Replacing MS Vest plastic waistband

[Jason Torbitt]

Hello everyone,

 

I've had a replacement plastic waistband for my MS vest for a while now, as the one on my vest is cracked at one side. I'm going to sit down and get it done, as I have the weekend to myself. I was just wandering if anyone else reading in had done this before or had any tips.

 

I need to drill into it for the 4 holes which attach it to the bottom of the chest spar, no problems there, but the problem comes with the two plastic guides on either side of the waistband, which hold the lower belts / ratchet strap assemblies in place. These plastic parts are riveted onto the waistband. What's the best way to get these rivets out? Drill through them with a smaller sized drill bit?

 

While I'm on it, if anyone has any spare rear tie-down straps they're not using, please send me an email, and I'll take them.

 

Thanks

Jason "up to the challenge" Torbitt

[Peter Milanov]

Just replaced mine a few days ago. I used a pair of cutting pliers and grabbed the rivets on the back side (where the small metal brick is) and after using some force the rivet snapps in half pretty easy. I also added the backstraps and I must say I´m very pleased with this addition, it makes a world of differens when using heavier cameras.

[Guido Lux]

HI guys!

 

Where did you get the plastic waisteband?The one on my master vest has been broken for a while (I never really use it since I have had my Klassenharness for 6 years now!)!I'd still like to get it fixed!

Thanx.

 

 

Guido Lux

[RobinThwaites]

Hi Jason

 

You can pop rivet the guides back on or make a nice upgrade and do it with good old nuts and bolts. Use washers to prvent the screw heas or nut eating into the plastic. Also use nice big washers where you attach the waistband to the spar. If you have metalworking ability/equipment you could make up a little tapped plate to back up the plastic.

 

Robin

[Gustavo Penna]

Mines broke as well but i changed it to an aluminum one, same shape, same size, same design, annodized on black, but 300% more rigid and stronger. theplastic ones always seem to brake right were the 4 bolts go. this mod, made a world of difference, until i switched to my DSD, and then i never used the Master vest again.

[Jason Torbitt]

Thanks Robin

 

I was going to go down the nuts & bolts route, thinking ahead ready for next time I have to do it! Much easier too. I will also look into the metal plate idea - nice. I have also bought some thin rubber / silicone sheeting which I intend to cut to shape and use to further cushion the lower metal plate against the plastic.

 

Hi Guido

 

Tiffen sells these plastic waistbands as replacements, velcro sewn on already. p/n 250-7810. Cost me £65, so around $120. But as you'll have gathered, you need to swap the plastic guides on either sides from the broken waistband to the new one, which is more difficult as it's riveted on.

 

 

Although I've heard that the usual stress point is the four screws which connect the waistband with the metal plate (possibly accentuated / caused by stress from the cross back straps, if they're used), mine has cracked at one side, where nuts from the ratchet strap fastenings have slowly eroded a hole in the plastic, which has formed a crack top to bottom. Doesn't affect operating or comfort, I've found gaffer tape is a good fix for the short term. It will be nice when I have it finished.