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?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 May 2017 23:38:41 -0400

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

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 08 May 2017 00:10:58 -0400

Small arms protective insert Plates go in a plate carrier?

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

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 01:09:02 -0400

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

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 06:57:14 -0400

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

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 07:06:21 -0400

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

CSM David Heidke — Mon, 08 May 2017 13:12:42 -0400

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

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 18:42:46 -0400

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

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 08 May 2017 22:54:22 -0400

Cut it?

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

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 May 2017 14:12:26 -0400

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