Retention Screws

[Shorts]

What hardware do I need and how do I stack them in my leather? I'm considering using them on holsters, but more particularly on mag punches.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

I would recommend these parts.

8x32 Socket Cap Screw (you're gonna have to determine the appropriate length here, so I would recommend getting sizes ranging from 1/4" up to 7/8", depending on the magazines and holder design).

Black Brass Countersunk Washer for #8 Screw (McMaster-Carr part # 92918A135) or substitute with the appropriate finsh if you don't want black.

8x32 Pronged T-nut. I would love to get these in Black, but it's not cost effective for me at this time, and the zinc or nickel plated ones don't show up anyhow.

Either some clear Maritime Fuel Line or the regular black Fuel Line will work for a padded spacer to cover the screw and force the leather apart. I'm not sure which is more readily available where you are right now; be sure if you have to get the clear line that it is rated for water craft, or it won't be springy enough to use as a spacer.

I would also recommed getting some good snips if you don't already have a pair handy. The prongs on the T-nuts are too long and often need trimmed to keep them from protruding all the way through the leather (and possibly scarring the magazines depending on the type used and how the mag holder is designed).

[Shorts]

I see, ok. Thanks for the list. I've got the 8-32 Tnuts on the way from MmC and can put in the order for the screws and the washers. I was curious about those counter sunnk washers. I have only seen them once and was unsure of them at the time.

I take it the plastic line is pretty cheap and thus recommended for the application? I have a good supply for that - the hardware store I frequent. I often use those clear lines for bleeding the brakes on the bikes and trucks. Its pretty pliable and comes in a variety of sizes so I'll be able to select the proper one.

My one 'i wish' would be if Tnuts were closed and finished like the backs of chicago screws. Makes a nicer presentation. But alas, wor kwith what is available. I noticed the Tnut prongs are long, I'll get them to length.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

If you want a more finished look, I believe most chicago screws are 8x32 threads. You would have to be sure of what length screw you need, but you could use them in stead of the t-nut (but at the cost of making it more difficult to adjust the tension).

[Shorts]

That is correct, they are 8-32. I'm using some here for quick mock-ups with the stud screws on my IWBs. The only hold up to snugness is the length of the screw.

One of the thing I did to secure a chicago screw was you dab some gorilla glue on the inside of the hole in the leather, so it'd secure the chicago screw. I did that on a quick wrap around handle I made for tool. It works well to hold the C screw from spinning as the screw is snugged down. I do not know how long that will hold, but for something that won't get adjusted but once in a blue moon, it works like a charm.

Edited July 20, 2008 by Shorts