How Custom Holsters are Made | North Coast Tactical Behind the Scenes Tour

Published on August 30, 2019
Duration: 11:05

This video provides a behind-the-scenes look at North Coast Tactical's custom Kydex holster manufacturing process. It details the steps from heating and vacuum forming Kydex sheets to cutting, shaping, and assembling the final product. The guide highlights the importance of pressure and heat in forming quality holsters and demonstrates how specific firearm and accessory combinations, like an M&P 4-inch with a PL Pro Valkyrie light, are accommodated through custom molding and blocking techniques. Adjustable retention and sweat guards are also discussed as key features.

Quick Summary

Custom Kydex holsters are made by heating Kydex sheets in a heat press and then vacuum forming them to a specific mold. The process involves cutting, shaping, sanding, and polishing the material, followed by drilling for attachments and installing adjustable retention hardware to ensure a secure fit and controlled draw.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction to North Coast Tactical
  2. 00:33Kydex Material and Custom Orders
  3. 01:46Holster Manufacturing Process Overview
  4. 01:53Heating the Kydex
  5. 02:26Vacuum Forming the Holster
  6. 02:44Hand Drawing and Trimming
  7. 03:06Cutting and Shaping the Holster
  8. 03:23Blocking Sight Channels and Rails
  9. 04:45Heat Press Cycles
  10. 05:06Vacuum Action
  11. 05:58Final Shaping and Fit Check
  12. 06:39Drilling for Belt Attachments
  13. 07:02Sanding and Smoothing
  14. 08:02Installing Eyelets and Retention Screws
  15. 08:38Finished Holster Showcase
  16. 09:06Testing Retention and Draw
  17. 09:35Adjustable Retention Features
  18. 09:58North Coast Tactical Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key steps in making a custom Kydex holster?

The process begins with heating Kydex sheets in a heat press, then vacuum forming them to a specific mold. After cooling, the holster is cut, shaped, sanded, and polished. Finally, holes are drilled for attachments, eyelets are installed, and the holster is assembled with adjustable retention hardware.

What equipment is essential for custom Kydex holster manufacturing?

Essential equipment includes a heat press for softening the Kydex, a vacuum former for shaping it to a mold, a bandsaw for cutting, and a belt sander for shaping and smoothing. Tools like markers, jigs, drills, and hardware for attachments and retention are also necessary.

How is custom retention achieved in a Kydex holster?

Custom Kydex holsters achieve adjustable retention by drilling holes for screws that apply pressure to the firearm. Users can then tighten or loosen these screws to fine-tune the retention force, ensuring a secure fit and a controlled draw.

What considerations are made for firearm-specific features in custom holsters?

When making custom holsters, specific firearm features like sight channels, light rails, and ejection ports are accommodated by blocking these areas with tape during the vacuum forming process. This ensures clearance and proper fit for accessories.

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