TM 10-8400-203-23
I
3-5. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF BODY ARMOR–Continued
Table 3-2. Stitching Instructions
LOCATION
General
Bartack
Overedge side webbing
Closing bottom edge at back of armor
Elastic webbing on center yoke and action back
pieces
Attaching front and breast pocket flaps, grenade
hanger, side webbing, slide and hook-and-pile
fasteners, and webbing
Attaching inner action yoke support and inner ac-
tion supports
Attaching Label
STITCH
TYPE
301
Bartack
(1/2 in)
503 or 504
401 or 301
301
301
301
301
THREAD SIZE
NEEDLE
B
B
E
E
E
E
E
B
BOBBIN
B
B
E
E
E
E
E
B
STITCHES
PER INCH
10-14
28 per tack
8-12
10-14
4-8
10-14
4-8
10-14
e. Outer Shell Replacement. Due to the light weight of the outer covering material and low cost of the
complete outer shell it is not considered economical to repair badly torn, worn, or damaged outer shells,
including replacement of slide or hook-and-pile fasteners, webbing, snap fasteners, and grenade
hangers. In lieu thereof when a vest exhibits large holes or tears, or an outer shell that is severely worn or
soiled, contains inoperative slide or hook-and-pile fastener, badly torn pocket or pocket flaps, damaged
front protective flap, inoperative snap fasteners, torn or damaged grenade hanger, and damaged or badly
abraded side webbing, replace the entire outer shell. Questionable fabric may be tested with a hand pull
test. When replacing the outer shell completely, remove the old outer shell taking care not to damage the
vinyl casing, After removal, thoroughly examine the vinyl casing for ruptured heatseals, holes, stiffness or
discoloration.
3-9
