First Impressions of Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of tactical gear, I’m always on the lookout for components that can enhance or repair existing setups. The Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit piqued my interest because, let’s face it, hardware failures can turn a good holster into a useless piece of plastic in a heartbeat. This kit promised a quick and inexpensive fix, and in my line of work, preparedness is paramount.
I’ve lost count of the times a belt loop on a holster has cracked or a screw has stripped, rendering the whole setup unusable until I could scavenge a replacement. This Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit seemed like a practical solution to a common problem. My initial hope was that it would provide reliable, universal replacement parts for my OWB (Outside the Waistband) holsters.
Upon receiving the kit, my first impression was that it was surprisingly compact. The components felt lightweight but seemed reasonably durable for their intended purpose. It didn’t scream “high-end,” but the build quality appeared adequate for a spare parts kit.
I’ve used similar kits from Blade-Tech and Safariland in the past, but those are usually focused on their own specific holster designs. The Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit stood out because of its claim to be universal, hopefully fitting a wider range of my OWB holsters. I chose this kit over others because of the promise of broad compatibility and the low price point.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The low price made me slightly skeptical about the quality, but the promise of a universal hardware solution was appealing. I was eager to see if this little kit could actually live up to its claims and provide a practical solution for holster hardware failures.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit was at my workbench, rather than the range. I had a drawer full of old holsters with broken or missing hardware, making them perfect candidates for testing the kit’s “universal” compatibility. I grabbed a kydex OWB holster for a Glock 19 that had a cracked belt loop.
I attempted to replace the cracked loop with one from the Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit. The loop itself fit, but the provided screws were either too short or too wide for the existing mounting holes on the holster. This immediately highlighted a potential issue with the kit’s “universal” claim.
After some fiddling and trying different combinations of screws and posts, I managed to get a loop attached securely, although it wasn’t a perfect fit. The replacement loop felt slightly thinner than the original, and I was concerned about its long-term durability. My first use experience was a mixed bag.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of carrying the Glock 19 holster with the replaced belt loop during dry-fire practice and daily wear around the property, the replacement loop held up… for a while. Eventually, after about a month, the thinner loop started to show signs of stress and developed a small crack. It hadn’t completely failed, but it was clear that it wasn’t as robust as the original hardware.
I live in a rural area where gear takes a beating, so I also tested the corrosion resistance of the hardware by exposing it to moisture and mud. The screws showed minor signs of rust after prolonged exposure, which is a concern for users in humid environments. Cleaning and oiling the hardware helped mitigate this, but it requires regular maintenance.
Compared to previous experiences with higher-end holster hardware from companies like Safariland, the Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit definitely underperformed in terms of durability. It served as a temporary fix, but it wouldn’t be my go-to for a long-term solution.
Breaking Down the Features of Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit
Specifications
The Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit from Rounded is designed as a universal replacement hardware set for OWB holsters. The kit includes belt loops, screws, posts, and washers, all finished in black. According to the manufacturer, the parts are designed to fit a variety of holster brands and styles.
The holster type, according to the specs, is “Inside the Waistband Holster,” which is clearly an error, as the product description and nature of the hardware indicate it’s for OWB holsters. The “Gun Make” and “Gun Model” are both listed as “Universal,” again suggesting broad compatibility. The kit uses a loop attachment system and loop attachment type.
- Color: Black
- Gun Make: Universal
- Gun Model: Universal
- Holster Type: Inside the Waistband Holster (Incorrect – Should be OWB)
- Accessory Attachment System: Loop
- Attachment Type: Loop
The specifications matter because they directly impact the kit’s versatility and utility. If the screws are the wrong length or diameter, the loops won’t attach securely. Similarly, if the materials are flimsy, the replacement hardware won’t last, defeating the purpose of having a spare parts kit.
Performance & Functionality
The Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit functions as a basic replacement hardware set for OWB holsters. It provides a temporary fix for broken or missing parts. However, its “universal” compatibility is questionable, as the provided hardware may not fit all holster models perfectly.
The kit’s strength lies in its availability and low price. It allows you to get a holster back in service quickly. Its weakness is the potentially lower durability of the replacement parts and the limited range of screw sizes provided.
The Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit meets basic expectations for a spare parts kit, but it doesn’t exceed them. It’s a budget-friendly solution, but it comes with compromises in terms of quality and compatibility.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit is adequate for its intended purpose. The materials used are lightweight and functional, but not particularly robust. The black finish is aesthetically pleasing and blends in with most holsters.
The kit is user-friendly in the sense that it’s easy to identify and use the different components. There’s no learning curve involved in replacing a belt loop or a screw. However, the limited variety of sizes can make finding the perfect fit challenging.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit is a concern. The thinner belt loops and potentially less corrosion-resistant screws may not withstand heavy use or harsh environments. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and oiling the hardware, can help prolong its lifespan.
Repairing the hardware isn’t really an option; the kit is designed for replacement, not repair. If a component fails, you simply replace it with another from the kit (assuming you have a suitable replacement available).
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the hardware itself. There are no customization options per se, as it’s a replacement parts kit. However, you could potentially mix and match components from other hardware kits to achieve a better fit or greater durability.
The kit’s compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited by the sizes and dimensions of the provided hardware. While some components might be interchangeable, it’s not guaranteed.
Pros and Cons of Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit
Pros
- Inexpensive and readily available.
- Provides a quick and easy fix for broken or missing holster hardware.
- Universal design aims to fit a wide range of OWB holsters.
- Compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and transport.
- Allows you to get a holster back in service quickly.
Cons
- Questionable “universal” compatibility; hardware may not fit all holster models perfectly.
- Potentially lower durability compared to original holster hardware.
- Limited range of screw sizes may make finding the perfect fit challenging.
Who Should Buy Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit?
The Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit is perfect for casual shooters, airsoft enthusiasts, or anyone who needs a cheap and temporary fix for their OWB holster hardware. It’s also useful for those who have a collection of holsters and want to have a basic spare parts kit on hand.
This product should be skipped by serious law enforcement, military personnel, or anyone who relies on their holster for daily carry and cannot afford equipment failures. They should invest in higher-quality, brand-specific replacement hardware.
A must-have accessory for this kit would be a set of thread-locking compound (like Loctite) to ensure the screws stay securely in place, as well as a set of various sized screws from a hardware store.
Conclusion on Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit
The Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a quick and easy fix for broken or missing OWB holster hardware. However, its “universal” compatibility is questionable, and the long-term durability of the replacement parts may be a concern for some users. The kit can be a lifesaver in a pinch.
The value proposition is fair, given the low price point. You get what you pay for – a basic, functional spare parts kit that can get you back in the game quickly, but it’s not a long-term solution for serious users.
I would cautiously recommend the Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit to casual shooters or those who need a temporary fix. However, I would advise serious users to invest in higher-quality, brand-specific replacement hardware for their holsters. Don’t depend on it for life-or-death situations.
If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful way to keep your old holsters running, give the Rounded Spare Hardware OWB Belt Loop Holster Kit a try. Just don’t expect miracles. Buy it knowing it is a temporary solution, and consider stocking up on additional screws of various sizes at the local hardware store.