DIY Pullouts, pouches and pockets

Leah K

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Brad - Thanks for the pullout calculator you posted on google docs. I had some ripstop, but only had a 20" zipper lying around. That calculator made it super easy to figure how to cut the fabric!
 
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colonel00

colonel00

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I just wanted to update this thread with some tips and tricks. I have been meaning to do this for a while but never got around to it. Since I am making up some more I figured I would add this update.

When working with any fabrics aside from silnylon, the fabrics like to fray. I have found that using the chisel tip of a soldering iron and a metal yard stick allows me to cut/melt the fabrics and it prevents any fraying.

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If you are going to do a bunch of items of the same size, get a piece of plexiglass and use it as your template. Here is mine for my standard larger pullout. Using a glass table top as the work surface, I just put the fabric down and then the plexiglass. Just trace around the edge with the soldering iron and you have a pile ready to go in no time.

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colonel00

colonel00

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Probably same as the smaller ones. I don't have a Kifaru pullout but I would assume they are #5 or maybe #8 zippers. If I recall correctly, zippers are measured by the width in millimeters. So, a #5 is 5mm wide. Check any of the online outlets or Amazon and you should be able to find some. I would suggest finding either a bulk deal on Amazon or buying it by the foot and then just adding pulls as necessary.

I just checked and I have a bunch of #5 that I think I got from DIYGearsupply.com. Also, remember that the smaller #3 will work just fine and reduce weight unless you have a heavier duty application.
 

William Hanson (live2hunt)

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Depending on what you're application is, even Walmart carries some bigger ones for coats and things of that nature. X2 on buy in bulk because you'll burn through a bunch just screwing around practicing.
 

adirondak5

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I got #8 YKK zippers and pulls from rockywoods.com , the #8's are pretty close in size to what's on the Kifaru pullouts , I bought in the bulk , a few yards and extra pulls , its cheaper that way .
 

William Hanson (live2hunt)

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colonel00

colonel00

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What have you tried the water resistant zipper on? How do you think it would hold up as an entry zipper on a tent or tipi

I used a waterproof zipper on my "camp bag" that I made for carrying gear with the Kifaru Nomad. The thing with the waterproof zippers is they can be a little resistant when pulling at times. So, for a tent/tipi application, I would rather have a smooth flowing regular zipper and just make a flap to cover it. Plus, the waterproof zippers weigh quite a bit more than a regular one.
 

adirondak5

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I checked the size on the #8 YKK zippers vs what Kifaru uses on their pullout , they are the same size .

ZPLxPve.jpg
 
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colonel00

colonel00

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Good looking stuff. Man, an #8 zipper just seems like a bit of overkill for a pullout. I imagine Kifaru does it because that is probably a standard zipper they use for many things and buy it in bulk. I have been perfectly happy with the #3 zippers for lightweight pullouts.
 

adirondak5

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Yea , I've made a few with the #3 zippers and they do work fine , actually a little easier to work with the #3 and silnylon or light ripstop . The #8 while not expensive if you buy by the yard is kinda overkill on a pullout
 
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