Alternative Carry for Fiskars\Gerber Hatchet

Fiskars\Gerber hatchets. Great lightweight camping tools, versatile, and reliable. The downside? The included case limits carry options. i have decided that i could solve this issue with materials i had lying about, and show a new and different way to carry small handtools in general.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Gather these things:

· At least 12 ft of 550 paracord
· A sharp knife or pair of scissors
· A source of fire to seal the ends of paracord, or a soldering iron\ woodburning kit.
· One 4, 5, or 6 millimeter side release buckle.
· Any size Fiskars\Gerber hatchet with hollow fiberglass handle.

Step 2: Preparing the Buckle

Cut two lengths of cordage, approximately 6-8 ft each in length. Seal the ends to assist workability.

Put both ends of 1 length of cordage through the eye of the buckle, then through the loop as shown in picture 2. tighten evenly. repeat with other side of buckle as shown in picture 3.

Step 3: Securing the Loop

Picture one- bring both ends of cordage from inside the handle through provided holes, leaving approximately 2 1\2 inches of slack. begin the cobra weave, a standard paracord pattern for making bracelets or lanyards. Alternatively you can choose a pattern of your choice. Continue pattern untill you reach the buckle, trim excess cord and seal the ends as depicted in pictures 3-5.

Step 4: The Other Half

Repeat with other side, but at about twice the length of the first buckle. weave, trim, and seal as in step 3. Test the fit and you're all done!

The placement of the side release buckle allows you to attach the handle of your hatchet to a belt, pack strap, or shoulder sling. Loop it over the horn of your saddle or tree branch at camp, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. the 10-12 ft of cordage can even help you out in a survival situation when unraveled.

If you found this instructable helpful or original consider voting for it in the paracord contest, but most of all feedback in any form is encouraged in the comments section. Instructables taught me basic paracord, the rest i had to figure out on my own. Maybe you can knot the next big thing?