DIY gear

[Rmplstlskn]

For those tactical tailors out there, I just found a GREAT SITE for serious duty gear, materials, and supplies... PARAGEAR.com
This company focuses on gear for parachuters...

I ordered some HD buckles and HD rings for some "Rigger Belts" I am making, as well as some typical plastic buckles for gear mods. They had the REAL DEAL stuff, not junk, and their prices were excellent and their shipping was super fast. Even included some cool swag.

Just wanted to pass along another company like Larue that brought a smile on my face... I will be back there...

Rmpl

[Rmplstlskn]

For those who want to know about nylon webbing & cordage... This will help immensely! It is a BIG file at 6.24MB...
Nylon Webbing & Cordage

[Rmplstlskn]

Recently made a few videos about sewing nylon webbing and why an industrial walking foot sewing machine is a MUST (if you want to keep your sanity)...

Best place to find AFFORDABLE industrial sewing machines is Craigslist, as this is always LOCAL. After Craigslist is eBay, but search local auctions, as the shipping will kill the bargain, as they are very heavy. But know, one should be "comfortable" with working on mechanical machinery and figuring out how things work if you plan on buying a used machine. I would safely assume that every used industrial sewing machine will need to be tuned up and settings checked. I had to do that with mine, but like a "yesteryear" car with points ignition, once you have all the settings and timings dead on, it will PURR for you...

Thinking of doing a side business in tactical and outdoor gear modifications, and maybe some piece work for smaller tactical gear companies.... Maybe even do it full-time if the need and demand is there... Testing waters.

Some examples of modifications I have done on my gear to make it "more functional" and "more comfortable". I have yet to find any gear that is just the way I want it... It always requires me to adapt to the gear, and the gear to adapt to each other, even if a "better way" was obvious, but was not done by the manufacturer, usually to save $$$ and remain competitive...

Below is how I added PALS webbing to the back of my Tactical Tailor hydration pouch for my higher-level FAK and then added webbing and buckles to secure it to the pack so that it doesn't accidentally rip off on a branch I go under, as well as pull the hydration pouch closer to my H-harness and my neck... A good FAK is too bulky for on the chest harness or belt... Get it on the back, out of the way...



This next mod was to add some COMFORT and functionality to my Tactical Tailor MAV chest rig... First, I wish I had bought the SPLIT MAV, but I didn't, so I split my one-piece myself... Great for going prone for any length of time!



Then I had to fix those Tactical Tailor PAL clips from digging into my gut every time I bent over... Ouch! One of the lessons learned by actually USING my gear! So I added a 1-3/4" webbing to the bottom of the MAV... Now, it feels like fluffy cottonballs.... OK, that is a stretch, but no pain and no irritation and welt marks...



Rmpl

[Rmplstlskn]

More examples of the nylon mods I do to make my gear a smooth operation and organized...

First pic is my GHB (Get Home Bag) I keep in my truck. Added some pouches and key lanyards so stuff I want quick access to are in a set place and near the top for easy access...



Second pic is of some Velcro-backed holsters I made for my IDPA Range Bag



Since I have no problem using an existing wheel rather than re-invent one, I often find cheap, Chinese backpacks and bags at thrift stores that have useful parts and I cut them out for use in my better quality packs and bags. When it comes to lightweight nylon, the Chinese nylon is as good as any, and they save me the time by already doing the hard cutting and sewing and I just attach it to my gear. But I rarely use the cheap plastic hardware. ITW/Nexus plastic hardware and others are quality stuff and worth the money for. I sometimes get good US Military Nexus plastics by cutting up ripped or damaged military gear I bump into...

I think sewing nylon is a good, useful hobby, even more so as things get worse...

Rmpl

[Templar]

Parts is parts...

http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/USMC-Digital-Marpat-Improved-load-Bearing-p/4076.htm

Regards,
Templar

[610Alpha]

Reviving this post....I got a question on the nylon fabric from JoAnn's would this work:

https://www.joann.com/rip-stop-nylon/xprd560961.html#q=nylon&prefn1=prod_type&prefv1=Product&start=1

or maybe this

https://ripstopbytheroll.com/collections/silnylon