How To: Drill Helmet for HANS and Mount Anchors

[Elbow]

So I recently took on the task of drilling my helmet for HANS anchors. Most helmets these days come pre-drilled, some even have built in threading. If not, you need to drill it yourself and mount the anchors accordingly.

There are video guides online and other how-to guides, but I figured a simple picture step by step guide could be beneficial.

Note: I am NOT responsible for any damage to your helmet, anchor kit, or body resulting from these instructions. Use at your own risk.

What You Need

Helmet
Drill with 1/4 inch drill bit.
Tape measure
HANS anchor kit
Masking tape

Step One: Tape both sides of the helmet and a section in the back.

Step Two: With your tape measure, measure 1 1/2 inch up from the rubber lining at the bottom and make a mark, then draw a line between your marks, just so you have a long marking for a later step. Do this on each side and on the back as well. It will look like this:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2367-1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2368-1.jpg

Step Three: With your tape measure, measure from the center of your shields pivot screw, ten inches to the back of the helmet and make a mark. Do this for each side. Note in this step 10 inches from each side probably won't meet up, that's fine, they're not suppose to.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2371-1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2370-1.jpg

Step Four: Measure the distance between each mark you just made and mark the center. The center between those two marks is the center of the back side of your helmet.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2372-1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2374-1.jpg

Step Five: Measure six inches from the center back mark you just made, to the side line you measured earlier. Where that six inch mark crosses the line is where you will drill. Mark accordingly. This is done on each side of course.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2375-1.jpg

Step Six: Drill. Be very careful and avoid going through your inner padding. Take it slowly and drill straight.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2377-1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2376-1.jpg

Step Seven: Remove the tape after drilling.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2381-1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2382-1.jpg

Step Eight: Get your HANS tool and the backing plate from the anchor. We're going to install the plate into the helmet, you will be wedging the plate between the shell and inner padding. The goal is to align the hole you drilled and the hole in the plate. It will take some wiggling and what not. The HANS tool is much easier than a regular wrench since it's pretty flat. This is done on each side.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2384-1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2385-1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2386-1.jpg

Step Nine: Take the rest of your HANS set and simply screw it in. Leave the tool on the plate but once it gets started you don't need it anymore. Tighten it all down until the point on the post is facing the rear of your helmet.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2388-1.jpg

Step Ten: That's it! You're done, your helmet is now ready to accept the use of a HANS device.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/206_2389-1.jpg

[Sir_Christopher]

good job sir! i though of doing this to my helmet, but then again, I didn't want to risk cracking or compromising the structural dexterity of the helmet, in other words, i didn't want to ruin my 500$ helmet lol

[Elbow]

Thanks. Yeah it's pretty risk free as long as your measurements are right and you drill straight. Some companies still charge to drill for you. lol It's easy! No danger in compromising the structural dexterity of the helmet. lol

[Scotsman]

please explain "hans device"?

[Elbow]

please explain "hans device"?

It's the leading head and neck restraint system, in easy to understand terms, it keeps your head on when you have a heavy frontal impact. The device has tethers that connects to your helmet (the anchors here being installed) and the device rests on your shoulders, being held down by your harness. So when you crash, your head has limited travel preventing neck injury.

http://image.circletrack.com/f/17921976/ctrp_0906_09_z+safety_equipment_support+hans_devic e.jpg

[Scotsman]

ah , very cool , learn something new everyday

[Kyle]

Great post, repd. Hans is an atlanta company too isnt it?

Edit: Must spread rep. Damn socialist IA.

[Doppelgänger]

I remember working for Jim years ago making those things. Fun job. I remember when they made a full carbon version and it broke the test equipment lol.

[Boosted FC]

Great post, repd. Hans is an atlanta company too isnt it?

Edit: Must spread rep. Damn socialist IA.

Downing Atlanta.....Downing/Atlanta Inc. (http://downingatlanta.com/downingatlanta/)

[Confuc1ous]

http://www.nobeltrader.com/images/GeorgePeppard_a.jpg

[Elbow]

http://www.nobeltrader.com/images/GeorgePeppard_a.jpg

:???:

[Sinfix_15]

black and decker drill... man card revoked. That belongs under the kitchen sink in case your wife needs to hang a picture frame or something

nice write up though

[Elbow]

black and decker drill... man card revoked. That belongs under the kitchen sink in case your wife needs to hang a picture frame or something

nice write up though

Who said it wasn't under the kitchen sink? :ninja: