Patriot boot punching tool and other diy boot fitter tools

[arild]

Since I live in boot fitters' no-man's land, I've gathered a few tools over the past couple of years.

Lastly, a foredom copy/dupe from Vevor, chosen explicitly for it's ability to accept 1/4" shaft burr tools; https://m-eur.vevor.com/flex-shaft-c...xoC_YEQAvD_BwE

And today, I ordered the welding clamp derived punch tool from Patriot footbeds;
https://patriotfootbeds.com/en-eur/p...-punching-tool

Anyone used this tool and know any dos and Don'ts with it?

I had a boot cross of sorts at my old house, but it wouldn't really fit in my new, so I'm trying to get a hold of the Atomic one.

Cheers,
Arild/GFB

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[Lord Thomas]

I've been thinking about getting one of those patriot tools for the last couple of years but never got around to it. Also curious to hear from the collective

[gregL]

I've been thinking about getting one of those patriot tools for the last couple of years but never got around to it. Also curious to hear from the collective

I don't have one, but in a pinch (i.e. hut trip or foreign country) I've "punched" boots with just a heat gun or hotel hair dryer or butane torch and pushed on the inside of the shell with a ski glove on until the plastic cooled. If you get the plastic to the right temperature, you don't need a lot of force. Depends, of course, on the boot and type of plastic.

[Westcoaster]

https://www.printables.com/model/741...iy-bootfitting

https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-...ers-64564.html

DIY solutions look not too bad...

[MESH]

I ordered one recently and it's been working great. The boot cuff had to be removed to reach the toe area. I've been using a heat gun on low until it's hot to the touch on the back side. Then lightly clamp and put everything in the freezer for a few minutes.

[arild]

I ordered one recently and it's been working great. The boot cuff had to be removed to reach the toe area. I've been using a heat gun on low until it's hot to the touch on the back side. Then lightly clamp and put everything in the freezer for a few minutes.

Nice. Does the punch hold well with that method?

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[aanev]

I started a small DIY project aiming to create a similar tool using Milwaukee 18"Swivel Locking C-Clamp:

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/48-22-3520

[MESH]

Nice. Does the punch hold well with that method?

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The punches are still holding after a week.

I was thinking about doing a 3D printed one but I wasn't sure about the plastic heads and heat. Patriot looks like it's anodized aluminum.

[aanev]

I am using ABS plastic for the 3D printed parts as it's supposed to handle heat better

[kingsalami]

Another DIY design that works pretty well using PVC fittings I found @ Lowes.
I had to remove the articulated pads at the ends of the jaws & grind the nubs down to fit the PVC fittings.

[dcpnz]

This keeps popping up on my insta feed - looks like perhaps a slightly refined version of these DIY options

https://eastcoastskiing.com/product/...nch-tool-best/

[aanev]

This keeps popping up on my insta feed - looks like perhaps a slightly refined version of these DIY options

https://eastcoastskiing.com/product/...nch-tool-best/

Judging from the photos the clamp is shorter than 18" and I personally find even 18" a bit short when used without removing the cuff.

[tenB]

Judging from the photos the clamp is shorter than 18" and I personally find even 18" a bit short when used without removing the cuff.

24” clamps are readily available

[aanev]

24” clamps are readily available

That might be perfect. Especially, if I can bend them a bit (20-25 degrees).

[Eluder]

I’ purchased patriot heads and my own clamp 2-3 years ago. It works great for what I need most of the time. I really want to find a standard press but the prices have gotten out of hand on them.

[arild]

Great feedback, lads!

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[gregL]

This keeps popping up on my insta feed - looks like perhaps a slightly refined version of these DIY options

https://eastcoastskiing.com/product/...nch-tool-best/

They seem not to know where the navicular is . . .

[arild]

Easy peasy. Heated up on high with medium fan on my preground spots. Heated until very hot to the touch on the inside, then tossed them out for ten minutes in minutes sixteen degrees Celsius. Started heating the next boot in between. Boom. Four punches in an hour.

Sweet tool!

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[shitskier]

Has anyone used a boot stretcher meant for leather cowboy boots to widen the forefoot? Something like this: https://footfitter.com/products/foot...36151628791974

I have a DIY punch tool I made from a clamp, but that's really better for spot punches, as opposed to widening the whole 5th toe/5th metatarsal area.

[Core Shot]

^^^ from experience don’t neglect the liner
Went in for a punch a few years ago and all I got was gill slits on the liner fifth toe. It worked. Pros knows.

[shitskier]

^^^ from experience don’t neglect the liner Went in for a punch a few years ago and all I got was gill slits on the liner fifth toe. It worked. Pros knows.

Sure but also lotsa times the shell itself is narrower than the forefoot. Don't want to get more foot surgery from squeezing into boots.