🔥 How to Mount Your Fire Helmet Shield (Without Screwing It Up)

So, you finally got your custom leather helmet shield — now what?
It’s time to mount it right. Whether you’re breaking in a brand-new Phenix lid or throwing it on a battle-worn traditional Cairns Leather, here’s how to do it without looking like a probie.

Your fire helmet shield won’t come pre-punched, and that’s not a mistake — it’s on purpose. Every helmet sits a little differently, and we leave it to you (or your quartermaster) to punch it where it fits best.

Why? Because cookie-cutter mounting doesn’t work when your lid has been bent, scorched, or broken in. If you want your custom leather shield looking squared away, you’ve got to line it up yourself.

Before you touch a drill or leather punch, hold the shield on your helmet and figure out where it naturally sits best. Hold it on there like you want it to sit. Some firefighters like it high and tight, others drop it a little lower. Your call — but alignment comes first.

Once it’s where you want it, press it firmly into the screw heads or studs. That pressure will leave marks on the back of the shield that you can use for punching or drilling. Double check. Then check again. Crooked shields = roasted at the kitchen table.

If you’re mounting a Phenix First Due or a similar modern lid, you’ll usually be working with a simple screw or nut setup. Traditional helmets like the Cairns N6A and TL2 often have studs built in. Either way, you don’t need anything fancy — a leather punch or sharp drill bit will get the job done. You want the hole the same size or slightly larger then the stud/screw going through the shield.

Pro tip: Don’t make the hole the same size as the screw head or nut — that’ll leave you with a sloppy fit. If you’re drilling, use a sharp bit, go from back to front, and slide a piece of cardboard between the shield and the table to protect the leather face. Even better, grab a buddy to hold the shield steady while you drill.

Line it back up with your holes and bolt it down. Tighten until it’s snug — not until the leather cries for mercy. If your fire helmet didn’t come with mounting hardware, you can grab a shield mounting kit online.

Now throw your lid on and wear it like you mean it. First day with a new helmet shield? Expect questions. And by questions, we mean relentless firehouse sarcasm.

Wear it with pride, because that leather shield says something — and it’s not quiet.

Your helmet isn’t just gear — it’s your identity on the fireground. A custom leather shield sets you apart, carries your company pride, and takes the beating right along with you. Whether you’re ready to order a new shield or still figuring out size and layout, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step guides and custom options that fit any lid.

• Shop Custom Fire Helmet Shields →
• See Sizing & Fit Guide →

Got questions? Hit us up. We’ll walk you through it — or give you grief until you get it mounted straight.