How to Make a Quick-Access Magnetic Holster
If suddenly faced with a surprise home-invasion (or a robbery at your business), most firearm owners understand the importance of having your firearm available at a moments notice. But constantly carrying it on your person while lounging around the house isn’t comfortable or practical and leaving it out in the open is — for obvious reasons — not a wise thing to do.
To rectify this, there have been a number of manufacturers that have come up with magnetic-type holsters that you can install in strategic, concealed parts of your home (or business) allowing you to place your firearm in whatever room you happen to be in at the time. Some of these magnetic holsters (like the “FAST” holster) goes for upwards of $30 a pop. Why pay this when you can make one yourself that costs around $6 and takes about 5 minutes of your time to put together? Here’s the process:
How to Make a Magnetic Holster
What You’ll Need
- 3 Ceramic Block Magnets (available at most hardware stores)
- Wood Paint Stirrer (a wooden ruler works fine too)
- 1″ diameter Shrink Tubing (available at some hardware stores or automotive stores). You’ll want about 8″ in length (this can be two pieces of commonly sold 4″ as well).
Assembling the Magnetic Holster
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Step 1: Lay out the magnets. You’ll want to place the three magnets on the paint stirrer close enough together that side-by-side they can fit within the front and rear sight (for vertical hanging). |
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Step 2: Slide Shrink Tubing over Magnets and Wood: Next, slide your shrink tubing over the magnets and wood (overlap the tubing if you have two 4″ pieces) leaving about 3/4″ of tubing on either side. |
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Step 3: Heat the Shrink Tubing: Now using a candle, torch, or heatgun, heat up the tubing until it completely contracts around the wood and magnets. |
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Step 4: Drill Holes and Cut to Length: Using a wood drill, drill a small hole on either side of the magnets and cut off the excess wood. |
That’s it! Pretty easy huh? Now just install them wherever you think appropriate in your home or business. Here’s some examples:
Some Examples on Where to Install the Magnetic Holsters
*A quick note on safety: These magnetic holsters can be installed pretty much anywhere you think is appropriate, safe, and easily accessible. If you have small children in the home, I recommend only placing your gun on one of the magnetic holsters when you are in the room (ie watching a movie, working etc.). Guns should definitely NOT be left unattended around the house attached to these types of holsters when there are little, curious hands about. Also be mindful of local laws.
In a Closet
In this picture you can see my Walther PPK can be attached to this type of holster just as easily as my Glock.
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Under a Table
Storing your firearm under a coffee table or workbench makes your firearm easily accessible while you’re working or watching television. In this picture you can see it hanging in a vertical position.
Beside your Bed
It’s a good idea to keep your firearm close by while sleeping.
Video Example
Also, check out this quick video I put together showing how easy it is to grab and store a firearm with one of these holsters:
Resources
Many thanks to SafeArmsReview for the inspiration behind this idea!
- Posted in Firearms, Personal Security
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Just made some of these. Great idea! I saw some advertised that were premade for about $30 apiece but I just made 3 for under $20. Thanks so much for the idea, your website is great and now I have a great Christmas present for my dad and brother-in-law!
I should mention I used electrical tape instead of the shrink-tubing. A bit cheaper and seems to work great so far.
Evan,
Great idea with the electrical tape. I’ll have to try that out – especially since it’s cheaper.
GREAT POST!!!!!
Thanks for sharing such a great idea. Can’t wait to try this out!
Kevin,
You’re very welcome. Be sure to post any updates if you figure out a different way of doing things.
Wow….this is a great idea, and one of the reasons i come to this site weekly. You never cease to amaze me. (i also now have a gift for my father) Thanks! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Jordan!
It’s comments like yours that keep me writing.
Do you keep these firearms on magnets loaded? Do you have children to worry about?
I do. See my safety note under the “Some Examples on Where to Install the Magnetic Holsters” section above. If you have little ones be sure to be absolutely vigilant about it.
for electrical tape, have the be under the paint stick to prevent unraveling.
SEEING THIS GAVE ME AN IDEA. BEING A USED CAR DEALER, WE USE “DEALER TAG MAGNETS” TO PUT TAGS ON CARS. PRICES RANGE FROM $5.50-$8.50 EACH. CAN BE BOUGHT AT DEALER SUPPLY STORES AND AUTO PARTS STORES. I JUST TRIED ONE AND IT WORKS PERFECT. ZACK, NORTH CAROLINA
Zack,
Great tip. I just checked out those magnets online and they already have the protective layer on the outside that would keep it from scratching one’s firearms (makes sense so it doesn’t scratch the car). These seem ready to use out of the box. Thanks again!
…Thanks for the great idea. I did a lot of web searches for a bedside holster. When I changed my search criteria to ask, “how to make my own?”, it didn’t take long to come across your site and I immediately tried it out. Very easy to make but I didn’t want to drill holes to mount mine so I simply used hook and loop with adhesive peel and stick, they work great…I have one on both sides of our bed and am now confident I can acquire my grip correctly without fumbling for it in the dark…I’ll be making some as gifts for friends and family. Thanks again…
You’re very welcome. Thanks for visiting!
I’m worried that over time the pistol and it’s parts will become magnetized causing problems like the ejector not working properly.
Good idea, but please remind me not to come to your house.. Many a meth cook not that paranoid.
If electrical tape gets very hot it shrinks a little and leaves a sticky trail. And it also gets very brittle over time. Shrink wrap is much better. But they also make rubber shrink tape which is good too. It’s in the plumbing section.
i used duck tape instead of shrink, effing love it
black duck tape
yes made some two its easy ,and write on the chrislmas present
do you think that will be a problem thtas a good comment
I just came cross this site and was ready to buy the supplies. Then I saw the question about magnetizing the other metal interior parts of the firearm. Have you noticed any problems at the range with any FTF, FTE etc? I think this a great idea, and much less expensive than the one I saw at the gun show. Thanks for any info Lisa