How to Make a Concealed-Carry Holster

Cut the manila folder into the shape of your holster. Fold the folder around your gun so that it covers the pistol. Then cut away sections of the folder until the paper is a shape that covers the gun and resembles a standard holster.

Trace the manila folder shape onto the kydex. Place masking tape over the kydex, and then trace an outline of your holster design onto the tape.

Cut the kydex. Use a jigsaw to cut precisely around the traced image. Remove the masking tape. You now have a piece of kydex which is the exact dimensions of the manila folder prototype.

Heat the kydex above the toaster. In order to shape the kydex, you must heat it. Use heat-resistant gloves and hold the kydex above the toaster until it goes somewhat limp. A hair dryer might also work to apply the heat.

Mold the holster around your gun. Stick the gun inside a thin sock to protect it from direct contact to the kydex. Wrap the kydex around the pistol in the same way the folder was wrapped around earlier. Hold the kydex firmly with your gloves until the plastic cools and holds its shape. If the shape is not what you wanted, you may have to heat it again.

Rivet the holster together. Drill a small hole where the two ends of the kydex meet after it is folded around the gun. This is usually below the barrel, in front of the trigger guard. Insert the pop rivet into the whole and apply the rivet lever. More than one rivet may be required depending on your gun and design.