Ian's Shoelace Site - Aglet Repair

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Aglet Repair

Aglets are a small but crucial component of shoelaces. Damaged aglets can be unsightly and awkward, while missing aglets, either accidental or after shortening laces to length, can be a real problem. This section contains several methods of repairing or replacing aglets.

Why Repair Aglets?

The first question is - why go to any trouble repairing aglets? Why not simply replace the shoelaces? Personally, I replace my aglets because I cut down all of my shoelaces to a comfortable length, but there's plenty of other possible reasons:

You're "out bush" or have difficulty getting to a store.
You can't get matching laces for your shoes in the correct length.
You prefer the eco-friendly option of repairing rather than replacing.
You'd like to make your aglets stronger before they become damaged.
You'd like to brighten up your shoelaces with a bit of colour or sparkle.
You're after aglets to finish off some custom shoelaces that you've made out of ribbons, string or some other material.

If any of these sounds like a good reason, and you're game to undertake a little fiddly work, this section contains several suggestions for creating aglets.

8 Different Ways To Create Aglets
	Adhesive Tape Aglet The simplest way to create an aglet is to wrap adhesive tape two or three times around the end of the shoelace. Combine with glue for added security.	FEATURES: Cheap Readily available Not very durable
	Candle Wax / Resin Aglet Dripping wax or resin onto the lace end, then rolling it between your fingers whilst still warm, creates a reasonable short-term aglet.	FEATURES: Cheap Readily available Not very durable
	Glue / Nail Polish Aglet Soaking the lace end either with general purpose glue or with several coats of nail polish produces a more durable aglet.	FEATURES: Cheap More durable Messy to create
	Thread & Glue Aglet Binding the lace end with thread and glue produces a very strong aglet. It's a small version of "whipping", which is used on larger ropes.	FEATURES: Neat looking Very durable Tricky to create
	Heat Shrink Tubing Aglet Normally used to insulate electrical joins, heat shrink tubing makes a neat, though slightly flexible, aglet. It's my favourite method when shortening laces.	FEATURES: Ian's favourite! Very easy Choice of colours Rather flexible
	Metal Tubing Aglet Small gauge metal tubing, which can be found at hobby suppliers, makes an extremely tough and durable aglet.	FEATURES: Most durable Choice of colours Expensive
	Melted Shoelace Aglet Some shoelaces are made from synthetic materials that can easily be melted over a match, lighter or candle to form a reasonable aglet.	FEATURES: Cheap Fairly easy Synthetic laces only
	Knotted Shoelace Aglet Failing all else, the shoelace end can simply be knotted tightly to at least stop it unravelling. This doesn't aid lacing, and in fact prevents re-lacing.	FEATURES: Cheap & easy Doesn't aid lacing Prevents re-lacing