Cobalt Chest Protector Broken Clip

[Jackrabbitslims]

My clip broke my cobalt chest protector from a baseball impact. Any advice on how to replace the clip? Cobalt is sending me the male and female end of the clip system.

[ErichKeane]

I don't know about those chest protectors, is the problem that they are around a 'stitched in' loop?

If that is the case, you can use a set of "Field Repair Buckles" (REI has some, but see: https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Repair-Buckle-Removal/dp/B09JZRFZJV , also available with bolts on both sides like inhttps://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Field-Repair-Buckle/dp/B00DG83CQW ).

That would perhaps be the easiest way if you could find a set in about the right size (they are all pretty universal).

No idea what Cobalt is sending you, they might be sending you one that requires stitching.

[ousafe]

@ErichKeane's solution is easiest if you can find the right size.

If replacing with the stock female part, it appears you will need to drill out the rivet that attaches the webbing that the clip is on. You will likely need new webbing if you don't get that with the replacement part they send. In theory you might be able to take out the throat stitching on the existing webbing and reuse it with a new buckle.

To install, I would:

1) drill out the rivet from the back side (unvelcro the padding to expose rivet).

2) punch a hole in the new webbing, if necessary, matching where the old webbing had the rivet go through.

3) secure the new webbing with buckle using an appropriately sized chicago screw. Re-use the vinyl cover tab that protects the back side of the chicago screw. Blue thread locker for the screw would not be a bad idea.

Fwiw.

[BLarson]

I was just wondering about this last night when I was gearing up...how would I replace these if they got broke.

[Jackrabbitslims]

After All-star sent the wrong clip, one that fits came. To make it fit they want you to grind out the middle of the buckle to slide it into the strap so you don't have to take it apart. What is crazy to me is that it is not the exact same buckle. So the old male, doesn't fit the new female. The straps are pinched and just don't look great. I emailed All-Star and they sent me out a new protector.