Quick release mechanisms are very common on military gear. More often they are found on ruck sack straps. They come in useful if you are ever injured or caught up in something and you have to remove your pack quickly. This "high speed low drag" pin replicates that same quick release action.

Note: "High speed low drag" is a military talk for "cool".

Step 1: Start With 3/8" Aluminum Rod.

The overall length of this pin is about 1&1/2". I cut off about 3" to work with. If you do like I did and use a pipe cutter in a lathe use extreme caution and at a very low RPM.

Step 2: Machining Aluminum

Using my calipers I measured out 1&1/4". I machined that length down until it was 1/4" thick. I smoothed out the machine marks with a file and beveled the end.

Step 3: Polishing Aluminum

After drilling a hole in the lanyard end I cut it down to size. Finally, I polished it on a buffing wheel. The smoother it is the better it will slide out from the strap.

Step 4: Install the Pins

Add some paracord to the pin so it stays in place and gives you something to pull. Make sure the loop is just large enough to let the pin slide through.

Some back packs have the ends of the adjustable straps folded over and sewn. If your bag is like mine was, just undo the stitching with a knife. Fold the strap over and thread it through the adjustable buckle. Insert the pin through the loop you just created and pull the paracord over. For quick release simply pull the loop off the pin and pull it free.

Thanks for reading.