Back Pack Quick Release Pins

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. 

Comments

[ParkerMansel]

What is the need for this?

[InstinctsKill]

In the military, you would use it to drop your gear quickly, whether for convenience or need. For instance, if you're carrying a 60-pound ruck on a march and you're ambushed, that bulky pack is only going to slow you down and/or get in your way.

In the backpacking world, a potential survival situation might include a bear attack or some other wild animal you may need to quickly get away from, among other uncommon, yet possible, scenarios.

It's even nice to quickly release your pack after a long march. Saves you from having to un-cinch your backpack (the tighter it sits to your body during a hike/march, the more comfortable it generally is).

[austin111612]

What kid of lathe and tools do you have ?

[Mrballeng]

Here's the link for the lathe
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-inch-x-10-inch-precision-mini-lathe-93212.html

My tool are a mismatch from different places including harbor freight.

[Survival Tactics and Info]

Lots of work.

[3366carlos]

very nice.

[Stoval]

Way smart idea!

[Mrballeng]

Thanks! Nothing earth shattering. Just a fun little lathe project.

[Mr.Sanchez]

Awesome !! Thnks for share .It`s very usefull.

[carlos66ba]

Wonderful idea and very well made. Question: for those unfortunate souls without a lathe, can one alsu use a simple al rod (not nicely machined)?

[Mrballeng]

Of course. You could even use a section of coat hanger wire. It works the same.

[neo71665]

Most hardware stores have pins like that but in steel.

[Breygon]

this is brilliant. thanks for posting. getting tangled in kit is something I have thought of. unlikely as it is, if it ever did happen it could be vital to detangle as quickly as possible.