Mag Bag Center Divider Removal

[AZ Pete]

Hi -

I am getting my first Mag Bag in about a week. After reading numerous threads about bag usage and what can fit, I am thinking I might need to remove the center divider (as some members have done). I am going to wait for a while and use the bag as is to see if it is really necessary. However, if I decide to remove the divider how difficult is it to do that (for those of you that have done it)? Just curious...

Thanks!

Pete

[Kt Templar]

Piece of cake, just cut the stitches holding the panel in with a scalpel or razor blade, the panel comes straight out.

Waddaya mean you don't have a scalpel?

[AZ Pete]

I'll try to dig up a scalpel somewhere

Thanks!

Pete

[theinterchange]

if you have one, the removable blade from a box cutter would work. I agree with you to wait and see if it's needed before just whacking it out.

Randy

[PyramidBlaster]

A fabric store (or the sewing department at Wal-mart, etc.) has a tool just for this, called a seam ripper. It's a specialized blade that reduces the chance you'll cut into something else you didn't intend to.

Only costs a dollar or two, looks like this:

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp? ... =xprd78715

I use one of these things all the time.

[clark.j.kent]

I just unpicked it with my Swiss Army Soldier. Didn't want to risk cutting the other parts of the bag. Takes less than 5 minutes to remove, and it makes alot of difference with what you can then put in there.

[raider 57]

I kind of like the dividers myself. But I guess without them there's more room in there.
~raider 57

[theinterchange]

Doh! I didn't think of a seam ripper. That'd be the safest way to go about it!

Randy

[ichnob]

I cut mine off as well. But now that I have a seam ripper, I might as well get that small excess left from the divider out of there.

[Swindiana]

Save it and make an extra pocket.

http://medlem.spray.se/larskalvemark/in ... viipocket/

Regards,
Swindiana

[AZ Pete]

Thanks for the tip, Swindiana! That is a really great idea. If only I knew how to sew...

[Swindiana]

You'll learn buddy. And this is a great way to start, isn't it?

Doing this by hand is really not that hard, but use a pair of pliers since the fabric can be quite thick if going through three layers.

Regards,
Swindiana

[AZ Pete]

Well, I received my Mag Bag and Raiders strap from Wade last week. I love the bag. Wade did a great job on the distressing of the strap as well. It looks fantastic!!! I'll try to post some pics this coming weekend.

So, after hemming and hawing about the center divider, I find that I actually like it (at least for now). It is a good way to help keep things organized. I did buy a seam ripper and some thread in case I want to turn the divider into another pocket (like Swindiana recommended). For now though, I think I will leave it as is.

Lastly, I have read a lot about the color of the bag being too sandy/tan. I actually like the color. In different light the color seems to change slightly.

So...all my grandiose plans to make changes to the bag seem to be unnecessary. Probably best, I would likely mess it up anyway!!!

Regards,

Pete

[Indiana Jerry]

Save it and make an extra pocket.

http://medlem.spray.se/larskalvemark/in ... viipocket/

Regards,
Swindiana

Swindy, a long time ago we talked about making the divider conversion 'flexible'. i.e., reversible.

I LOVE your phone pocket, and I may just do that - I finally retired my old MK VII after 6 years...there's more holes than fabric at this point.

But I still am thinking I want to try making a convertible...I toyed w/ the idea of velcro strips, but I think I'm going to try a nice brass zipper instead.

Know if anyone has had any luck w/ this?

I figure instead of your L-stitch, I put in an L-zipper. And in the original stitch attachment, a short run zip. Leave the traveler on the swing divider, and it can be repositioned as a divider or a pocket.

This ain't gonna work, is it? Aw, what the heck. Pics if I get it to work, promise.

[IndianaBravo]

Hey Swindiana!

I followed the instructios on the link you posted and I dood it! I must say that it was easy and my Todd´s MK VII is so much roomier now. The new pocket is almost custom made for my phone. I sure wish I had done this to my bag when I got it a couple of years ago.

Thanks loads!
IndianaBravo

[afterthedog]

I have a Todd's bag and took out the divider the first time I used it. I wanted room for my camera and telephoto lens for a con in Denver. I just grabbed the divider and pulled on one side of it. I left the other side attached in case I ever decide to put it back in The seams came apart easily (maybe too easily?) and I had plenty of room for the camera and other schwag picked up at the con.

[Indiana Jerry]

Save it and make an extra pocket.

http://medlem.spray.se/larskalvemark/in ... viipocket/

Regards,
Swindiana

Swindy, a long time ago we talked about making the divider conversion 'flexible'. i.e., reversible.

I LOVE your phone pocket, and I may just do that - I finally retired my old MK VII after 6 years...there's more holes than fabric at this point.

But I still am thinking I want to try making a convertible...I toyed w/ the idea of velcro strips, but I think I'm going to try a nice brass zipper instead.

Know if anyone has had any luck w/ this?

I figure instead of your L-stitch, I put in an L-zipper. And in the original stitch attachment, a short run zip. Leave the traveler on the swing divider, and it can be repositioned as a divider or a pocket.

This ain't gonna work, is it? Aw, what the heck. Pics if I get it to work, promise.

Well, I did it. As promised, pics are here:
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=48850

Swindy, thanks again for the inspiration!

[Swindiana]

Regards,
Swindiana