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

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 while still warm, creates a reasonable short-term aglet.

FEATURES

Cheap

Readily available

Not very durable

Glue / Nail Polish Aglet

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

Thread and 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 favorite method when shortening laces.

FEATURES

Very easy

Choice of colors

Rather flexible

Metal Tubing Aglet

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

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 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