Go Back   Professional Soldiers ® > Kit Tips > Professional Gear

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-06-2010, 07:17   #1
regular guy
Asset
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: CO
Posts: 25
Drilling holes in brainbuckets

Gentlemen,
I have spent the better part of the day researching information pertaining to drilling holes in the new style MICH/Gunfighter/High Cut with limited feedback. I figured that the QP's and maybe some other fellas in similar fields might have experience.

If I needed to install a 3 hole mount onto my 1 hole helmet, what steps should I take to install it?

My assumption is, that as soon as I tap for the hole, and start drilling, that the fiber will start fraying and looking like splayed 550 cord. And then defeat the purpose of wearing kevlar in the first place. Believe it or not, I am really hesitant about dropping another 500 dollars on another helmet with 3 holes .

Another threat to my modification that I was reading about on a boat forum was that Kevlar absorbs water, and if I cut into the membrane, it will expose the Kevlar. Does anyone have any insight into this?

Although, I could just go ahead and order the Ops-Core FAST helmet and save myself the hassle (1000 bucks!?!?!)
regular guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2010, 07:35   #2
caveman
Guerrilla
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 172
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.as...ingid=36218579

This is mostly a joke but I'm sure somebody somewhere has epoxied something to their kevlar.
__________________
Nobody said it would be easy, they said it would be worth it.
caveman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2010, 08:30   #3
Surgicalcric
Quiet Professional
 
Surgicalcric's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Wherever my ruck finds itself
Posts: 2,972
Quote:
Originally Posted by regular guy View Post
...Although, I could just go ahead and order the Ops-Core FAST helmet and save myself the hassle (1000 bucks!?!?!)
I drilled into my ACH to mount a 3-hole and had no issues whatsoever. I simply marked the location, used a small pilot drill then a larger drill to ream the hole(s) to the proper diameter, no fraying. I then added epoxy to seal the kevlar, waited for it to dry, then attached the Ops-Core NOD mount.

As for the Ops-Core helmet, after a person/unit spends $500.00 for a TC200(0)(1)(2), $85.00 for the 3-hole Ops-Core VAS, $66.00 for a Ops-Core Chin Strap or $130.00 for the Occ-Dial, and $83.00 for the Accessory Rail System you could have a much lighter helmet in the OC Ballistic...

Crip
__________________
"It's better to die on your feet than live on your knees."

"Its not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me" -Batman

"There are no obstacles, only opportunities for excellence."- NousDefionsDoc
Surgicalcric is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2010, 08:43   #4
regular guy
Asset
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: CO
Posts: 25
Thanks the personal experience Crip! I was thinking that I might end up needing to epoxy the holes.

Good note on the Ops-Core... But my fear is that I will end up staring at myself in the mirrors and any reflective surface instead of working.
regular guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2010, 09:07   #5
Snaquebite
Area Commander
 
Snaquebite's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Raeford, NC
Posts: 3,374
As Cric said it can be done. Start with a small bit and work up to the size hole you need. I will add that every manufacturer I know will void any warranty if you do this as you have altered the ballistic integrity of the helmet. Additionally ensure you use ballistic rated screws or nuts.

On the MSA ACH the holes are put in the helmets during the curing process and he helmet is still soft ensuring the ballistic properties of the material are not altered and the helmet cures completely around the holes.

Regarding the water, you need to seal the edges of the new hole as water can be absorbed. This can be done with silicone or epoxy.
__________________
D-3129 Life

"If one day you decide to know yourself...you'll have to choose the warrior path...You'll reach the darkness of your spirit.... Then, if you overcome your fears....You will know who you are."

"De Oppresso Liber"

Last edited by Snaquebite; 01-06-2010 at 09:13.
Snaquebite is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2010, 09:21   #6
craigepo
Quiet Professional
 
craigepo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Southern Mo
Posts: 1,541
I've punched holes in the helmets with AK-74 rounds. Works up to about 100 meters. Accurate holes could be a problem though.
craigepo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2010, 09:45   #7
cszakolczai
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I've drilled holes through lots of composite materials such as kevlar and carbon fiber. If you use a good drill with a good sharp bit, then you'll be fine. None of the cheap chinese 1 dollar drill bits, those just hurt your cause.

Just for future reference, another option may be something like JB weld. I used to think that this stuff was just a lie when it came to strength, but if you have time to let something sit overnight, this "glue" will combine anything, and won't ever let go. A guy I know actually JB welded part of his engine together, and after thousands of miles, the engine is still running.
  Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2010, 12:20   #8
regular guy
Asset
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: CO
Posts: 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snaquebite View Post
On the MSA ACH the holes are put in the helmets during the curing process and he helmet is still soft ensuring the ballistic properties of the material are not altered and the helmet cures completely around the holes.
Infantry smart like train! So that's how they do it!

Thanks Snaquebite!
regular guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2012, 11:51   #9
AspiringWarrior
Asset
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 8
Is there a specific type of epoxy for kevlar?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Surgicalcric View Post
I drilled into my ACH to mount a 3-hole and had no issues whatsoever. I simply marked the location, used a small pilot drill then a larger drill to ream the hole(s) to the proper diameter, no fraying. I then added epoxy to seal the kevlar, waited for it to dry, then attached the Ops-Core NOD mount.

Crip
Hey guys, sorry to raise this post from the dead, but I have a quick clarification question. Surgicalcric, what kind of epoxy did you use? Are there different types, and is there a specific type you have to use with kevlar, or can I just go find a pack of generic epoxy at Home Depot?
AspiringWarrior is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2012, 13:39   #10
DJ Urbanovsky
Guerrilla Chief
 
DJ Urbanovsky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 694
Any epoxy will do. All you're looking to do is seal the "grain" as it were.

As has been mentioned, use a sharp bit, and start small and step drill up. And go slow so you don't build up heat. A dull bit can grab, will generate more heat, and can also cause de-lamination and fluff. And if you can, you want something solid backing the spots you're going to be drilling. May be kinda tricky with the interior shape of a helmet, but a hunk of 2x4 should do the trick.

And wear at least a paper particulate mask. If you're smelling it, you're breathing it, and that is not good.
DJ Urbanovsky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2012, 11:01   #11
45K40
Asset
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: The Independent State
Posts: 19
I've drilled them a few times. Best way to reduce fraying I've found is to put a piece of duct tape on the front and back, then use a ceramic/masonary bit to drill through. Polyurethane varnish works good to seal the hole,

45K40
__________________
Never Say Die!
45K40 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-29-2015, 15:18   #12
kathyminx
Asset
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2
THANK YOU!!

This is one place where I know I can trust the answers. I have an ACH and wanted to do the same thing. The mount I have must be an older issue (Rhino? rectangular with one hole in front and two small ones on the clips on the edge of the helmet. If the newer triangular mounts are better, I'll get one of those to try out. What do you think?

http://twolftfeet.com/kit/ach_mount.jpg

Thanks!
Kathy
__________________
Μολὼν Λαβέ
Je Défié
Ecto Gammit?!
kathyminx is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:32.



Copyright 2004-2022 by Professional Soldiers ®
Site Designed, Maintained, & Hosted by Hilliker Technologies