How should I best remove MOLLE from a backpack?

[MertzMan]

So, I got a generic unbranded army bag at about 50L with some Molle straps on it from a friend to tide me over until I can save for a Vulcan. I quite like army kit but I've really gone off Molle webbing in a big way.

How should I best remove it with the least chance of damaging the underlying material of the bag? Sharp knife? some special tool for the job? Special trick of the trade or just dive in?

I'm not even a novice sewer, I've never sewn anything, ever!

Any advice is much appreciated

 

[ozzy1977]

Just leave it on, if you unpick the stitching you will end up with a bag as waterproof as a tea bag and a lot weaker. At the end of the day if you dont like the molle straps dont use them.

 

[tiger stacker]

Carefully unstitch with a razor blade. If you are intending to pass it on when the vulcan arrives.

 

[ozzy1977]

It would be worth more Intact and not full of holes

 

[Mick721]

Just leave it on, if you unpick the stitching you will end up with a bag as waterproof as a tea bag and a lot weaker. At the end of the day if you dont like the molle straps dont use them.

+1. If you don't like it, just leave it. Molle takes a lot of sowing to attach. It has to to take the weight of whatever is attached onto it. If removed it can only reduce the integrity of the fabric it is sewn on to.

 

[Macaroon]

I wouldn't take it off for the reasons stated in the above posts - you'll ruin the pack. If, however, you are determined to remove it you can get seam un-pickers at any sewing supplies place, one of those will prevent you cutting the material of the pack itself but it won't be an easy or a quick task.....................

 

[MertzMan]

Ta for your thoughts all.

It's not worth more than a tenner at best as it's destined for kit heaven soon... I'll sleep on it and see how I feel.

 

[santaman2000]

I wouldn't take it off for the reasons stated in the above posts - you'll ruin the pack. If, however, you are determined to remove it you can get seam un-pickers at any sewing supplies place, one of those will prevent you cutting the material of the pack itself but it won't be an easy or a quick task.....................

Plus 1 to this post. If you're determined to remove it, use the proper tool and loads of slow patience. But it's be best to leave it on, not only for the itegrity of the pack, but it'll be more valuable when you pass it on.

 

[tiger stacker]

Stick a picture up

 

[MertzMan]

Stick a picture up

I've no camera or else I would oblige

 

[Shambling Shaman]

If you really want too then one of these is worth it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-x-Beige...Crafts_Sewing_Supplies_MJ&hash=item27d618ea43

 

[Corso]

I'd leave it - having done the same in the past the Molle improved the regidity and without out it your bag will look a mess particularly if its a cheap 'copy' - trust me been there done that