How to Put Holes in the Liners of Football Helmets

Helmets keep your head safe from hard hits.

The inside liner of a football helmet is engineered to absorb force and protect your head in a collision. However, depending on the helmet liner’s design, the helmet may block a significant amount of air flow to your head and face, creating a stifling heat that makes staying focused on the game fairly difficult. You can punch a few holes in your helmet liner to improve airflow without negatively affecting your personal safety. Holes in the liner also allow you to run communication electronics through the helmet.

Things You'll Need

• Marker
• Power drill
• ½ inch drill bit

Instructions

1. Remove the foam liner from your football helmet. Liners are usually secured by simple snap buttons.

2. Examine the top of the foam for air holes. Some liners may already have holes, in which case you should avoid making modifications.

3. Check the shell of the helmet for air holes. Mark the areas on the foam liner that correspond to these air holes; if your holes line up, you will get more airflow.

4. Drill holes through the foam at each of the marked locations. Use a slow drill speed to avoid tearing the foam and make sure each hole runs all the way through.

5. Insert the foam back into the empty shell.

References

• Sportales: How to Make a Football Helmet
• Skullworx: FAQ
• Motorcycle Touring Made Easy: Installing a Headset Can be Easy