I have some left over soft-body armor (Level 3A). What tool would be appropriate to cut it to fit into a new plate carrier?

2017-05-07T23:38:41-04:00

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 8 at 2017 12:10 AM

2017-05-08T00:10:58-04:00

Small arms protective insert Plates go in a plate carrier?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 1:09 AM

2017-05-08T01:09:02-04:00

I'm not sure about the armor you want to cut up, but almost all armor is designed such that it becomes unusable after the damage associated with protecting from the impact or puncture of the bullet. It no longer becomes usable. I imagine cutting up some armor to put into the plate carrier would effectively render the protective properties useless. Plus, what LTC Jason Mackay said.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 6:57 AM

2017-05-08T06:57:14-04:00

None. You'd probably diminish its integrity. You'd probably damage the fibers and their weave wherever you cut it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 7:06 AM

2017-05-08T07:06:21-04:00

Don't cut it, it will lose structural integrity and begin to shred, as Kevlar ate simply loosely woven fibers. Fold the excess material to fit the plate carrier and then tape them tightly. It won't be perfect but it will be functional.

Response by CSM David Heidke made May 8 at 2017 1:12 PM

2017-05-08T13:12:42-04:00

Soft body armor loses effectiveness as it's worn over time. It might not be any good anyway.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 6:42 PM

2017-05-08T18:42:46-04:00

Uh don't cut it because it will probably ruin the integrity of thesoft armor.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 8 at 2017 10:54 PM

2017-05-08T22:54:22-04:00

Cut it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 2:12 PM

2017-05-09T14:12:26-04:00

in my plate carrier I had just plates while deployed, less weight on my shoulders while climbing afghan mountains