2004Vests forum
Replacing worn velcro on dive vest waist belts
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Self-adhesive velcro in two-inch width can be applied to plastic surfaces after removing old velcro and cleaning the area thoroughly with degreasing agent.
- Coarse sandpaper should be used to roughen the plastic surface before applying adhesive velcro to improve adhesion.
- A heat gun can be used to soften self-adhesive velcro during installation for better contact and adherence.
- Professional stitching by a leather or saddle repair specialist over the adhesive layer increases durability and longevity of the velcro attachment.
- Contact adhesive applied to both velcro backing and the plastic surface, allowed to dry overnight, then heat-treated with a hair dryer before pressing firmly together with a rubber mallet, provides a strong bond.
- Stitching should run along the edges and center of the velcro patch for maximum reinforcement on heavy material.
- Velcro can be installed on both sides of straps to create configurable multi-strap systems that hold better during use.
Depends on
- Technique described involves heavy leather straps on older vest models which may differ from modern materials.
- Professional repair services may vary in availability by location.
- Self-adhesive velcro performance depends on proper surface preparation and may vary with environmental conditions.