BLOG.AHH.BIZ

Dead Zone Bags™ Signal Blocking Faraday Bags for Mobile Phones

2013-10-09T00:53:53Z

Are you concerned about your privacy, or just want to "step off the grid" or "take a vacation from your networked mobile devices"?

Dead Zone Bags™ allow you to achieve both these goals, with the added benefit of limiting your exposure to harmful electromagnetic radiation that your phone emits, even when you are not using it.

Simply place your mobile phone into the bag and close it; the finely woven 100% Stainless steel mesh fabric creates a Faraday Effect that effectively blocks cell phone signals as well as GPS signals, WiFi, Bluetooth and other high frequency communications bands.

Comes with a 1 year money back warranty. Unlike cheaply made imported bags that must be replaced after 6 months (suggested by manufacturer of one similar bag), Dead Zone Bags™ are Made in America from the finest materials.

Standard size fits all major brands of cell phones, Handheld GPS receivers, and similarly sized mobile devices.

Grommet Setting Kits & Grommet Tools

2012-06-22T18:42:57Z

Lets start with grommets before we talk about grommet setting tools. Grommets are simply a piece of hardware used to reinforce a hole made in some type of material. Grommets with holes smaller than 3/16'' (size #00) are usually called eyelets.

A Grommet consists of two parts, the grommet (shank) and the washer (the flat piece).

Shown here is a Grommet kit for setting size #4 grommets that have a hole diameter of 1/2''
image of Grommet Components - Left: the grommet or shank, Right: the washer. There are also Spur Grommets (see below)

The Grommets used for fabric and leather that we will be discussing here are typically made out of Brass, Nickel Plated Brass or Anodized or painted Brass. Brass is used to make most grommets because it is both non-rusting, non-corrosive under everyday conditions.

Stainless Steel Grommets that can be set with Hand tools are now available

Grommets come in several sizes and are measured and sized by the diameter of the hole in the center, not the overall diamater of the washer or flange. Grommets commonly range from size #00 through size #8. Oversize grommets, such as #10, #12 and the huge size #15 are also available.

Here is a chart that shows the grommet numbered sizes and there measurements in inches. (Click to Enlarge Picture)

Grommet Setting Tools range from expensive, industrial, powered presses, to hand tools that are operated with a light mallet (a type of hammer with a soft, plastic, rubber or wood head).

A typical Hand Grommet Setting Kit consists of a hole cutter, a bottom setting die, a top setting punch/die and a wooden or plastic cutting block. Grommets are simple to set by hand as shown by these typical instructions for setting grommets using a hand grommet kit. With the hand grommet setting kit, a different kit is needed to set each size of grommet, and as the grommets get larger in size they require more and more hammering force. A size #0 grommet can probably be set with one light blow with a heavy mallet, but a size #8 grommet might take 5 to 7 heavy blows with the same heavy mallet.

Hand Grommet setting kits that use a mallet to set grommets are great for the occasional user, but for higher output or shop use, a Grommet Setting Press will save a lot of time and effort. Grommet Setting presses are able set most sizes of grommets from the smallest to the largest. Simply snap or screw in a different set of grommet setting dies to set different size grommets. Grommet setting presses, are intended to be bolted down to a heavy work bench or floor standing, weighted steel frame. The lever action of the grommet setting press gives even the smallest person enough of force to set the largest grommets. Constant downward force is not required, simply use the weight of the handle, throwing it downward sharply, to generate enough force with 2 slams, to set even a size #15 grommet.Instructions for the grommet press shown here

These are dies for a grommet setting press, Left: Hole Cutter. Center: Bottom Grommet Setting Die. Right: Top Grommet Setting Die.

Shown here is the size #10 Hand grommet setting tool wich sets grommets with a hole diameter of 1.5'', larger size grommets like size #12 & #15 need to be set with a grommet press due to the force required to set them properly. Notice the washer in this photo, it has pointed "spurs" on it. This type of grommet is called a Spur Grommet, the pointed spurs help the grommet hold onto the fabric better, common in the larger size grommets, but not oftern neccesary in smaller sized grommets.

Grommets are often used in vinyl tarps and straps.

Visit our other sites to learn about
Buckles and hardware for webbing straps www.bucklewebbinghardware.com
and www.nylonwebbingstraps.com for information about the different types of webbing material that can accept grommets.
Grommets are also used to attach shock cord to webbing and vinyl, learn about shock cord and elastic here: www.elasticshockcord.biz

www.meshfabric.biz
www.heavydutyfabric.com
www.vinylfabric.co

Stainless Steel Grommets

2012-06-22T18:32:27Z

Stainless Steel Grommets that are specially heat treated to overcome the limitations of hardness and brittleness of Stainless Steel that previously prevented it's use in hand set grommets.

That is right: We now carry Stainless Steel Grommets that can be set with hand tools, and Hand Grommet Setting Kits

Gnarly Wraps™ Reusable Hose & Cable Protector Sleeves

2012-03-14T19:32:56Z

Hose Protector Sleeves made in America. Protect hydraulic hoses and communications cables with Gnarly Wraps™ made from Genuine 1050 D Ballistic Nylon

Tarps Custom Made - Vinyl, Canvas, Mesh, Camo

2012-01-05T21:35:06Z

Heavy Duty Tarp manufacturers, both fabric, and mesh

NEW:Custom Tarps trailer covers, tarpaulins - From MILSPEC Vinyl, CORDURA ® , Ballistic Nylon, Camouflage Materials. Now with Instant Online Price Quotes - No Diagrams to submit; just choose your tarp features from dropdown menus and get an instant quote. For tarps up to 60 Ft. X 25 Ft.
(larger tarps or tarps with unusual features still require a diagram to be submitted to obtain a price quote.)

Custom Vinyl
Mesh Tarps - We also make Vinyl Coated Shade Mesh tarps and sun screens

Sewing Vinyl Coated Mesh - Sewing problems; check your machine

2012-01-02T14:26:00Z

Question_Text:

Hello, I have a Juki-555 commercial sewing machine and am trying to sew the 2mm coated mesh that I bought a few weeks ago from your company. Im curious as to what needle you would recommend? Im was using a the heavy duty thread that was also purchases through your complany. It seems the thread keeps wearing and breaking from the needle. We\'ve tried changing the thread to a different type and changed to a different needle just in case one was faulty. We are currently using Organ Needles 16x231 16x257 Thanks for your time

http://ahh.biz/mesh/vinyl_coated/mesh_vinyl_coated_1_8_mm.htm

http://ahh.biz/mesh/vinyl_coated/mesh_vinyl_coated_2_0_mm.htm

Answer:

We have sewn this material in our shop for years on Juki Machines, with this same thread, the type of needle makes no real difference.

First check the hook of the machine; sometimes the hook gets a burr on it and tears up the thread when it pulls it through. If you are mechanically inclined you can use a jeweler's file to file the burr off; or just replace the hook if the burrs are really bad.

Next check the thread path, see if you have the machine threaded properly; and also check for burrs or sharp spots on the thread path.

Custom Vinyl Mesh Tarps - Now with Instant Online Price Quotes

2011-12-30T16:15:11Z

Design your own Custom Tarp... or Fabric Screen Walls, Mesh Panels or Sun Screens
We now offer instant price quotes on Vinyl Mesh Tarps All our tarps are Made in America, in our Sealy / Houston Texas facility.
Use our online quote form to design your tarp, select the features you want from the drop down menus.
Standard features include:
Up to 60 feet long by 25 feet wide * in 1 inch increments, choice of grommet size: #2 (3/8 inch hole) or #4 (1/2 inch hole), also choice of grommet color: Brass (gold), Nickel plated Brass (Silver) or Black Anodized Brass Grommets (Dull black in color)
Customizable Features also include Grommet Spacing we offer the following Grommet spacings as standard selections: 6'', 8'', 10'', 12'', 18'', 24'', 36'' as well as the option for No Grommets in your tarp.
Additionally, you can select the seam joining method: Welded or Sewn for extra strength

All Vinyl Mesh Tarps come standard with folded hems, reinforced with 1.5'' polypropylene webbing that has an 800 lb. tensile strength; something definately not found in cheap 'off the shelf' tarps made in China and sold in 'Big Box' home improvement stores.

* Tarps larger than 60 ft. X 25 ft, or tarps with unusual, non square or non rectangular shapes; are also able to be produced, but require a formal price quote with a drawing or diagram submitted by the customer. Additional lead time, may also be required for tarps larger than 60 X 25; as your tarp may need to be assembled outdoors; which would be dependent on favorable weather conditons.

High Quality Rotary Leather Punch

2011-10-26T12:33:00Z

question_text:

I am in need of a good quality rotary head punch for using in replaceable. The punches I have bought lately are just Chinese rubbish and they collapse after a few day's use. Is your punch as presented on your web site American or British in its manufacture? For how long is it guaranteed?

Answer:

http://ahh.biz/sewing_tools/professional_hole_punch.html

The rotary leather punch that we carry is made in America and is of the finest quality available, it is made of solid machined steel, not cheap stamped sheet metal. It also has replace-able cutters that screw out. We have used the same rotary punch in our fabrication shop for more than 5 years and it is still good as new. We can guarantee that this tool will last many years longer than any of the cheaply made chinese copies that you have come across.

Sewing Tool 'secret' compartment for needle storage

2011-10-25T13:54:00Z

question_text:

I ordered and received a heavy-duty sewing tool from you about a month or so ago and but it did not have the tools and needles (one straight and one curved) that should have come with it. Can you please send those to me? Thanks.

Answer:

http://ahh.biz/sewing_tools/heavy_duty_sewing_tool_sth001.html

The back of the handle of the tool unscrews and there is a 'secret' compartment where the needles are stored.

We do get quite a few people asking this same question. This tool has kind of an 'old school' design that was simple, conservative and efficient. The tool isn't much good if you lose these small parts, so storage for them was built right into the handle; a design consideration that is not often found today in mass produced items from overseas.

Flexible coated fabric to make barber and hairstylists capes and aprons

2011-10-24T13:32:00Z

question_text:

I am seeking fabric, to make and design Barber and hairstylist capes and aprons. they need to be of water proof material and 100 % polyester/pvc backing. Could you help navigate me to a fabric distributor please..

Answer:

we have a material that would be suitable for this use:

http://ahh.biz/fabric/specialized/coated_nylon_taffeta_fabric.html

This material is thin and flexible enough for aprons and capes used in barbershops or hair salons; the material has a polyurethane backing that is sprayed on instead of laminated, making it much thinner and more flexible, additionally this coating will prevent most spilled liquids or hair gels and hair care products from penetrating onto your customer's clothing, so long as the liquid or gel does not sit for a long period on the material of time (in excess of 2 or 3 minutes to be safe).

We would not recommend a vinyl coated fabric for this use because vinyl must be applied to the base fabric in a thicker coating in order to be durable, this prevents it from having the kind of flexability that you need in this application. Vinyl coated fabrics are better in applications where a higher level of waterproofing is required and draping type flexibility is not required.

Best fabric for making cut vests for hunting dogs

2011-10-20T12:39:57Z

question_text:

i am looking for some materials to make cut vests and cut collars for dogs for hog hunting but i am having trouble finding material that would be ideal if u have any suggestions please let me know i am looking for kevlar or ballistic material.

Answer:

We carry ballistic nylon and also CORDURA®. we would reccomend the CORDURA® 1000 Denier becuase it is more flexible than the Ballistic nylon and comes in colors. Kevlar® although it is stronger than both CORDURA® and Ballistic nylon, degrades quickly when exposed to the elements, especially the UV in sunlight.

http://ahh.biz/fabric/heavy/ballistic_nylon_fabric_1050_denier.htm
http://ahh.biz/cordura/index.htm

We also carry the webbing to make the dog collars:

http://ahh.biz/webbing/nylon/webbing_nylon_heavy_25mm.htm

Mesh material for summer Motorcycle gear

2011-10-19T13:10:00Z

question_text:

I'm looking for mesh fabric like the type used in summer Motorcycle gear. Gear makers describe their mesh fabric in terms like; ballistic mesh, 250 denier mesh, Cordura mesh, etc. I'm looking for mesh fabric that has the abrasion resistance of 1000D Cordura and/or Ballistic nylons but in a mesh, tightly woven, air flow configuration. Can you help me find such fabric?

Answer:

We have a two mesh materials that would be suitable for this use, they are both very strong and abrasion resistant materials of different hole sizes. The smaller hole size material will be stronger because it has more material and less airspace. It really comes down to what balance of strengh and airflow are suitable for your application.

The mesh with the smaller hole size:

http://ahh.biz/mesh/mesh_polyester_hex_1_5_mm.htm

The larger hole size: (this material comes in black or Olive Drab (dull army green color)

http://ahh.biz/mesh/mesh_nylon_hex_3mm.htm

Mesh fabric for making drawstring bags

2011-10-18T18:18:46Z

question_text:

I am looking for a see through nylon type material for making draw string type bags. Do you sell something like this?

Answer:

We have a 6mm hex mesh that works very well for drawstring bags, we stock it in 7 different colors. Black, Orange, White, Green, Red, Blue and Purple. All the colors of mesh except Purple come 60 inches wide. The purple mesh, because of the cost of the purple dye, only comes 48 inches wide, this is done to keep it the same price per yard as the other colors.

http://ahh.biz/mesh/mesh_nylon_hex_6mm.htm

Also; to properly sew mesh you need to reinforce the seams with webbing for optimal strength. Mesh, especially of larger hole sizes does not have enough material present to sew to it's self effectively. It is always a good idea to back all seams and hems with at least 1 inch wide webbing. Nylon webbing is kind of overkill for this purpose. Polypropylene webbing does a great job for this, especially if your drawstring bag is meant for laundry use, or for constant exposure to water like a mesh diving bag or some sort of aquaculture construction.

We carry Polypro webbing in 11 different colors red, orange, navy blue, brown, yellow, grey, white, dark green, pacific blue, and black.

http://ahh.biz/webbing/polypropylene/webbing_polypro_regular_25mm.htm

Custom Made Indoor Golf Simulator Impact Screens

2011-09-26T15:21:46Z

Customer Question

Our golf Pro shop gets a lot of inquiries about replacement screens for indoor golf simulators. Will your Golf Simulator
Replacement Screens fit on:

Optishot Infrared Golf Simulators,

HD Golf Home Theater,
High Definition Golf Executive Simulator,
High Definition Golf Executive Standard Simulator,
High Definition Golf Executive Championship Simulator,

TRUGOLF,
Trugolf Newport Indoor Golf Simulator,
Trugolf Signature Indoor Golf Simulator program,
Trugolf premium Indoor Golf Simulator screen,
Trugolf Horizon Indoor Golf Simulator device,
Trugolf indoor resort Golf Simulator System,

Full Swing Golf indoor Golf Simulation
Full Swing Golf Champion Series
Full Swing Golf Elite Champion
Full Swing Golf Ultimate Champion
Full Swing Golf Sportsman Commercial
Full Swing Golf Professional teaching & training
Full Swing Virtual VR Golf Simulator

Par T Indoor Golf Simulator Double Eagle 2500 Premier
Par T Golf Simulator Double Eagle Elite plus 4 HD

PGA Tour Simulator by 3Trak

Holiday Golf Indoor Golf Simulators
Holiday Golf System 4 Simulator Package
Holiday Golf Home Simulator Package

VisualSports
VisualGolf Simulator

foregolf Golf Simulators
foregolf Sirgul Single Screen Simulator
foregolf Sirgul 180

ProTee Ultimate Golf Simulation Experience
Protee Virtual Golf Simulator

DeadSolid Golf Home Custom Simulator
Deadsolid Full Size Simulator
DeadSolid Golf Shop Shop Simulator

P3proswing PROXCS package impact screen
P3proswing Masters Studio
P3proswing Hanging Impact Screen Virtual Golf Studio
P3proswing Champions Studio large impact screen

True Swing Virtual Golf Simulator

Optishot Home Golf Simulator Deluxe Screen Model
Optishot Home Golf Simulator Full Screen Model

Answer:

Our Replacement Screens Replacement Screen for
Indoor Golf Simulators will fit any projection type indoor golf simulator.
We offer Stock sizes that start at $380, but the reason our Golf Impact screens
will fit any of the virtual golf simulators that you listed is becuase we offer
true custom made screens made to the specifications of our customers.
The customer simply sends a simple diagram or hand drawing showing us the dimensions
of the golf screen and the location for the mounting eyelets (grommets) or mounting
sleeves or tie down straps. We will confirm the design with the customer and then
produce their replacement screen in about 5 business days, rush service is available.
We manufacture our golf impact screens only from Genuine American Made CORDURA®
Durable Nylon Fabric, reinforced with 2'' Polypropylene webbing and solid brass grommets.
Size #4 grommets are standard but we stock 13 different sizes of grommets.
http://ahh.biz/cordura/index.htm

We won't mention any brand names, but our customers tell us that our golf impact screens
are a lot more durable than the original equipment.

http://ahh.biz/manufacturing/golf_impact_screen_replacement.htm

Vinyl Material for HVAC ducts and Air Handling tubes

2011-09-26T15:19:50Z

question_text:

I am trying to find a substitute material for our use for new and replacement fresh air tubes since the material we currently use is not available. Our fresh air tubes are used to allow fresh air to move from overhead metal ductwork to various inlet locations on our production aircraft fuel tanks.

We manufacture aircraft fuel tanks, and in the past we have used rejected, out-of-date, or leftover fuel tank material. The material is received in sheets, cut to a suitable width, and sewn into 6” I.D. tubes. This fuel tank material is 2 oz/sq.yd. nylon fabric coated with nitrile resulting in a 7-mil thick, 5.25 oz/sq.yd. material.

Any new substitute material for the fresh air tubes does not need to be of this specific make-up, but must be durable, flexible, and air-tight. The material may be in sheets suitable for sewing into 6” I.D. tubes, or may be received in pre-made 6” I.D. tubes. Our tubes are typically about 25 feet in length. Pre-made material may be received in rolls as well – 100’ or more. Small pre-purchase sample(s) -1 sq.ft. piece - could be submitted to us for evaluation if you may have an equivalent material.

Answer:

We would reccomend Rubber Duc 18FR

http://ahh.biz/vinyl/vinyl_rubber_duc_18fr_fire_resistant_milspec_vinyl.html

We constructed a soft HVAC duct out of this material for our own manufacturing facility.The advantages to a soft vinyl duct over a metal duct; is that it won't dent if the forklift raises a pallet a little too high and into the AC duct, addtionally it won't rust like a metal duct in corrosive atmospheres.
This material meets Military specifications, as well as NFPA 701s and California Fire Marshall specs for fire resistance. Additionally; this material is a coated vinyl material, not a laminate, that means that it will not de-laminate over time when air is forced between the laminates.

We can also manufacture the air tubes or HVAC ducts for you, just send us a diagram and we'll get you a quote.

http://ahh.biz/manufacturing/vinyl_fabrication_services.html

Mesh Fabric for Trampoline Cover - to prevent debris from falling onto trampoline

2011-09-26T15:18:01Z

question_text:

I am looking for trampoline enclosure netting, or something similar. My grandchild (3) has a trampoline but gets a lot of debris from the trees and I want to make some kind of cover for it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer:

We have several mesh materials that would be suitable for a debris cover for a trampoline. The choice is yours depending on the size of the debris that you are trying to exclude from your trampoline. Our 6mm Hex mesh fabric will keep most leaves from trees from falling on your trampoline, while providing the maximum ventilation, and it comes in several colors.

http://ahh.biz/mesh/mesh_nylon_hex_6mm.htm

We have some vinyl coated mesh that has a finer hole size that is used in sunrooms and patios and would also help to limit the sunlight coming into the trampoline, as well as leaves and smaller debris like pine needles, large insects, and seed pods from maple trees and such.

http://ahh.biz/mesh/vinyl_coated/mesh_vinyl_coated_solar_0_75mm.htm

Inner Tube Cover Fabric - Durable Fabric for Tubing on the lake

2011-09-26T15:15:33Z

question_text:

I am looking to repair a float/tube that is used for tubing behind a boat on our local lake. The innertube is fine, but the fabric covering it is ripped due to sun damage/age. What do you suggest?

Answer:

It depends on how the fabric is attached to the inner tube, if the fabric needs to stretch, I would recommend our waterproof Lycra fabric. It's not extremely strong or abrasion resistant but it does stretch.

http://ahh.biz/products/specialized_materials/waterproof%20lycra.htm

Another material that may work, if stretching is a requirement is our Toughtek® Narraganset non slip rubberized fabric that comes in colors. It is much more durable than the Lycra, but does not stretch as much.

http://ahh.biz/fabric/rubberized/toughtek_narraganset.htm

If the fabric does not neet to stretch, I would recommend our Genuine 1000 Denier Cordura® Fabric, this is one of the most durable fabrics available.

http://ahh.biz/cordura/index.htm

Sales Tax Exempt Purchases for Government entities purchasing Fabric, Vinyl, Webbing and other material.

2011-09-26T15:13:27Z

question_text:

Our agency wants to purchase some fabric, vinyl and webbing from your company. Do you accept Government Tax exempt credit card (VISA)? If I placed the order online will it charge me TAX on checkout?
Thanks

Answer:

You will not be charged sales tax if you place your order normally online, as you are outside the state of Texas (your federal facility is in California, and we do not have an office in the state of California) , but even if you were not outside of Texas, any official purchase for the government will not be charged sales tax. In the case of a government entity located in the state of Texas you would simply place your order for fabric, vinyl, Webbing and other material by fax: 866-220-3801 using some official government purchasing form or official letterhead, and we will bill your card manually to avoid the automated shopping cart from automatically charging sales tax for orders shipped to a Texas address.

http://ahh.biz/utility_pages/ordering_info.htm

Polypropylene webbing - better for items that require frequent cleaning

2011-09-26T15:11:58Z

Use the right webbing for the right job. You would never use Polypropylene webbing for a tow strap or industrial rigging or hauling straps. By the same token , you wouldn't use expensive, high strength nylon webbing for the strap on a diaper bag, or the handle on a EMS bag. First of all, polypropylene has a much coarser, less porus fiber structure that does not readily absorb odors or particles dissolved in liquids, the way that nylon webbing, cotton webbing, or polyester webbing does. Second of all, when you buy nylon webbing you paying for a much stronger material that you don't need.

http://ahh.biz/webbing/polypropylene/webbing_polypro_heavy_50mm.htm

Think about it, this 2 inch polypro webbing has a rated tensile strength of 1600 lbs. Would you even be able to cram 100 lbs. into that diaper bag or insulated cooler that you are making? Why would you pay an extra 25 cent per yard on nylon webbing that has a 4000 lb. rated tensile strength, and that would require you to clean common stains out it with a pressure washer, industrial detergent and a bottle of fibers to vanquish the odor of spilled baby formula or your favorite protein shake.
http://ahh.biz/webbing/nylon/webbing_nylon_herring_bone_50mm.htm

Polypropylene webbing can be washed and deodorized using warm soapy water and gentle scrubbing in your kitchen sink, or washing machine along with odors from foods and everyday use.

Constructing a 1920's Period Shipping Cargo Net Prop for movie.

2011-09-23T21:05:53Z

Question Text:

Hi,

Thank you for your time on the phone today. Your help is much appreciated. Looking for a custom shipping cargo net to replicate a 1920's cargo net similar to the photo. It can be rope style. Any thoughts on this and is it something you can do? This is for a prop for a movie / Television Series. Thanks...

Answer,

The cargo nets of the 1920's were most likely made of natural jute rope, not webbing. However, it may prove extremely difficult to find someone who could weave one authentically out of rope, as these type of cargo nets became obsolete when standard metal shipping containers came into use decades ago.

We could make this type of cargo net out of a natural or buff color cotton webbing that would look very similar to the one in the photo, especially if shown from a distance. Although I wouldn't load it with more than about 250lbs. to be safe. The cotton webbing has unpredictable tensile strength due to natural variations in growing conditions and other variables.

Get us a diagram showing the size and shape of the net and we'll work up a quote.

www.ahh.biz - Specialized Textile Outfitters - and we can make movie props too!

http://ahh.biz/webbing/cotton/webbing_cotton_25mm.htm