The clip is the part of a holster or sheath that actually holds it on you, and it is the part most people never think about until it fails. A clip that slips off the belt on the draw, rides up, or will not fit a duty belt makes a good holster useless. This guide explains the four kinds of clips and mounts we use and sell, what each is for, and how to choose.
Belt clip
A spring clip that hooks over the belt and under it, holding by tension and by the lip that catches the belt's bottom edge. Fast to put on and take off, low profile, and the standard on every IWB holster and multitool sheath we make. Our IWB holster clips cant 20 degrees either way; the Kydex Sheath Belt Clip is the universal replacement for every Clip & Carry sheath, $7.99. Fits belts up to about 1.75 inches.
Tek-Lok
A hinged polymer clamp that closes around the belt and locks, so it cannot come off without opening it. Adjusts with spacers to belts from 1.5 to 2.25 inches, which makes it the mount for duty belts, thick gun belts, and MOLLE webbing. Slower on and off than a clip and bulkier, but it will not leave the belt on the draw. The Tek-Lok Belt Clip replaces the standard clip on any Clip & Carry sheath, $9.99.
MOLLE clip
A flat clip that weaves through PALS webbing on a pack, vest, or bag and locks, using the screws from the original belt clip. For carrying a sheath on a pack strap, a plate carrier, or a range bag instead of a belt. The MOLLE Clip for Sheaths, $9.99.
Hook and loop
Not a clip: a panel of loop on the holster that sticks to hook on a belly band, bag, or vehicle mount. Not strong enough alone to hold a holster on a belt, which is why it belongs on a STRAPT-TAC belly band, where the band's elastic does the holding and the hook-and-loop only positions the holster. It is also what the internal holsters in concealed carry bags attach with.
How to choose
| Mount | Belt width | On/off | Security | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belt clip | Up to 1.75" | Seconds | Good | Everyday IWB, multitool sheaths |
| Tek-Lok | 1.5" to 2.25" | A minute | Locked | Duty belts, heavy tools, thick belts |
| MOLLE clip | PALS webbing | A minute | Locked | Packs, vests, bags |
| Hook and loop | Any | Instant | Positional only | Belly bands, CCW bags |
Frequently asked questions
Do all Clip & Carry sheaths use the same clip?
Yes. The belt clip, Tek-Lok and MOLLE clip are interchangeable across the whole sheath line.
Will a belt clip fit a 2-inch duty belt?
No. Use the Tek-Lok, which adjusts to 2.25 inches.
Can a belt clip come off on the draw?
A good one hooks under the belt and does not. A Tek-Lok cannot.
Can I mount a holster with hook and loop alone?
Only inside a belly band or bag. It is not a belt mount.
Are the sheath clips the same as the holster clips?
The holster clip is built into the holster and cants. The sheath clip is the swappable part sold separately.
The bottom line
Belt clip for daily carry, Tek-Lok for a duty belt, MOLLE for a pack, and hook-and-loop only inside a belly band or bag.
Related reading
Concealed carry clip holsters explained
MOLLE clips: how to mount your sheath to a pack or vest
What makes a good concealed carry holster
