Step-by-Step: How To Put A Football Visor On

Can I put a football visor on any helmet? You can put a football visor on most modern football helmets, but it’s crucial to ensure compatibility. This guide will walk you through the football helmet visor installation process, making football visor attachment simple and secure.

Putting a football visor on your helmet might seem like a straightforward task, but doing it correctly ensures it stays in place, offers clear vision, and adheres to league rules. Whether you’re a player looking to enhance your game with better eye protection or a parent helping a young athlete, this detailed guide will cover everything you need to know about football visor attachment. We’ll break down the entire process, from selecting the right visor to the final tightening of the screws.

Choosing the Right Football Visor

Before you start the football visor mounting process, you need to select the correct visor. Not all visors are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to frustration and an improper fit.

Types of Football Visors

There are two main types of visors to consider:

Clear Visors: These offer maximum visibility and are ideal for players who need the clearest possible view of the field in all lighting conditions. They don’t distort color.
Tinted Visors: These come in various tints like smoke, amber, blue, or even mirrored finishes. Tinted visors can help reduce glare from the sun or stadium lights, improving comfort and focus for some players. However, they can slightly alter color perception and may be less effective in low light.

Visor Compatibility

This is the most critical step in football visor fitting. Manufacturers design visors to work with specific helmet models or series.

Manufacturer Specific: Most visors are made by helmet manufacturers (e.g., Riddell, Schutt, Xenith) and are designed to fit their own helmet lines.
Universal Fit (with caution): Some aftermarket brands claim universal fit, but these often require specific adapter kits or may not provide the same secure football visor mounting as manufacturer-specific options. Always check the visor’s product description for helmet compatibility.

League Rules

Before buying, check your league’s rules regarding visors. Some leagues have restrictions on visor types (e.g., prohibiting mirrored or excessively dark tints) or require visors to be certified.

Gathering Your Football Visor Hardware

Once you have your visor, you’ll need the necessary football visor hardware to attach it. Most visors come with their own mounting kits, but it’s good to know what to expect.

What’s Typically Included?

Visor: The polycarbonate shield itself.
Screws/Bolts: These are the primary fasteners that connect the visor to the helmet. Football visor screws are usually made of durable plastic or coated metal to resist corrosion and prevent damage to the helmet.
Washers: Small rings that go under the screws to distribute pressure and provide a snugger fit.
Clips/Brackets: These are the anchor points on the helmet where the screws thread into. Some helmets have built-in mounting points, while others require separate clips that attach to the helmet shell. These are sometimes referred to as football visor clips.
Instruction Manual: A guide specific to your visor model.

Tools You Might Need (Usually Not Many!)

The beauty of football visor installation is that it typically requires minimal tools.

Phillips Head Screwdriver: Most football visor screws use a Phillips head. Make sure you have the right size.
Flat Head Screwdriver (less common): Some older or specific visor models might use flat head screws.
Small Pliers (optional): To gently hold small clips or nuts if your kit includes them.

Important Note: Never force screws or use power tools. This can strip the screw heads or damage your helmet, compromising its integrity.

Step-by-Step: How To Install A Football Visor

This section breaks down the football visor installation process into manageable steps. The exact order might vary slightly depending on your helmet and visor model, but the core principles remain the same.

Step 1: Prepare Your Helmet

Begin by ensuring your football helmet is clean and dry. Remove any dirt, sweat, or debris from the areas where the visor will attach. This will help ensure a clean fit and prevent scratches.

Step 2: Locate Mounting Points

Identify the designated mounting points on your helmet. These are usually located on the sides, near the temple area, where the face mask attaches or on specific bosses molded into the helmet shell.

Visor Clips: If your helmet doesn’t have integrated mounting points, you’ll need to attach football visor clips. These clips typically hook under the edge of the helmet shell or fit into existing holes. Some clips might require a small screw to secure them to the helmet itself. Consult your helmet manual or the visor’s instructions to see if clips are needed and how they attach.
Pre-drilled Holes: Many modern helmets have small pre-drilled holes specifically for visor attachment.

Step 3: Attach Visor Clips (If Necessary)

If your helmet requires football visor clips, follow these sub-steps:

Position the Clip: Align the clip with the designated mounting area on the helmet. Ensure it sits flush and securely.
Secure the Clip: If the clip has a small screw or mechanism to attach it to the helmet, carefully install it. Do not overtighten. The clip should be firmly in place but not crushing the helmet material.

Step 4: Position the Visor

Hold the visor up to the helmet. Align the visor’s mounting holes with the corresponding mounting points or clips on the helmet.

Start with One Side: It’s often easiest to start by aligning the holes on one side of the visor with the clips/mounting points on one side of the helmet.
Gently Hold in Place: Use one hand to hold the visor firmly against the helmet.

Step 5: Insert and Hand-Tighten Screws

Now comes the core of the football visor attachment.

Insert Screws: Take a football visor screw and, if applicable, a washer. Insert the screw through the hole in the visor and into the mounting clip or helmet boss.
Hand-Tighten First: Begin by turning the screw with your fingers. This helps ensure you’re not cross-threading the screw.
Repeat for All Points: Continue this process for all the mounting points on the helmet. Typically, there are two points on each side.

Step 6: Secure the Visor with Screws

Once all screws are hand-tightened, you can use your Phillips head screwdriver to gently snug them up.

Alternating Sides: Tighten the screws on one side a little, then move to the other side and tighten those screws a little. This helps ensure even pressure and a secure fit.
Do Not Overtighten: The goal is to make the visor secure so it doesn’t move during play. Overtightening can strip the screws, crack the visor, or damage the helmet’s mounting points. The visor should feel solid and not wobble.

Step 7: Final Check

After the screws are tightened, give the visor a gentle wiggle. It should feel stable and firmly attached. Ensure there are no gaps between the visor and the helmet where it mounts.

Football Visor Fitting: Tips for a Perfect Fit

A proper football visor fitting is essential for comfort and performance. Here are some tips to ensure your visor is installed correctly:

Table: Common Football Visor Installation Issues and Solutions

Issue	Cause	Solution
Visor wobbles or is loose	Screws not tight enough; incompatible helmet/visor; missing washers.	Tighten screws gradually; ensure visor is compatible; check if all hardware pieces are present and used.
Screws won’t thread	Cross-threading; damaged threads on screw or helmet; wrong screw size.	Back out screw and try again; check for damage; verify you’re using the correct football visor screws.
Visor obstructs vision	Visor is positioned incorrectly; wrong size visor for helmet.	Re-adjust football visor mounting; consider a different visor model or size.
Visor scrapes helmet	Improper alignment during football visor installation; debris present.	Ensure clean mounting points; re-align visor carefully.
Visor feels unstable	Over-reliance on clips, or clips are not secured properly.	Ensure clips are firmly attached to the helmet before screwing in the visor.

Adjusting for Optimal Vision

Chin Strap Impact: Make sure your chin strap is fastened correctly. A properly fitted chin strap can influence how the helmet sits and, therefore, how the visor aligns with your eyes.
Head Position: While wearing the helmet, tilt your head up and down, and look side to side. Does the visor obscure your peripheral vision? Does it feel like it’s in the way when you look down? You may need to slightly loosen and reposition the visor before the final tightening.

Dealing with Different Helmet Styles

Riddell Helmets: Riddell often uses a specific type of mounting system that might involve small clips that snap into place before the main screws are inserted.
Schutt Helmets: Schutt helmets also have their own designated mounting areas. Some models might integrate mounting points directly into the shell, while others use specialized clips.
Xenith Helmets: Xenith helmets often have a unique football visor attachment system, so refer to their specific installation guides.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific helmet and visor model. The football visor setup can vary slightly between brands.

Maintaining Your Football Visor

Proper maintenance ensures your visor lasts longer and maintains its clarity and structural integrity.

Cleaning Your Visor

Mild Soap and Water: The best way to clean your visor is with mild soap (like dish soap) and lukewarm water.
Soft Cloth: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel. Avoid paper towels, as they can be abrasive and leave scratches.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use Windex, ammonia-based cleaners, or alcohol-based cleaners. These can damage the anti-fog or anti-scratch coatings on many visors, or even the polycarbonate itself.

Storing Your Visor

When the visor is not attached to the helmet, store it in a protective pouch or a safe place where it won’t get scratched or damaged.

Checking Hardware Regularly

Periodically check the football visor screws and clips to ensure they remain tight and secure. Vibration from impacts can sometimes loosen hardware over time.

Common Questions About Football Visor Installation

Here’s a look at frequently asked questions regarding how to install a football visor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Do I need special tools for football visor installation?
A1: Typically, no. A standard Phillips head screwdriver is usually all you need for football visor attachment. Some older or specialized kits might include small wrenches or require specific adapter tools, but this is uncommon for modern visors.

Q2: Can I use a visor from one brand on a helmet from another brand?
A2: It’s generally not recommended. While some “universal” visors exist, they often require adapter kits and may not fit as securely or safely as manufacturer-specific visors. Always prioritize a visor designed for your helmet model for proper football visor fitting.

Q3: My helmet doesn’t have holes for a visor. What should I do?
A3: Many helmets come with separate football visor clips that attach to the helmet shell without needing pre-drilled holes. These clips provide the mounting points for the visor screws. Check your helmet’s specifications or consult the visor manufacturer to see if adapter clips are available.

Q4: How tight should the football visor screws be?
A4: The screws should be snug enough to prevent the visor from wobbling or moving during play, but not so tight that they damage the visor, the screws themselves, or the helmet’s mounting points. Hand-tighten first, then use a screwdriver to gently secure. You should feel resistance, but don’t force it.

Q5: What if my visor fogs up?
A5: Many visors come with anti-fog coatings. If yours fogs up, ensure you are cleaning it properly with recommended solutions. You can also purchase anti-fog sprays or wipes specifically designed for sports visors. Proper ventilation in the helmet can also help.

Q6: Are there rules about what color football visors are allowed?
A6: Yes, many football leagues, especially at youth and high school levels, have specific rules about visor colors. Clear and smoke tints are generally permitted. Darker tints, mirrored finishes, or colors that could obscure the player’s eyes are often prohibited. Always check your league’s official rulebook before purchasing a tinted visor.

Q7: How do I know if my football visor is installed correctly?
A7: A correctly installed visor will feel secure and stable when you gently try to move it. It should not shift or rattle during normal head movement. Ensure it sits flush against the helmet at the mounting points and provides a clear, unobstructed field of vision.

Q8: Can I remove and re-install the football visor multiple times?
A8: Yes, you can usually remove and re-install a football visor. However, be mindful of the hardware. Repeatedly overtightening or cross-threading the football visor screws can damage them or the helmet’s mounting points, making future installations more difficult. Handle the hardware with care.

By following these steps and tips, you can confidently perform football visor installation and enjoy the benefits of enhanced eye protection and improved vision on the field. Remember that proper football visor attachment contributes to both your performance and safety.