There are many reasons why a firefighter might need to bend their leather fire helmet. Maybe the helmet is too tight and needs to be loosened up, or perhaps it’s not sitting quite right on the head and needs to be adjusted. In any case, it’s important to know how to bend a leather fire helmet the right way so that you don’t damage it in the process.
In this article, we will discuss the proper way to bend a leather fire helmet and explain some of the common problems that can occur when it’s not done correctly.
How To Bend A Leather Fire Helmet (At Your Own Risk)?
Bending a leather fire helmet is not an exact science due to the nature of the material, but there are some basic steps you should take to ensure success:
- Start by heating up your helmet with a hair dryer on high heat for about 10 minutes or longer depending on how much you need to bend it. You don’t want to overheat the leather as this can cause it to crack and weaken;
- Once the helmet is heated, carefully place it onto a curved object such as a cylinder or bowl so that the area you need to bend is in contact with the object’s curve. Be careful not to leave any gaps between the helmet and the object as this could lead to uneven bending later on;
- Place a heavy object on top of the helmet and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the leather adjust to the shape of the curved object;
- After 5-10 minutes, remove the heavy object and carefully take off the helmet. You should now see that it has taken on some of the curve’s shape! If not, you can repeat these steps until you achieve your desired result; just be sure not to overheat as this could damage your helmet’s structure;
- Lastly, let your newly bent helmet cool down before wearing it or storing it away to set its new shape properly [1];
What Is A Bronx Bend?
How Do You Fix A Crack In A Leather Fire Helmet?
Unfortunately, fixing a crack in a leather fire helmet is difficult and usually not very successful. The best thing to do is to buy a new helmet as this will ensure the highest level of safety when it comes to protecting your head from heat and flames. If you’re looking for an alternative, you could patch the cracks with leather glue or specialty stitching, but this isn’t recommended for any repairs that go beyond superficial cosmetic damage.
Do Leather Fire Helmets Expire? The Big Controversy
The short answer is no, leather fire helmets do not expire. However, this has been a source of great controversy in the firefighting community as some believe that older models are more prone to cracking and other structural weaknesses due to age and use. The truth is that all helmets should be inspected regularly for any signs of wear or damage and replaced when necessary, regardless of their age.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that a leather fire helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Follow these steps carefully when bending your helmet so you don’t compromise its integrity, and make sure to inspect it regularly for any signs of fatigue or damage. This way, you can rest assured knowing that you and your team are as safe as possible when fighting fires.
What Is The Best Leather Fire Helmet?
When choosing the best leather fire helmet, it’s important to consider factors such as comfort, durability, and overall protection. Some of the top brands on the market include Cairns Helmets and Drager helmets which are known for their high-quality and long-lasting designs. Additionally, you want to make sure that the helmet is properly fitted and rated for your intended use. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference so be sure to do your research before making a purchase!
FAQ
How do you bend a leather helmet brim?
There are a few ways to do this, but the most common is to use a leather bender. This is a tool that helps you get an even, consistent bend in the brim of your helmet. It’s important to be careful not to overheat the leather as this could damage the structure of your helmet.
Can you bend a composite fire helmet?
No. Composite helmets are made of a hard plastic material and cannot be bent or reshaped in any way. If you need to adjust the fit of your composite helmet, make sure to buy one that is specifically designed for this purpose.
Are leather fire helmets NFPA compliant?
Yes, leather fire helmets are NFPA-compliant when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. All modern leather fire helmets meet the safety standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). [3]
What makes a leather helmet NFPA compliant?
In order to be NFPA compliant, a leather fire helmet must meet certain standards in terms of flame resistance, impact resistance, and the ability to reflect heat away from the wearer’s head. The manufacturer is responsible for providing detailed certification that the helmet meets these requirements.
Useful Video: Phenix TL-2 Leather Fire Helmet Front
Conclusion
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to bend a helmet, hopefully, this guide was helpful. Remember to always take care when working with heat and leather. Be sure to practice on some scrap pieces before moving on to the real thing. And as always, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://firefighterinsider.com/how-to-bend-a-leather-fire-helmet-step-by-step
- https://firefighterinsider.com/how-to-bend-a-leather-fire-helmet-step-by-step
- https://phenixfirehelmets.com/products/tl-2-leather-traditional-1