Aglet Repair

Aglets are a small but crucial part of shoelaces. Missing or damaged aglets can be a real nuisance. Here's several different tutorials for creating new aglets following loss, damage or after shortening shoelaces.
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 color 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 methods for creating aglets.
8 Different Ways To Create Aglets

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

Dripping wax or resin onto the lace end, then rolling it between your fingers while still warm, creates a reasonable short-term aglet.
FEATURES
Cheap
Readily available
Not very durable

Soaking the shoelace 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

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

Normally used to insulate electrical joins, heat shrink tubing makes a neat, though slightly flexible, aglet. It's my favorite method when shortening laces.
FEATURES
Very easy
Choice of colors
Rather flexible

Small gauge metal tubing, which can be found at hobby suppliers, makes an extremely durable aglet – perfect for punishing activities like football or skateboarding.
FEATURES
Most durable
Choice of colors
Expensive

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

Failing all other methods of aglet repair, 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