In this video you will learn all of the extra steps to make a thumb break style holster. This tutorial is intended to be an optional add-on to my main holster making series videos found below. When watching the main tutorial videos you can use this add-on to guide you in creating the thumb break strap and setting the hardware. The thumb break is meant to help secure your handgun while also providing you easy access via the flick of your thumb.
I sell patterns for this style of holster fitting Glock handguns in the pattern section of my shop. You are welcome to purchase one and modify to fit your specific brand of gun as well.
This video is an add-on to my video series on how to make a leather holster. The paid video is organized into chapters, to help you find the information you need quickly and use as a reference later on.
9 minutes // Beginner
Tutorial Skills
- Adding the thumb break hardware
- Measuring strap length
- Setting rivets and snaps
- + more
Tools + Materials Needed
Below are the tools and materials needed in addition to those needed for the main tutorial series:
- Wide head double capped rivet
- Line 24 snap set
- Steel Thumb Break Stiffener
- Either a handheld rivet setter or bench mounted one or footpress
- Same as above for line 24 snaps
I sell various tools and supplies in my online shop here as well ➔
If I don’t have an item shown in the video listed here, I don’t have a link for it so you may have to search around to find a supplier. Links directing to an amazon product are paid links.
Initial Instruction Preview:
In the main holster making tutorial series I go over all of the details of designing, building, wet forming and finishing the holster. All of these steps still apply to the Thumb Break style holster, and in addition all of the steps included in this video are necessary.
The first few differences you will note when making the thumb break style holster is that you will need to mark a few extra stitch lines and areas to punch holes for the hardware. It’s important not to place these holes too close to the stitching as it can interfere with your sewing machine ( if you go that route).
Towards the end of the video – When measuring for your strap length, make sure to take your time here and get things right. You should always measure twice before marking the leather. You can’t go back on this step. When setting the hardware on the strap pay attention to the orientation of the male end. This will be installed in the opposite way you might be used to…
Meet Your Instructor
Mr. Lentz
Over a decade ago in the dusty plains of central Colorado, I began the path of building this small leather goods business. As the years have passed, I have acquired very useful and practical leather working skills that I am more than happy to pass on to those who are looking to learn the trade. A lot of knowledge comes with running a successful leather goods business, and at the heart of it all - remains a deep understanding of how to work with leather, approach problems, and come up with simple and satisfying solutions. Let me pass on a bit that knowledge and advice to you and we can keep the beautiful artistry of leather craft alive.
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