Table of Contents
- Best Fire Helmet Front Holders: Quick Comparison
- 1. All American Brass Front Holder, $65
- 2. Black All American Brass Front Holder, $65
- 3. Customizable All American Brass Front Holder, $75
- 4. DCFD All American Brass Front Holder, $50
- 5. Carved Front Holders for Service, $45
- Helmet Compatibility Matrix for Brass Front Holders
- How to Install a Fire Helmet Front Holder
Last Updated: August 27, 2026
A fire helmet front holder is a brass or metal mounting assembly that secures your helmet's front piece, shield, nameplate, or insignia using rivets or screws. At EH Coverings, we manufacture every component from American materials, in an American factory, by American workers.
The brass front holders below fit MSA, E.H. Coverings, Cairns, and Morning Pride helmets. Whether you're restoring a vintage leather helmet, upgrading your daily driver, or outfitting a full company, this guide breaks down each option by price, finish, compatibility, and use case.
According to NFPA 1971 structural firefighting protective ensemble standards, helmet hardware must maintain structural integrity under thermal and impact conditions consistent with firefighting operations. Choosing hardware built to that standard is the baseline.
Below, we cover five core products, a full compatibility matrix, and a step-by-step installation guide.
Best Fire Helmet Front Holders: Quick Comparison
Quick Picks:
- Best Overall: All American Brass Front Holder ($65), widest compatibility, classic polished finish
- Best for Custom Departments: Customizable All American Brass ($75), three finish options
- Best Budget Option: Carved Front Holders for Service ($45), carved eagle design, great for in-service upgrades
- Best Department-Specific: DCFD All American Brass ($50), proven design at the most accessible price point
- Best for a Tactical Look: Black All American Brass ($65), matte or gloss black, reworked for maximum strength
| Product | Price | Finish Options | Helmet Compatibility | Includes Hardware |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All American Brass Front Holder | $65 | Polished brass | MSA, EHC, TL2, Cairns 1010/1044, Morning Pride Ben 2 | Yes, 3 rivets |
| Black All American Brass | $65 | Matte black, gloss black | MSA, EHC, TL2, Cairns 1010/1044, Morning Pride Ben 2 | Yes, 3 rivets |
| Customizable All American Brass | $75 | Brass, matte black, gloss black | MSA, EHC, TL2 | Yes, 3 rivets |
| DCFD All American Brass | $50 | Matte black, gloss black, brass | MSA, EHC, TL2, Cairns 1010/1044, Morning Pride Ben 2 | Yes, 3 rivets |
| Carved Front Holders for Service | $45 | Brass | Paul Conway American Heritage | Yes |
1. All American Brass Front Holder, $65
The All American Brass Front Holder is the flagship product in the EH Coverings lineup. This classic polished brass front holder fits the widest range of helmets: MSA, E.H. Coverings leather helmets, the TL2, Cairns 1010, Cairns 1044, and Morning Pride Ben 2.
The holder ships with 3 brass rivets for mounting. Classic art options are available, and custom configurations can be requested directly. The brass construction provides corrosion resistance that steel hardware cannot match in high-humidity fireground environments.
Best for: Firefighters who want a traditional polished aesthetic on a leather helmet with broad compatibility across major helmet brands.
- Finish: Polished brass
- Compatibility: MSA, E.H. Coverings, TL2, Cairns 1010/1044, Morning Pride Ben 2
- Hardware included: 3 brass rivets
- Custom options: Available on request
Add to cart, All American Brass Front Holder ($65)
2. Black All American Brass Front Holder, $65
The Black All American Brass brings a popular design from the EH Coverings archive, reworked and strengthened for current demands. Available in matte black and gloss black, this front holder carries the same All American manufacturing standard as the flagship in a more tactical finish.
The holder fits MSA, E.H. Coverings leather helmets, the TL2, Cairns 1010, Cairns 1044, and Morning Pride Ben 2. Each piece ships with 3 rivets and a sticker pack.
The reworked internal structure makes this worth the same $65 as the polished version. EH Coverings redesigned the holder to be stronger than the original run. If your department had issues with older black front holders cracking under thermal stress, this is the answer.
- Finish: Matte black or gloss black
- Compatibility: MSA, E.H. Coverings, TL2, Cairns 1010/1044, Morning Pride Ben 2
- Hardware included: 3 rivets + sticker pack
Add to cart, Black All American Brass ($65)
3. Customizable All American Brass Front Holder, $75
For departments ordering together or firefighters who want a specific finish combination, the Customizable All American Brass is the right pick. At $75, it's available in polished brass, matte black, or gloss black with the same reworked, heavy-duty construction as the Black All American.
The minimum order is 2 units. This is designed for department orders, station purchases, or pairs of firefighters coordinating their kit.
What you get: Three finish options under one SKU, 3 rivets per piece, and a sticker pack. Compatibility covers MSA, E.H. Coverings leather helmets, and the TL2.
This SKU doesn't list Cairns 1010/1044 or Morning Pride Ben 2 compatibility. If you're running older Cairns hardware, verify fit with EH Coverings before ordering.
- Finish: Brass, matte black, or gloss black
- Compatibility: MSA, E.H. Coverings, TL2
- Hardware included: 3 rivets + sticker pack
- Minimum order: 2 units
Add to cart, Customizable All American Brass ($75)
4. DCFD All American Brass Front Holder, $50
The DCFD All American Brass is the most accessible price point at $50. It covers the broadest compatibility range: MSA, E.H. Coverings, TL2, Cairns 1010, Cairns 1044, and Morning Pride Ben 2. Available in matte black, gloss black, and brass, it ships with 3 rivets and a sticker pack.
The real differentiator at this price point is the compatibility spread. Most budget-tier front holders narrow their fit to one or two helmet models. The DCFD model covers five. For a department with mixed helmet inventory, that matters.
A common mistake: Firefighters assume department-branded front holders only fit the department they're named for. The DCFD model is a design reference, not a restriction. The hardware fits any of the compatible helmets listed above.
- Finish: Matte black, gloss black, or brass
- Compatibility: MSA, E.H. Coverings, TL2, Cairns 1010/1044, Morning Pride Ben 2
- Hardware included: 3 rivets + sticker pack
Add to cart, DCFD All American Brass ($50)
5. Carved Front Holders for Service, $45
The Carved Front Holders for Service are the entry point at $45, featuring carved eagle designs produced by Liberty Art Works. These are the only option here with traditional hand-carved aesthetic detailing.
Carved Eagle Design Details
The carved eagle front holder is fully American: American materials, American factory, American workers. The carving work comes from Liberty Art Works, bringing a retro look to an in-service helmet without requiring a full restoration.
These front holders fit only the Paul Conway American Heritage helmet. If you're on MSA, Cairns, or Morning Pride, choose from the All American or DCFD models instead.
At $45, this is the most affordable way to add carved heritage detailing to a duty helmet. The carved eagle design signals fire service tradition and professional craftsmanship.
- Finish: Brass with carved eagle detail
- Compatibility: Paul Conway American Heritage only
- Carved by: Liberty Art Works
- Price: $45
Add to cart, Carved Front Holders for Service ($45)
Helmet Compatibility Matrix for Brass Front Holders
| Helmet Model | All American Brass | Black All American | Customizable | DCFD All American | Carved (Liberty) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSA (standard) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| E.H. Coverings leather | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| TL2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cairns 1010 | Yes | Yes | No* | Yes | No |
| Cairns 1044 | Yes | Yes | No* | Yes | No |
| Morning Pride Ben 2 | Yes | Yes | No* | Yes | No |
| Paul Conway American Heritage | No | No | No | No | Yes |
*Customizable model compatibility with Cairns and Morning Pride not confirmed in product listing, verify with EH Coverings before ordering.
The MSA and E.H. Coverings leather helmet fit is the core design target for every product in this lineup. If you're on MSA, every option except the Carved Liberty model will work. If you're on Cairns 1010 or 1044, the All American and DCFD models are your safest choices.
The TL2 compatibility is often overlooked. Many firefighters assume the TL2's construction requires different hardware dimensions. It doesn't; all four main models fit it without modification.
For older Cairns helmets, verify the specific model number against this matrix. A common mistake is assuming fit based on helmet brand alone without checking the specific model. Contact EH Coverings directly before ordering if your helmet has been modified or has non-standard hardware.
As the CPSC guidelines on personal protective equipment hardware note, hardware attachment points on protective gear should be verified against the specific model's mounting specifications.
How to Install a Fire Helmet Front Holder
Installing a brass front holder correctly takes about 15-20 minutes and requires minimal tools. The most common error is skipping the alignment step before driving the rivets, which leaves the holder cocked to one side permanently.
Tools and Hardware You'll Need
- Brass front holder (with included rivets)
- Center punch or awl
- Drill with appropriate bit for your helmet shell material
- Rivet setter or ball-peen hammer
- Backing plate or bucking bar (for leather helmets)
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Painter's tape (for marking alignment)
- Replacement brass rivets if needed, EH Coverings Brass Hardware ($6 for 5)
The included 3 rivets cover a standard single-front-holder installation. If you're doing a full restoration and also replacing seam bands, pick up Brass Seam Bands ($23 for set of 4) at the same time.
Step-by-Step Mounting Instructions
Step 1: Mark your centerline. Use painter's tape across the front of the helmet shell. Measure from the left and right edges of the brim to find the true center. A front holder that's even 3mm off-center is visible at inspection distance.
Step 2: Position the front holder. Hold the brass front holder against the helmet shell at the marked centerline. Confirm it sits flush with no gap between the holder base and the helmet shell.
Step 3: Mark the rivet holes. With the holder held in position, use a center punch or awl through each rivet hole to mark the drill points on the helmet shell.
Step 4: Drill pilot holes. Remove the holder and drill pilot holes at each marked point. Use a bit sized to your rivet diameter; undersizing is better than oversizing. For high-temperature thermoplastic helmet shells, use a slow drill speed to prevent cracking.
Step 5: Set the rivets. Position the front holder over the pilot holes. Insert the first rivet through the holder and the helmet shell. Place your backing plate against the rivet tail on the interior side. Set the rivet head using a rivet setter and hammer. Repeat for the remaining two rivets.
Step 6: Check alignment and seating. Confirm the holder sits flush and centered with no movement or play. If a rivet is loose, it needs to be replaced; a loose front holder on a structural firefighting helmet is a safety issue.
For guidance on helmet hardware standards, the NFPA 1971 protective ensemble standard for structural and proximity firefighting is the authoritative reference. Any hardware modification should maintain compliance with the helmet manufacturer's specifications.
After installation, press firmly on the front holder from multiple angles. It should not shift, rotate, or flex. If it does, the rivets need to be reset before the helmet goes back into service.
Maintenance after installation: Brass develops a natural patina over time. Many firefighters prefer this look. If you want to maintain the polished finish, apply brass polish every few months. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. For long-term brass front holder maintenance, guidance on brass care and corrosion prevention from the Copper Development Association provides useful context on how brass alloys respond to heat, humidity, and cleaning agents common in fire service environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are brass front holders compatible with all MSA Cairns helmets?
Not all brass front holders fit every MSA Cairns model. EH Coverings brass front holders are designed to fit MSA and E.H. Coverings style leather helmets, the TL2, Cairns 1010, Cairns 1044, and Morning Pride Ben 2. The Carved Front Holders for Service fit the Paul Conway American Heritage only. Always check the compatibility notes on each product page before ordering to confirm your specific helmet model is covered.
How do you install a brass front holder on an MSA fire helmet?
Installing a brass front holder on an MSA fire helmet requires positioning the holder on the front of the helmet shell, marking the rivet holes, and driving brass rivets through the shell to secure the attachment assembly. Each EH Coverings front holder ships with three brass rivets. A rivet setter and a backing block make the job straightforward. The full step-by-step process is covered in the installation section of this guide.
What is the difference between a carved eagle and a standard front holder?
A standard brass front holder features a flat or engraved face plate, often carrying a department logo, maltese cross, or number plate. A carved eagle front holder adds dimensional relief work, with a sculpted eagle design cut directly into the brass. EH Coverings' Carved Front Holders for Service use Liberty Art Works carved eagle designs and are priced at $45, making them an accessible option for upgrading an in-service helmet with a traditional, retro look.
Are brass front holders more durable than plastic alternatives?
Brass front holders offer better corrosion resistance and a longer service life than plastic alternatives under typical structural firefighting conditions. Brass holds a polished or matte finish through repeated cleaning cycles and does not crack or become brittle with age the way some plastics do. For a career-length piece of firefighter equipment, brass construction is the standard choice among fire service professionals who want protective gear that matches the lifespan of their helmet.
Do MSA Cairns helmets require specific hardware for front holders?
MSA Cairns helmets use brass rivets as the standard fasteners for front holder attachment. EH Coverings includes three brass rivets with every front holder purchase. If you need additional fasteners for a restoration or replacement project, the Brass Hardware set ($6.00) provides five loose brass rivets sized for front holder and crown mounting. Using the correct rivet size ensures a secure fit without damaging the helmet shell.
EH Coverings builds brass front holders for firefighters who expect their gear to outlast their career, not just their current assignment. Every product in this lineup ships with mounting hardware, fits the industry's most common helmet platforms, and is manufactured entirely in America. Add to cart and get the hardware your helmet deserves.
This article was written using GrandRanker