Old helmet advice wanted

**ELectronicFlesh** · 1st April 2013, 22:13

I've been given a helmet which has never faced a hard impact, however the foam(?) beneath the outer helmet and the inner material rolls off like dead flakey skin.
Is it safe to use this helmet? Is there some way to fix this? The helmet is from May 1985.

**blackdog** · 1st April 2013, 22:22

PM Darwin. He is an expert in these things.

**Disco Dan** · 1st April 2013, 22:29

You could use an electron microscope to check for minute cracks in the shell and inner.... but probably cheaper to buy a new one....

**bosslady** · 2nd April 2013, 06:07

Not sure if this is a piss take or not but no, it is not safe to use. At least it's not safe until you fall off and you actually need to use it! You cannot repair it, it's done for. Best thing you can do is destroy the helmet (so no one else can possibly use it) and put it in the bin, take it to the tip etc. If you really need a lid and you're strapped for cash go and buy a new cheapy one for around a hundy, that would be safer than the one you've been given.

**Akzle** · 2nd April 2013, 06:25

just. dont.

**awayatc** · 2nd April 2013, 06:56

safe only if you wear it in properly and
oil it daily before you wear it back to front for first 3 months.
will later also explain how best to make use of exhaust pipe....

**Jantar** · 2nd April 2013, 07:58

There is a simple 4 step method for checking old helmets.

1. Visually inspect the helmet shell for any sign of damage. This may be in the form of indentations, deep scratches, chiped shell etc. If there is any damage then discard the helmet.

2. Check the straps. Any signs of excessive wear, failing buckles, stitching failing etc then discard the helmet

3. Check the helmet inner foam padding for signs of deformation. As any deformation will occur between the foam and the shell the only way to check this is to take a hack saw and carefully cut the shell in half from ear to ear. If there is any sign of deformation in the foam then discard the helmet.

4. Repeat step 1.

I have used this method on a number of old helmets and you would be suprised how many fail. Most fail at step 1, some at step 2, and the rest at step 3. I have only ever had 1 helmet fail at step 4.