Questions about sewing letters on tournout gear does this compromise the gear at all?

[firemedic319]

If you do not want to spend a fortune, you do not want to buy nomex thread. You SHOULD NOT sew anything to your gear without the right tread. No alterations should be done by anybody that is not recognized to do them. If you would like to know more, contact Rob at Shamrock Gear (330) 313-1220 and ask him how much he would charge to put your letters on. He has very reasonable prices, and you may get the work done for less than the $70 spool of nomex thread that he buys. His website is Fire Gear Cleaning, Inspection and Repair.

I would not compromise your gear with alterations just to save a few bucks. Even if you are not FF1 yet, that gear may be reissued one day to somebody who is.

[BUGGY5632]

Keep the sewing machine on hold.

Originally posted by MeasterBFD
My grandmother can sew them for me. She has been a seamstress for years. Do I really really need nomex thread? I am not FF1 cert and won't be for a while. I figure if the thread is going to burn I have more things to worry about then letters falling off. But I plan on just pulling the liner out and having her machine sew them on. If the thread is that big of a deal I can always order some.

Just because you are not going to be FF1 for a while does not mean that you can't ignore standards. Nomex threat should be used for all repairs, alterations etc. But I do have a recommendation that would work for most applications. Purchase a Fire Resistant panel with the letters already sewn on, that way all you have to do is apply the panel to the coat. Or send the coat into an authorized gear repair company and have them do it, here is a recommendation for you.



http://www.massarosgearrepair.com/

[mcaldwell]

Originally posted by LoudounFF
The boys up here in DCFD have been putting company patches on their running coats for years. Haven't heard of any problems with patches lighting up, but they sure do get pretty charred

While training up north in Kemano a couple of years back, one of my guys got a small second degree burn from a black manufacturer's patch applied to the arm of his brand new turnout gear. There was no doubt what gave him the burn, as it was exactly the size and shape of the little patch.

Surprised the hell out of us, especially since it came on the gear. We take those little patches off now.

[LoudounFF]

The boys up here in DCFD have been putting company patches on their running coats for years. Haven't heard of any problems with patches lighting up, but they sure do get pretty charred

[captstanm1]

Limits of liability

I just had a discussion with a manufacturer this morning. If you have gear repaired or items added by a non recognized or non certified agency or person (ie., Dry Cleaners, Shoe and Leather Repair Store, Grandma) that voids the warranty and manufacturers limits of liability.

Sewing your patch on the coat is not a problem as long as you use nomex or kevlar thread. As far as I know it has no bearing on heat retention, but it may contribute to damaging the outer shell In fact the shoulder patch (since it is non fire retardant) could possibly burn in a room and contents situation even at lower temps. It would be the same is having direct flame contact to the outer shell if it caught fire. However, I do know of Departments that have sewn patches on the gear and had no problems.

[CALFFBOU]

West coast info...

Here is a good source on the West coast for any
turnout issues and questions. They got a toll-
free # and the guy there is pretty nice to chat
with.
-Bou

Turnout Services- Factory Authorized and trained.
(800) 480-6108
www.turnoutservices.com

[captain247]

Each mfg has different requirements and standards. Why don't you contact the mfg of your gear and get the proper answer from them. In general I know that they all require nomex thread.

Gary

[Medic129]

What about dept. patches? Can you sew them on as well. Using the Nomex thread and only on the outer shell of course. I once heard that in a situation where there is heat impingment on the area where the patch is, it causes the retention of heat, thus causing a burn to the skin. Is there any truth to that?

[MeasterBFD]

My grandmother can sew them for me. She has been a seamstress for years. Do I really really need nomex thread? I am not FF1 cert and won't be for a while. I figure if the thread is going to burn I have more things to worry about then letters falling off. But I plan on just pulling the liner out and having her machine sew them on. If the thread is that big of a deal I can always order some.

[captstanm1]

www.glovesinc.com.

www.turnoutgearcleaner.com

There is another company called "Solutions"

In Florida there is Bay Area Gear Repair in Port Richey (Pasco County)

You should not under any circumstances send your gear to a dry cleaner. They have no training or certification to repair firefighting gear. Read the NFPA Standard (1851). It calls for repairs to be made by a certified company. One that has training in repair of vapor barriers and is familiar with the different stitching. Additionally, if you send it to them for repair (the dry cleaners) will no doubt clean it. The "Perc" they use will damage the shell and cause it to begin to degradate. Dry cleaners use harsh chemicals that are corrosive. Think about it...do you want your gear cleaned with a "corrosive" It severely damages the outer shell, vapor barrier and thermal barrier and will compromise the safety of the ensemble.

Use a company that specializes in cleaning and repairing of fire gear and can show you their certificates of training.

Besides....Why do you think dry cleaners do not have the type of needly and thread you need.....because they have no business repairing and cleaning your gear!!!!!

[KParker]

I don't know, but if you find out, ask them where to get a needle that will go through the dang outer shell!

Amen to that, we had to send our gear off to get some stitching done on it because the local dry cleaners (that does sewing as well) could not do it...

[TWEJFD]

Where can you get Nomex Thread?

Our turnout gear supplier sells small spools of nomex thread. Fortunately, he's local so we just have to run up the street to get it.

[EastKyFF]

Originally posted by janiceSilva
Where can you get Nomex Thread?

I don't know, but if you find out, ask them where to get a needle that will go through the dang outer shell!

[janiceSilva]

Where can you get Nomex Thread?

[MeasterBFD]

Originally posted by captstanm1
People who repair and do maintenance on gear are supposed to use NOMEX Thread. Sewing letters on the coat does not compromise the coat unless you break the vapor barrier or thermal barrier. The letters are sewn on outer shell and therefore there is no problem. No different than the stitching for the seams...

Thanks.