Ethan Clarke
MOLLE, or Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, is a line of military gear that uses the PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) attachment system. The PALS system uses webbing straps that are woven through rows of webbing on the equipment to which the MOLLE gear is being attached. The straps are then secured with snaps, buttons, or velcro. MOLLE gear can be attached to backpacks, vests, and vehicles. When attaching MOLLE gear, it is important to properly weave the straps through both pieces of gear to ensure that the attachment is secure and does not shift or move around.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is MOLLE? | MOLLE is a line of military gear that uses the PALS attachment system. |
| What is PALS? | The PALS system uses one inch webbing spaced in horizontal rows one inch apart and sewn at one and a half-inch intervals. |
| How to attach MOLLE gear? | Choose a location to attach your gear. Hold onto the end of the SlickStick with the snap attached, and thread the stick through the bottom row of nylon webbing that your MOLLE attachment will align with, snap side up. Weave the stick or strap through the first row of nylon webbing on the backside of the attachment, tightening as you go. Repeat this process for each stick until the entire attachment is secure. |
| How to stiffen MOLLE straps? | You can use a plastic sheet or a thin binder cover material. You can also use milk jug plastic or cutting boards. |
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What You'll Learn
Sewing plastic strips into MOLLE straps
Prepare the Plastic Strips:
Start by sourcing suitable plastic strips. You can purchase plastic strips specifically designed for this purpose, or you can get creative and use household items such as milk jugs, cutting boards, or plastic packaging from produce tubs or beverage bottles. If you're using household items, make sure to cut the plastic into strips that are thin and flexible yet sturdy enough to provide support.
Gather Your Sewing Supplies:
You will need a strong sewing machine or a leatherworker's awl if you plan to sew by hand. Make sure you have the right needles for the job; a leather-type size 20-22 needle should work well with the plastic strips. Additionally, you will need thread that is strong and durable, such as nylon or polyester thread.
Prepare the MOLLE Straps:
Before you begin sewing, decide on the placement of your plastic strips. MOLLE straps typically have a standard configuration, with horizontal webbing and vertical sew lines spaced 1 inch apart. You can follow this standard or create your own spacing, ensuring that the plastic strips will be securely held in place. Mark the locations where you will be sewing the plastic strips onto the MOLLE straps.
Sewing Process:
Start by threading your needle or machine with the appropriate thread. You may find it helpful to double the webbing over and sandwich the plastic strip between the layers of webbing. Sew along the marked lines, ensuring that your stitches are tight and secure. Take your time and go slow, especially if you're using a thicker plastic strip, as it may require more force to push the needle through.
Finishing Touches:
Once you've sewn the plastic strip into the MOLLE strap, take a moment to inspect your work. Ensure that the stitches are secure and that the plastic strip is firmly in place. If needed, you can add additional stitches for reinforcement. Now you have a MOLLE strap with added rigidity and structure!
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Using suction cups to attach MOLLE panels
Suction cups are a quick and easy way to attach MOLLE panels to flat surfaces, such as windows. They are a good alternative to other mounting methods that may require more effort and time to install.
The Bison Gear Rubber Suction Cup, for example, is a single-piece accessory that can be used to attach MOLLE panels. Its superior suction power guarantees a firm and secure hold, keeping your MOLLE panels in place even under demanding conditions. This product is made from flexible PVC and features a high-quality polyester thread finish.
Another option is the DOT Molle Panel, which can be mounted on flat surfaces using suction cups. These suction cups are 50mm in size and are quick and easy to install.
For those with a 4Runner vehicle, SLAPS (Side Load Access Panels) are available as exterior MOLLE panels. These panels can be mounted to the body or the rear side window of the 4Runner using large suction cups, which also act as shock absorbers. To install, place the handle of the suction cup through the large round cutout and slide the cups towards the middle of the plate. Clean the window before installation to ensure the suction cups hold properly. Once in place, apply firm pressure to the suction cups to secure them.
Suction cups are a convenient and efficient way to attach MOLLE panels, providing stability and ease of access.
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Attaching MOLLE pouches to a belt
Once you have decided on the location, take your SlickStick or MOLLE-specific strap and hold onto the end with the snap attached. Begin by threading the stick or strap through the first row of nylon webbing on the backside of your MOLLE attachment, tightening as you go. Ensure you do not skip any webbing and use every row to achieve a secure hold.
If your attachment has multiple SlickSticks or straps, repeat this process for each one. You can weave both straps through the nylon webbing simultaneously to make it easier. Once you are done, secure the snaps or buttons to ensure your MOLLE pouch stays in place.
As an alternative method, you can use duct tape to attach MOLLE pouches to a standard belt. This method can help prevent the pouches from sliding around too much. However, some users have expressed concerns about attaching pouches directly to a belt that holds up their pants, suggesting that it might cause their pants to fall down due to the additional weight. Therefore, it is recommended to use a dedicated battle belt or a belt with MOLLE integration to ensure stability and distribute the weight more effectively.
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Using a soldering iron to cut webbing
When choosing a soldering iron, a higher wattage is generally better, as it will provide more heat for cutting through thicker webbing. A 30-watt iron may not be sufficient if you're using a metal straightedge, as the metal will draw heat away from the fabric. A higher wattage iron, such as a 200- or 300-watt unit, will give you more cutting power.
You can also modify a cheaper soldering iron by filing the tip down to resemble a flat blade or a pointed blade. This will allow you to cut and melt the webbing effectively. It is important to note that you should only flatten the tip of the soldering iron carefully, as you don't want to damage it.
When cutting the webbing, it's important to let the soldering iron warm up sufficiently. A soldering gun has the advantage of warming up faster than a standard soldering iron, but its bulkier size can make it harder to control. To cut the webbing, simply draw the soldering iron across the material like you would with a pencil, applying enough pressure to melt through the fabric.
Overall, using a soldering iron to cut webbing can be an effective method, but it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and controlled cutting process.
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Using a flame to melt webbing ends
When nylon webbing is cut, it tends to fray. To prevent this, the cut end of the strap can be melted using a flame. This technique can also be used to fuse two pieces of webbing together. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Cut the webbing at an angle to make it easier to feed through a cam.
- Lightly run the cut end through a flame, such as a candle flame, or use a heat gun. The goal is to melt the very end of each thread without melting anything else.
- If using a candle, gradually bring the webbing closer to the flame with each pass until the desired amount of melting is achieved. This technique takes practice to get right.
- Alternatively, use a putty knife or old butter knife. Heat the knife until it becomes reddish, then press it onto the cut end of the webbing.
- If fusing two pieces of webbing together, immediately press the melted end onto another piece of webbing between two pieces of smooth wood and hold for a few seconds. Ensure the melted section is large enough, and act quickly, or the pieces may not fuse properly.
- If desired, trim the end with scissors to make it even.
Note that melting nylon can leave a mess on your tools, and be aware that the melted section may become too rigid if you apply too much heat.
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Frequently asked questions
You can attach MOLLE straps to plastic by weaving them through the plastic. If you are attaching the straps to a plastic panel, you can use suction cups or weave the straps through the slots in the panel.
The MOLLE attachment system uses SlickStick® or MOLLE-specific straps that weave between the attachment and the equipment. The straps are then secured with snaps or buttons.
You can attach a MOLLE pouch to a backpack by feeding the webbing straps through the webbing of the pouch and tightening the webbing at the end. The webbing is then passed through the loops on the carrier and tightened again. This process is repeated until the pouch is interwoven with the backpack.
MOLLE is a line of military gear that uses the PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) attachment system. PALS webbing uses straps that are woven in and out of rows and secured with a snap or velcro.
