Modifying/repairing turnout gear

[WD6956]

That's funny, because this company doesn't seem to think the same as you:

http://www.afmo.com/Reflexite_and_Sc...rim_s/1141.htm

Reflexite® 2" Trim 6.00 per foot

Scotchlite® 2" Trim 8.50 per foot
Scotchlite® 2" Triple Trim (Yellow, Silver/Yellow) 11.00 per foot

Obviously these aren't the right sizes, as NFPA requires 3" trim, but you see the difference in price for the 2" trim, I'd assume it would be the same for the 3" trim as well.

The Reflexite price vs Scothlite price is not something i am debating. I know that varies, all i said was many shops charge the same.

But as for Scotchlite trim, I have never seen anybody charging more for 3" Triple Trim vs solid trim. So that is an indication that their is no difference in price from the manufacturer (3M). If Triple Trim cost more, why do none of the major turnout gear repair shops seem to charge more for it?. My local dealer has Securitex and Morning Pride gear with 3" Scotchlite trim in stock, some with solid Lime, some with Triple trim and the prices are all the same on thier comparitive models. And these are companies that LOVE to charge you for every little item you order extra.

Maybe 3M does in fact charge two seperate prices for triple trim vs solid. All i know is i have yet to encounter a repair shop that does. And off the top of the my head, i do not recall a turnout gear manufacturer who does either.


EDIT: After looking at the wesbite you linked, i noticed they are not even selling the 9500 series Fire Coat trim. You can tell because they don't make 1" Fire Coat trim. The Triple Trim i have seen on non fire applications is often a silver stripe of some sort of paint or silk screen on a solid background material. Not a unitized single piece of material like the 9500 series stuff. That may explain why the non fire rated Triple Trim may indeed have a higher cost that solid colors versions. Either way, his prices are absurd. The 9500 series is the most expensive 3M trim they make and i can get it for $7.00 less a foot then he is selling it in 3" no less!.

[firefightinirish217]

Actually, their is no difference in price from regular Scotchlite trim in solid colors to Triple Trim. 3" Scotchlite trim for turnout clothing is all priced the same. Most repair shops i deal with charge the same per foot or trim whether it's Scotchlite or Reflexite.

If their was truly a higher cost for materials, then turnout companies would charge more for certain trims to reflect that. And they don't.

That's funny, because this company doesn't seem to think the same as you:

http://www.afmo.com/Reflexite_and_Sc...rim_s/1141.htm

Reflexite® 2" Trim 6.00 per foot

Scotchlite® 2" Trim 8.50 per foot
Scotchlite® 2" Triple Trim (Yellow, Silver/Yellow) 11.00 per foot

Obviously these aren't the right sizes, as NFPA requires 3" trim, but you see the difference in price for the 2" trim, I'd assume it would be the same for the 3" trim as well.

[WD6956]

Triple trim itself is what drives the price up of any job involving it.

Actually, their is no difference in price from regular Scotchlite trim in solid colors to Triple Trim. 3" Scotchlite trim for turnout clothing is all priced the same. Most repair shops i deal with charge the same per foot or trim whether it's Scotchlite or Reflexite.

If their was truly a higher cost for materials, then turnout companies would charge more for certain trims to reflect that. And they don't.

[firefightinirish217]

Well, you could always pay a couple thousand for a new set, .

[GTRider245]

Thanks for the tips, info, and suggestions everyone!

I called up the Maryland Fire Equipment place, with the two recommendations behind it that will be my first choice. But wow, $51 to replace the triple trim at the cuffs! I guess specialized service comes at a price, so not totally unexpected I guess.

Triple trim itself is what drives the price up of any job involving it.

[JT_Fire_2000]

Our local place charged me about the same.

[JJR512]

Thanks for the tips, info, and suggestions everyone!

I called up the Maryland Fire Equipment place, with the two recommendations behind it that will be my first choice. But wow, $51 to replace the triple trim at the cuffs! I guess specialized service comes at a price, so not totally unexpected I guess.

[CaptOldTimer]

Contact the folks down the street in Rockville at Maryland Fire Equipment. That's who does our repair for us at the VFD...good folks and quick turnaround time.

BoxAlarm, beat me to it. I was going to suggest Maryland Fire Equipment as well. They are a good company to do business with and can do anything you want to do with your turnouts, except make them new again!


http://www.marylandfire.com/


There are other in the Maryland State area too, google brings them up as well.

[WD6956]

I have used www.freds2therescue.com with great success,

www.trilexcleanfiregear.com Does nice work. But is pricey. They have a full price list on their page that shows all the little things they or any other decent shop can do.

www.911clean.com does great work and we have used them in the past, but they have become very sloppy latley with their turnaround times.

All of the above are certified to work on turnout gear and many of them are certified by specific manufacturers as well. Just contact them.

[BoxAlarm187]

Contact the folks down the street in Rockville at Maryland Fire Equipment. That's who does our repair for us at the VFD...good folks and quick turnaround time.

[LaFireEducator]

There are tailors that specialize in turnout gear repair. They can relace trim, patch punctures, etc. Google search and you will find many...

The company should be NFPA 1851 certifed in gear repair.. it is your "suit of armor" so to speak, you will want it done right.

In addition, should it not be done according to NFPA standards, there may be workman's comp and insurance issues should a burn injury occur while in the gear.

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

There are tailors that specialize in turnout gear repair. They can relace trim, patch punctures, etc. Google search and you will find many...

The company should be NFPA 1851 certifed in gear repair.. it is your "suit of armor" so to speak, you will want it done right.

[NobodyAnymore]

Some of you may recall my recent thread about turnout gear that is either very old (pants) or too large (coat). I've been looking into some other options, including buying used gear on eBay.

If I bought something on eBay but wanted/needed to modify it, or have a minor issue repaired, how would I go about doing that?

For example, suppose I buy turnout pants with orange triple trim, but I want yellow triple trim (my station doesn't necessarily require yellow but all the new gear has yellow, and I personally prefer yellow as well). For a repair example, suppose I find a small puncture. Are these things possible, and if so, how do I get it done? I assume regular tailors aren't capable of dealing with turnout gear. I assume patches need to be the same material as the shell, and I assume that any stitching done needs to use flame-resistant thread, etc.