How to Make Gauntlet Gloves
Gauntlets are hand armor traditionally associated with medieval knights. A number of other historical warriors also used them. These make a good, realistic addition to many costumes. Gauntlets can also be useful protective gear for combat games, such as Society for Creative Anachronism combat. The metal pieces used in gauntlets are small and do not require much in terms of elaborate shaping. Gauntlets can be made with hand tools purchased in the hardware store.
Things You'll Need
- 20-gauge mild steel sheet metal
- Rivets
- Ball peen hammer
- Leather gloves
- Drill or metal punch
- Tin shears
- Metal file
- Sharpie
- Poster board
- Awl
Instructions
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1
Choose a design of gauntlet to build (see link in Resources). Cut the pattern out in cardboard. Put on the glove and see if the pieces are too small or large to fit your hand. Adjust the pattern size to fit your hand.
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2
Draw the modified pattern out in permanent marker on the sheet metal. Cut the pattern out using tin shears. File the edges of the pieces smooth.
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3
Use a metal punch or drill to put holes in the locations marked on the pattern. Use an awl to poke a hole through the leather in the matching location. Rivet the metal pieces to the glove. Position the rivet head on the inside of the glove and hammer the edges of the rivet until it is firmly held in place.
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Tips & Warnings
For costume pieces, pop rivets can be used easily instead of hammering the rivets. Pop rivets will not be strong enough for gauntlets intended for protection.
Cut sheet metal edges are sharp. Wear protective gloves when cutting and filing the edges of the metal pieces.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit www.flickr.com
