DIY Op/Tech Mini QD Loop protective sheath

[Jeff Charles]

I posted a question here a couple of days ago asking about confidence in Op/Tech Mini QD Loops. My primary concern is fraying in the strap lugs. Frequent inspection is recommended, but I wanted more security, so I made protective sheaths from the outer sleeve of a length of paracord.

Here's how I did it:

• Removed the nylon strands from the interior of the paracord.
• Cut about a 3/4 inch length of the paracord sleeve and heat sealed the ends.
• Looped a length of dental floss through the Mini QD Loop and then passed its open ends through the paracord sleeve.
• Pushed the paracord sleeve through the strap lug using a small screwdriver.
• Pulled the Mini QD Loop cord through the paracord sleeve with the dental floss.

Here's the result:



I'm not sure this was necessary, but it makes me feel better. I'll find out later how hard it is to inspect the cord of the Mini QD Loop, and to install a new one if needed.

--
Jeff
Leave it in the ground!

 

[Zensu11]

I use the mini QD system on both my cameras and the cord loop is a closed loop. Did you have to seal up the paracord at each end and also down the length of the strap?

 

[Jeff Charles]

I use the mini QD system on both my cameras and the cord loop is a closed loop. Did you have to seal up the paracord at each end and also down the length of the strap?

I only sealed the ends of the paracord sleeves. I pulled the closed QD cord loops through them with the dental floss, once the sleeves were through the strap lugs.

Here's how things were connected, and ready to press the paracord sleeve (with the dental floss inside) through the strap lug:





--
Jeff
Leave it in the ground!

 

[PaulNYC]

how did you seal the ends without closing off the paracord?

 

[Jeff Charles]

how did you seal the ends without closing off the paracord?

Gently.

I was concerned about that, so I just touched the flame to the ends for a second or so. Just enough to keep the threads from unraveling.

 

[windmillgolfer]

That's a good idea and solution Jeff. Having adopted the Mini QD loops for my GM1 and LX7, used in belt hung cases, both are quite light. So, hopefully, I'll not need any reinforcement but will keep an eye out for wear.