Introduction: Quick, Cheap & Easy Fix for Frayed Laces / Broken Aglets
OK, there are probably more than 10 different ways to repair frayed laces due to wear and tear. This is just another way. In my opinion most simplest & quickest method that I could think of using minimal requirements. Just two actually. (well If you skip the glue, just one.)
So you need
1. Thread (Preferably cotton, as it soaks in lot of glue and grips better)
2. Any glue used for crafts, leather repair, furniture repair will do But NOT superglue! I used craft glue 'Fevicol'
3. Toothpaste (Optional)
Step 1: Apply Some Glue on the Frayed End.
Dab the frayed end on tiny amout of glue. Take in the glue like a paintbrush.
Step 2: Wrap It Tightly With Thread. (Cotton Thread)
Wrap one end of thread around your finger. Take the other end of thread and start winding the thread around the tip, starting from about 1cm opposite to the frayed end & finish towards the tip. Try to wind it as closely & tightly as you can. The more tight you wind, the thinner the end will be. Don't worry if you leave a sopt. You can comeback and cover the missed spot. At this point glue will start to drip. Just wipe it and continue.
Step 3: Tie Both Ends of Thread & Leave It to Dry.
After you finish, tie both ends of the thred. Twice. And leave it for drying for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Apply Toothpaste & Leave It to Dry.
After it dries, it may look messy due to the glue and grime, just apply some toothpaste & leave it for drying for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Make It Neat and Tidy.
After it dries, just rub a brush off excess dried toothpaste & make it look even. Snip tiny bit of the tip to make it look clean.
Step 6: Done!
Done!
I initially was hesitant to write this instructable as i wanted to test the integrity of this fix, but it's actually quite strong, its been three days now & it hasn't come apart. For a quick fix, I think it's quite durable..plus it's flexible; Ideal for lacing in my opinion.
Let me know what you think.
Oh I forgot, what if you have colored laces? Well I can only suggest. (Since I havn't tried it)
What you could do is, depending on what color the shoe lace is, you can mix color in the toothpaste, or use sketch pens or marker pens after it has dried.
26 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
I just saw this after uploading mine. I should have checked for prior Instructables. I used a whipping knot (which I see was suggested above) and also repaired them by fusing with heat. With the whipping knot you don't need glue to keep it rigid and it lasts for a long time. It's in the video.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Repairing-your-Shoelaceswith-Floss/
For colored laces, I would suggest using colored thread to match. The glue will hopefully dry clear and the color will show through.
10 years ago on Introduction
I suggest learning a knot called Whipping:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_whipping
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! :)
11 years ago on Introduction
I've used electrical heat shrink tube. Worked great.
11 years ago on Introduction
Heat shrink tubing my friends, you're welcome ;)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Darn, I thought I might make a similar 'ible with the heat shrink, but then I found out one of the side links was on that exactly :(
11 years ago on Introduction
I find that for polyester-sheathed cotton laces (the kind you find on tennis shoes and the like - they're round not flat), one only needs to grab a wet paper towel, put the frayed end into a small flame (a gas stove on medium heat should do) until the cotton burns away, then pulling on it with the wet paper towel to smooth the melted polyester into a sealed end works very well.
11 years ago on Introduction
I use heat shrink for electronic wire and walla instant repair
Ray
11 years ago on Introduction
Try heat shrink tube
11 years ago on Introduction
Try heat shrink tube
11 years ago on Step 5
If you are in a hurry and aren't going for looks, a small piece of scotch tape wrapped around the fray works to get it through the eyelets. not permanent as this tho.
11 years ago on Introduction
Excellent 'ible. Also good for customizing lace lengths or making laces from cord... such as kevlar -- for work boots. (I once needed 50" laces and all I could find locally were 30" and 72" - and no kevlar. So I bought some 72" kevlar laces on-line and "fixed" them. Kevlar lasted years instead of months, or weeks.)
I've done similar method. Didn't apply glue first. Jjust wrapped end with nylon upholstery thread (or woven dacron fishing line, 10 or 20 lb test). Had to leave about 1/2" past wrapping to end of lace for handling purposes. Cut the tag end off then just coat with clear nail polish (or any other color that suits your fantasy.) Dipping end into nail polish works just fine. Paint would probably work just as well. (But not "white-out.")
May as well do the "good" end of shoelace while you're at it. Its remaining life expectancy is less than your "repair."
11 years ago on Introduction
How about some shrink tubing? just get some for wires just a bit smaller than the actual lace and put it on and heat shrink it down! My father in law does it all the time for my kids shoe laces when they screw them up at his house.
11 years ago on Introduction
I like to use hot wax, dies quick and can be applied in a thick layer. Using thread is a great way to make the lace tight.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Oh yeah! wax.. which makes me wonder what if one used lac?
11 years ago on Introduction
Basically the same method as I explained in my instructable almost five years ago, albeit I used superglue and a thin plastic filament, lasts for a heck of a lot longer: https://www.instructables.com/id/Aglet--Shoelace-Repair/
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Oh yea I remember this. Very nice Instructable. I had checked it out once, because I wanted to know if anybody has already made a similar instructable. After seeing that, I almost cancelled my upload, but then I thought, I have already taken pictures, might a well upload them.
Good to have as many ways as possible to fix something. That way people can fix stuff depending on what they have in their home at that moment.
11 years ago on Introduction
what does the toothpast do.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Well, on the lace, first It gets deep inside and when you brush it off, the dirt comes off with it. Then If you apply some again, it holds everything together and makes it bright white.
On shoes: It's also used on canvas/tennis shoes, here again it makes white canvas appear even brighter. Its really a nice trick, even celebrities use toothpaste on their shoes. It takes some practice though. It shouldn't look obvious :)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Well, on the lace, first It gets deep inside and when you brush it off, the dirt comes off with it. Then If you apply some again, it holds everything together and makes it bright white.
On shoes: It's also used on canvas/tennis shoes, here again it makes white canvas appear even brighter. Its really a nice trick, even celebrities use toothpaste on their shoes. It takes some practice though. It shouldn't look obvious :)