adequate but I would probably bump up to the next thickness if I needed to make "C" clips or "J" clips.

[husker]

Yes, much better than heat - bend - cool - heat - bend - cool - heat - bend - cool. Simply heat the top 2.5" of the Kydex strip, line it up in the jig, fold it up and hold it closed for about a minute to cool. Next version will be more accurate, add a better back-bend to the end of the clip, have a swing-away core for easier Kydex positioning, have a properly sized core (hence the reason this first run has a leather-wrapped core), and possibly add the ability to do "C" clips and quick-release style clips.

The Kydex is .093" in thickness and can be bought at Springfield Leather. For the indended use, it is more than adequate but I would probably bump up to the next thickness if I needed to make "C" clips or "J" clips.

Are you thinking about making them to sell at any point? I know I would maybe be interested..

[JoelR]

At the moment, no. I have too little time to get my current workload done without other projects. Once I get everything squared away and am 100% happy with the design of the jig, I have no problems putting together a tutorial on how to build one.

[husker]

At the moment, no. I have too little time to get my current workload done without other projects. Once I get everything squared away and am 100% happy with the design of the jig, I have no problems putting together a tutorial on how to build one.

That would be great, thanks.

[Reaper]

Most all Commercially Produced Kydex products are made from a Granular Kydex Pellet mixture put under pressure causing it to heat and solidify in molds simular to Injection Molds used for other plastic products.

I do not see the Commercially made Clips being done in another manner really.

Do like the jig you put together and if it were me I would probably keep with the idea and improve upon it as you can.