2006Vests forum
Repairing a cracked plastic waistband on a camera support vest
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Rivets holding plastic guide components to the waistband can be removed by gripping them on the back side with cutting pliers and applying force until they snap in half.
- Replacement plastic waistbands with velcro already attached are available as spare parts.
- Upgrading from plastic to aluminum waistbands increases rigidity and strength, and avoids the cracking that occurs at the bolt attachment points on plastic versions.
- Converting the rivet fasteners to nuts and bolts is more durable and easier to maintain than the original rivet design.
- Adding rubber or silicone sheet between the plastic waistband and the metal backing plate provides additional cushioning.
- Using large washers on bolts prevents screw heads and nuts from pressing into the plastic.
- Cracking in plastic waistbands commonly occurs around the four bolts that attach it to the support structure, and can also result from nut erosion caused by ratchet strap fastener movement.
- Temporary repair of cracked plastic waistbands can be achieved with tape until permanent replacement is performed.
Depends on
- The discussion focuses on a specific vest model and may not apply to other designs.
- The aluminum upgrade required custom fabrication and was performed by someone with metalworking capability.
- No complete testing or long-term durability data was provided for the described modifications.
- Part number and pricing are from 2006 and may no longer be current.