How to fix an umbrella (replacing a plastic end)

Ok so I have this umbrella that I love and take good care of... but the other day started raining... I used it and when I got home and open it to let it dry, I found that one of the plastic ends was missing... Here's how I fixed the problem... (sorry for the bad photos)

Before you start... I gotta say that I've lost 2 plastic ends of this one, so... I recomend when you buy an umbrella reinforce all thread stitches on it... so you don't have this problem... also the stitches at the middle of each rib tend to unstitch pretty easy... and leaving them lose might twist the ribs...

Step 1: Materials

You need
- the umbrella
- a candle
- pliers
- needle and thread
- cutter
- a thin nail
- matches or a lighter
- a glue bar

Step 2: Measure and cut the glue bar

Ok so I'm using the glue bar as material to make a "plastic" end for my umbrella... so...
Measure the ends of the umbrela and cut the glue bar to match the lenght

Step 3: Shape a side

Using the cutter shape a side of the glue-bar-end... (be careful I lost part of my fingernail in this step)... it doesn't need to be perfect or too look that good...

Step 4: Improve the shape

Using the candle improve the shape to get it round... (don't heat it too much or the glue will drop)

Step 5: Make the holes to stitch it

Heat the nail on the candle flame using the pliers... then "drill" though and though so you can stitch the glue-bar-end to the umbrella...
A second hole will be needed to place it on the umbrella's rib...

Step 6: Stitch the new "end"

Ok... so the "plastic" end is done... all you have to do is stitch it with thread... and place it on the umbrella's rib...

Step 7: Get ready to the next rain

So the umbrella is as great as new... I hope you find this useful...

davidkichi says: Jan 1, 2011. 2:56 AM

Wow, reading this instructable gave me the mental idea for recycling plastic pen caps by drilling holes in it, gluing and sewing them to the end of the missing or broken metal spines. Thanks!