Plastic reinforcement bar for briefcase handle

[esantoro]

A recent post on holsters got me thinking again about something I was trying to research about two years ago.

I remember once being told by someone in a leather shop that I might try using a type of strong, hard, flexible plastic that was used in the sailing industry as a reinforcement bar underneath my briefcase handles. I forgot what this woman called it.

Might anyone of a plastic for such an application?

Ed

[Ian]

A recent post on holsters got me thinking again about something I was trying to research about two years ago.

I remember once being told by someone in a leather shop that I might try using a type of strong, hard, flexible plastic that was used in the sailing industry as a reinforcement bar underneath my briefcase handles. I forgot what this woman called it.

Might anyone of a plastic for such an application?

Ed

Ed, my briefcase experience is limited to one briefcase, but I used a piece of aluminum flat stock I got at Home Depot. Other than that, ABS plastic sheet is pretty handly stuff - it comes on many thicknesses and cuts easily (also can be formed with minimal heat)

[Timd]

Ed, I use this stuff alot at work, but I'm not sure it's what you're looking for. The thinnest it comes is 1/4", and not all that flexible, but....http://www.kingstarboard.com/products/StarBoard.aspx

[skip]

Check with a Physical therapist to see if they have any formable plastic on hand that they don't use any longer. some of the physical therapists that I know use to hand form plastic for splinting patients after they had therapy and needed to have support to their injuries. I don't remember what it is called but all you have to do is put it into some warm water and form it with your hands. I just got off the phone with a therapist that I know and he said they called it orthoplast. there is a chance that some physical therapists might still have some of this stuff hanging around because it isn't used anymore. if you don't know any therapists then check with your local medical supply stores and check if they still carry it. I have no idea of the cost but it is pretty slick stuff to use and when it sets up it is pretty strong stuff. Good luck and I hope this may help someone.

[The Major]

What about plastic corset bones?

[tashabear]

What about plastic corset bones?

For that matter, plastic zipties, bundled together and cut to length.