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How common are Chicago Screws or ties to keep holsters from shifting on your belt?


VinnieBoomBah

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I've seen a few used holsters pop up that have been modified or came from the maker with some sort of belt position retention system, but it doesn't seem to be a feature on *most* new holsters.  Not sure if I'm missing it or if it's a relatively unusual feature

 

 

 

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Not factory standard, but quite easy for the maker to add them if you request, either during making the rig or later.   Easy to add by hand with a drill to cut the pilot holes.

 

Lots of folks like the ability to quickly readjust position.   I don't, so my rigs have them.  Tandy Leather in your town should have 'em.

 

good luck, GJ

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Hardware stores around here have them in the "Hillman" bins. Sometimes called binder screws.

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Depends. On some of my hunting rigs, #96X series, they are standard. On the Western styles, I can certainly supply them if requested.  Ol' Trailrider is still in business, but not advertising as it costs too danged much!

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8 minutes ago, Trailrider #896 said:

Depends. On some of my hunting rigs, #96X series, they are standard. On the Western styles, I can certainly supply them if requested.  Ol' Trailrider is still in business, but not advertising as it costs too danged much!

Back in the day I used to photograph weddings, I put so much time and money into my display album for interviews!  But almost as soon as I had it right where I wanted it . . . no one wanted to see it any more. All my work was coming from referrals and meeting brides-to-be at weddings so I dropped the advertising and all that money spent on my "Prefect" portfolio just sat in the closets :lol: 

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if these are what i think they are - common in the new holsters of kydex and other composites , we called them sex bolts back when i was young , a male half and a female half [there were no other genders then] and they were used on all sorts of things - i have a bunch in all sizes in my garage somewhere , easy in through a punched hole and easy out when you want to move something around , i like them , 

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Chicago Screws can be found at your local tack store.  

If you ALWAYS have your holsters in the same place they work.  If you arrange the holsters per stage, or push em back when working they are not a good choice. 

 

If you are referring to holsters coming UP with the gun when drawn, there are other methods to fix this.  One of which is some silicone or the like on the inside of the holsters, you want a slightly snug fit but not have to wrestle them out.  (i use KG9 but I believe they have stopped making it, or so I have heard) 

Another thing to do is get some small pieces of fairly firm leather, mark where the bottom of your belt is on the holster, below this attached a small rectangle of leather with rivets or Chicago screws, make sure when the holster goes onto the belt this flap is on the outside of the belt, this will work as a hold down for the holster.   

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I don't normally anchor holsters to the belt of rigs I make, but some of my customers have asked for extra Chicago screws to do just that.  I include belt guides on my holsters that provide enough friction to hold the holsters in place during a stage, but still allow the holsters to be shifted to allow someone to sit comfortably after shooting a stage.  Another potential problem with anchoring holsters to a belt may occur if you want to wear more layers of clothing during colder months or if you have any change in your body weight during the year.  Ultimately, it's up to your preference as to what works best for you.

 

If you do choose to use Chicago screws, in my experience, Chicago screws that have a hole all the way through the female half, work the best.  I use a little teflon tape over the male threads to help the two haves from coming apart.  In actual holster construction, I've quit using Chicago screws altogether and have switched to T-nuts (with most of the "spikes" height cropped very short). The cropped T-nuts hold on to the leather better and almost never spin out.  

 

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Chicago screws are excellent for positioning holsters and other belt paraphernalia.  I use them often.  When purchasing screws, be sure and get good hole puncher (plier type or tool set).  If positioning holster semi- permanently, be sure and consider different garments that might change actual position when tightening belt.

As Mongo mentioned, T-nuts are very useful.  Sometimes more so than Chicago screws.  Pay attention to treads when purchasing both.

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Ok now I am curious!  I am from Chicago and worked part time at Lowe’s in the hardware dept filling those Holman drawers and have no clue what you guys are talking about!  Off to search on the web. 

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On 9/3/2023 at 4:10 PM, Bailey Creek,5759 said:

Put something on the threads. So, they don't back out.

Fingernail polish works. If you don't have anything else.

 

 

I have also used a small lock washer to solve backing out problem.

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4 hours ago, H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 said:

Forgive my ignorance.   What are "Chicago screws or ties?"   Never heard the terms before.

Chicago Screws

https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Screws-Plain-Pcs-Silver/dp/B00355AN4U/ref=asc_df_B00355AN4U/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=216514968137&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=921246513434008028&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9060467&hvtargid=pla-351172534745&psc=1

 

 

And "ties" would just be something to tie things in place, like a leather thong

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