TM 10-8400-203-23 I 3-5.  REPAIR  AND  MAINTENANCE  OF  BODY  ARMOR–Continued Table   3-2.   Stitching   Instructions LOCATION General Bartack Overedge side webbing Closing bottom edge at back of armor Elastic webbing on center yoke and action back pieces Attaching  front  and  breast  pocket  flaps,  grenade hanger,  side  webbing,  slide  and  hook-and-pile fasteners,  and  webbing Attaching inner action yoke support and inner ac- tion  supports Attaching  Label STITCH TYPE 301 Bartack (1/2 in) 503 or 504 401 or 301 301 301 301 301 THREAD  SIZE NEEDLE B B E E E E E B BOBBIN B B E E E E E B STITCHES PER INCH 10-14 28 per tack 8-12 10-14 4-8 10-14 4-8 10-14 e.  Outer  Shell  Replacement.  Due  to  the  light  weight  of  the  outer  covering  material  and  low  cost  of  the complete outer shell it is not considered economical to repair badly torn, worn, or damaged outer shells, including   replacement   of   slide   or   hook-and-pile   fasteners,   webbing,   snap   fasteners,   and   grenade hangers. In lieu thereof when a vest exhibits large holes or tears, or an outer shell that is severely worn or soiled, contains inoperative slide or hook-and-pile fastener, badly torn pocket or pocket flaps, damaged front protective flap, inoperative snap fasteners, torn or damaged grenade hanger, and damaged or badly abraded side webbing, replace the entire outer shell. Questionable fabric may be tested with a hand pull test. When replacing the outer shell completely, remove the old outer shell taking care not to damage the vinyl casing, After removal, thoroughly examine the vinyl casing for ruptured heatseals, holes, stiffness or discoloration. 3-9