Kilt Damage From Cheap Sporran Clip

**Mickey** · 17th May 11, 08:01 PM

A lot of folks here probably already know this, but in case anybody else new to the kilt and accessories hadn't thought of it, I thought I'd throw this out there.

I pulled out my SWK Heavyweight wool and noticed what you see below. This happened after a 1 hour outing some time ago and I didn't notice it until now. I generally try to make sure the clip openings face away from the fabric, but I must have missed one that last time. I hate to think what would have happened if this would have been a day long hike.

I think I can repair the damage easily enough, and in any case, this area will always be covered with a sporran, but I'll always know that it is there. Anyway, I have replaced my cheap clips with better ones that I picked up from Sears, shown below. I would have preferred trigger clips, but they didn't have any that were small enough for my taste.

Whether using cheap clips or better quality clips, I would recommend doing what I do on my ceramic fishing rod guides before each use to check for cracks... Drag a cotton swab along every edge you can find, with a bit of pressure. If it snags, get some fine sandpaper, needle file, or small whetstone, and knock off the offending sharp corners and burrs. If the metal can catch the cotton, it is a good bet that it can snag your kilt. And don't forget to check your split rings, chain links, D-rings, or whatever else may rub on the material.

An ounce of prevention and all that.

**Bugbear** · 17th May 11, 08:12 PM

Might want to check the edges of your SWK buckles too, might damage the leather straps. I had to sand and buff mine out.

**Zardoz** · 17th May 11, 09:04 PM

Another good reason to run a sporran strap

**billmcc** · 17th May 11, 09:04 PM

Forget the clips and get yourself an all leather sporran strap.

**Highlander31** · 17th May 11, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Another good reason to run a sporran strap

I agree. That's all I use.

**Dale Seago** · 17th May 11, 09:32 PM

Repeating two words for further emphasis:

Sporran strap.

**English Bloke** · 18th May 11, 02:24 AM

Me too. I don't use chain anymore either.

Edit: Stillwater's Sporran Strap

**artificer** · 18th May 11, 04:43 AM

What they all said.

A one piece sporran strap (yank the D-ring out of the back of your sporran) is worlds more comfortable and convenient than a chain strap.

Just make sure to get a decent one where the edges have been beveled and smoothed over, or you'll get wear all across the apron.

**Mickey** · 18th May 11, 04:43 AM

I have a couple of homemade straps, and my Stillwater strap should be delivered today, but I still occasionally enjoy wearing a chain or hangers, and didn't want this to happen again. Also my son can't possibly wear enough chain on his body, so he has new and overhauled clips now.

Just something I wanted to toss out there so this doesn't happen to somebody else.

Right on, Bugbear. Mine do need a bit of polishing as they like to grab the straps. Something to do tonight.

**Father Bill** · 18th May 11, 05:00 AM

Yeah I noticed snagging the first time I tried mine on. Turned the clips, and then bought a cheap narrow black belt for a really large lady from WalMart - $15.00 It's more comfortable, looks better in my opinion, and creates no wear whatever. I even wear it for dress occasions now just because I like it and trust it. The sporran also hangs better and flops around less. I plan to pick up a couple more.

Thanks for the warning about the edges though - that's important too!