Shin cracking..

[Ving187[TK]]

Got some cracks in the top return edge on each one from stretching them open to get then on...I've tried fixing with little strip of abs glued under..but it always fails..just looking for ideas/suggestions.<br>

Thanks everyone

[Slayer6769[501st]]

I would probably repair the crack first. If the backing strip isn't working, maybe use some Loctite epoxy putty. It won't be flexible there anymore, but it won't crack either.

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

Can you post up a photo?

[humperdingle]

I tend to use 1"white elastic strip, glued under the crack with a little Stelmax 1985 glue

[themaninthesuitcase[Admin]]

I have that crack I fixed it using this method, seems to have held well so far where a strip popped right off.

 

Armour - Repair

 

Just don't use scissors on any excess or it might crack again and you'll have to fix it again.  Sand the excess away.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

I have found a couple in places, I rough up the area with course sandpaper and cut and heat to mould a piece of abs plastic to the shape of the area, then glue with E6000, has worked great.

 

As said above post some photos so we can see the issue.

[Ving187[TK]]

Trying this next..shaped and bent to match

[troopermaster]

Your return edge is way too big. I would reduce the return edge on the top of the shin to about a quarter of what you have it or you are just inviting further cracks in the future. The shin tops are the main area on the whole armour where the plastic is stressed when putting them on. A large return edge is not necessary.

[Eynonz]

What Paul said above  . I only have a small 4-5mm of a return edge on the top of my shins. 

Edited May 2, 2017 by Eynonz

[Ving187[TK]]

OK thanks all. Do you think a smaller edge would be less likely to crack..doesn't seem logical, but may be true. After I glue this in I'll trim them back some.

[Ving187[TK]]

OK thanks all. Do you think a smaller edge would be less likely to crack..doesn't seem logical, but may be true. After I glue this in I'll trim them back some.

[troopermaster]

It is logical. Think of it this way - a flat strip of plastic will flex a great deal. Add a return edge onto it and it becomes rigid. The bigger the return edge will add more rigidity whereas the less of a return edge will increase flexibility. This is why I keep my return edges to a minimum when I build armour for people. You only really need a wider edge on some parts of the torso for the original strapping system, if you are using it.