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Thread & Glue Aglet
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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.
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Step 1:
Hold the end of the lace in a vise or locking pliers so that it can be pulled taut. Place a piece of strong thread
alongside the shoelace and fold it back on itself. |
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Step 2:
Bind the long end of the thread tightly around the shoelace for about 15 mm (1/2 inch), working back
towards the vise or locking pliers. Make sure that part of the original loop is still protruding out the right
side of the binding. |
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Step 3:
Feed the long end of the thread through the protruding loop. Don't pull it completely tight - leave a small amount
of slack. |
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Step 4:
Whilst holding the bound section firmly, pull the other loose end of thread, which is protruding out the left side.
This will tighten the loop of thread around the loose end on the right side. |
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Step 5:
Here's where the "magic" occurs that hides the loose ends: Continue pulling the left end of thread until the right
end is pulled
underneath the coiled section. Stop when the right end is about mid-way through through the coiled section. |
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Step 6:
Using a sharp knife or scissors, carefully snip off the protruding ends. The excess shoelace can also be trimmed
to length. |
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Step 7:
Finish by coating the thread with one or two layers of general purpose glue or nail polish. Glue can also be used
either before or during the binding for additional strength and security. |
What Sort of Glue?
Preferably choose a glue with an acetone based solvent, such as "Tarzan's Grip", "Elmer's Clear Household Cement"
or "Britfix Balsa Cement", just to name a few. These will dry clear, hard and waterproof, as opposed to the PVA
based glues such as "Aquadhere" or "Elmer's Glue-All", which are not as hard and are only water resistant. You can
tell the difference by their look and smell - acetone based glues are clear and have a strong petro-chemical smell,
whereas PVA glues are milky white and smell mildly acetic.
Clear nail polish is also perfect, while colored nail polish can be used to add either a complementary or
contrasting color. Nail polish with glitter can be used to add some sparkle.
You can also use a couple of drops of an "instant" cyanoacrylate glue, such as "Super Glue" or "Krazy Glue". Note
that the fibers of the shoelace provide a huge surface area, which can cause this type of glue to cure too quickly.
Although rapid drying is normally an advantage, the disadvantage is that it can result in a finish that is whitish
rather than clear. It can also give off some nasty fumes, so beware! |
NOTE: Glue manufacturers have health warnings against "prolonged skin exposure" to the above solvent based
glues, so wear gloves if this is of concern (or if you hate sticky fingers). Use acetone, thinners or nail polish
remover to clean up afterwards.
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Variations
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As suggested by Steven B, use waxed dental floss instead of thread. Then, instead of applying glue to the finished
aglet, carefully apply some heat to bind the waxy threads together. |
WARNING: Don't be tempted to use a naked flame to heat the waxy floss; the chances of setting fire to it are
dangerously
high!
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Related Links
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Aglet Repair
Home-made aglets following loss or damage or after shortening shoelaces to length.
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Tips of Shoelaces
Find out more about the tips of shoelaces, which are called "Aglets".
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Sponsored Links
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This page last updated: 27-Jan-2013. Copyright © 2004-2013 by
Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
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