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Kydex is a plastic material but a subject to care nonetheless. Kydex holsters require the same amount of attention in order to function properly. They offer other valuable features and this article will deal with the topic of care and maintenance of your Kydex holster.
Kydex In A Nutshell
Kydex as a material was intended to be used in aircraft interiors but soon found use in everyday objects as well. Technically, Kydex is a acrylic-polyvinyl chloride composite engineered for thermoforming fabrication. It obtains features from both materials, rigidity and formability from the acrylic part and toughness, chemical resistance and good interior finish rating from the PVC. The unique features of Kydex are waterproofness, scratch resistance with a Rockwell “R” hardness, low friction and shape retainment (no stretching or shrinking under normal conditions). Kydex holsters adapt these features and utilize them to provide great accommodation for the gun that doesn’t harm the finish at all. Other than that, Kydex allows for colorful patterns, the tension of the holster can be modified easily at home and many Kydex holsters are modular. This should give you a small understanding about what Kydex is and requires. To sum it up, although it's a different material than your ordinady leather, it requires the same amount of time and energy.
Cleaning Your Kydex Holster
Kydex doesn’t require any sort of special lotions, substances or other products in order to clean it. The only thing to remember is not to use chlorine products on Kydex, this may result in the kydex turning white. Check the information on any sort of substance you plan on using on your Kydex holster.
- The cleaning process can start with a dusting with soft damp cloth or chamois, dirt can be removed with lukewarm water and soap. After using water remember to dry out the holster properly in order not to create soap spots.
- Difficult and heavy dirt can be removed with a bristle brush and a water rinse. The classic cleaning agents can be Joy detergent, Spic and Span, Formula 409, Mr. Clean or Cascade.
- Scratches on your Kydex holster can be concealed with a vinyl cleaner application using Armor All or Simoniz wax paste. For deeper scratches use fine steel wool or Scotch-Brite pad.
- Sanding and Buffing can leave a matte finish on the Kydex. This can be followed by applying Armor All or Simoniz wax paste and then polished with cotton flannel or jersey, then the polished surface should be wiped with a damp cloth.
Adjusting Your Kydex Holster
Kydex holsters need adjustment the same way as leather holsters need break-in. You must figure out the right tension for the best retention of your gun. Imagine this as a leather holster break-in but this time, it’s done with kydex. Once your settings are decided, place a drop of non-permanent thread locking compound on the threads of the hardware. You can use Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242. It’s a removable compound mostly used for Kydex holsters that doesn’t leave any harm to the finish. Remember that the application of the compound should be done after cleaning the holster.
Things To Remember About Your Kydex Holster
These are some important things to remember. One of them is that Kydex is a plastic material that can be damaged when exposed to extreme heats. Therefore, never leave your Kydex holster or gear in a hot vehicle. Exposure to extreme heat may cause deformation of your Kydex Holster. This is covered by our guarantee but no one want’s to go through the process, right? So remember to avoid hot surfaces, places and leave your Kydex gear cool.
Another important thing that is also based on Kydex being a plastic material, is that it cannot stand great loads put on it. If you plan on going on a hike, trip or into action and you are carrying a great load, be sure that the pressure from straps or any other objects is not focused on your kydex holster. This may also cause damage to the holster.
Last but not least, Kydex is flexible, but not as much as leather. If you have a holster that covers the mag release be cautious while flexing it as it may unintentionally release the magazine. This is a matter of practice and awareness so it shouldn’t be a problem.