Orange handled machete--How to change the color?

[LockStocksAndBarrel]

I have had a trusty old machete for over 20 years. It's an old friend and I want to keep it but the orange handle is driving me nuts. in a SHTF scenario, it will be VERY visible.

It's made of a molded thermoplastic of some sort.

I need to make it a darkk brown or green or even black. Any ideas how I can accomplish this?

Thanks in advance for a reply.

 

[snorko]

I've always been partial to brighter colors for machetes, lighters/fire making stuff and some flashlights. I figure if I am starting a fire or hacking brush, I am not being covert and the orange handle is more easily found if dropped, etc.

 

[Trigger Time]

Spray paint. They make a type that is for plastics.

 

[fire259]

RIT Dye Odds and Ends | Rit Dye

 

[buzzined]

Krylon: Products: Fusion for Plastic®

 

[goinggreyfast]

One could use the old grips as a template and custom build some from hardwood.

I'm considering doing that with my S&W 38 Spec Mod 10.

 

[LockStocksAndBarrel]

Thanks for the tips. I like the paint idea but I'm wary of it holding up to use. The dye was intriguing though. I might try that. I'll post what I try and the results if you guys are interested.

 

[Hammerhead]

Black duct tape?

 

[Trigger Time]

Thanks for the tips. I like the paint idea but I'm wary of it holding up to use. The dye was intriguing though. I might try that. I'll post what I try and the results if you guys are interested.

If you rough up and properly prep the surface before painting then it should hold up very well.

 

[tradertator]

I seen "tactical duck tape" in an ACU pattern the other day @ Menard's.

 

[joslar15]

Plasti-dip

 

[Fiddleback]

Paint and ducttape are good suggestions. I use plastidip. Its a tool dip to put the latex handle on pliars and stuff. I use it a lot all over the shop. It would work here too. Its tuff stuff. Use a few coats so its nice and thick. When it wears, peel it off and start from scratch.

 

[Fishersjohn48]

You might try the spray on bed liner products. They can be found in a few different colors and are slip resistant and seem to hold up to use very well. If it gets thin, you can always re touch it.

 

[TiminMishawaka]

Wrap it in paracord

 

[DaKruiser]

Wrap it in paracord

Why purple?

I would gut paracord, wrap the handle and soak it with superglue or fiberglas resin.

 

[Trigger Time]

Why purple?

I would gut paracord, wrap the handle and soak it with superglue or fiberglas resin.

This sounds very nice! By gut, do you mean take out the white strings?

 

[DaKruiser]

This sounds very nice! By gut, do you mean take out the white strings?

Yep, it will lay flat but give a good grippy texture. My only concern is with resin, I'm not sure if it will melt the cords shell?!?!

I think I'll try it!

 

[drbarnes]

Yep, it will lay flat but give a good grippy texture. My only concern is with resin, I'm not sure if it will melt the cords shell?!?!

I think I'll try it!

pics! or it didnt happen.

 

[Trigger Time]

Yep, it will lay flat but give a good grippy texture. My only concern is with resin, I'm not sure if it will melt the cords shell?!?!

I think I'll try it!

Yes please report back with your findings.

 

[csaws]

Wrap it in paracord

Why purple?

I would gut paracord, wrap the handle and soak it with superglue or fiberglas resin.

I too will vote for papracord, although mine won't be purple