How to Repair Shoelaces with Frayed Aglets Using Household Items

Shoelaces are one of those little things we never really think about... until they start falling apart. You’ve probably had it happen before: the ends of your laces start fraying, the plastic aglets disappear into thin air, and suddenly you're stuck with a floppy, raggedy string that won't go through the eyelets. Super frustrating, right?

And sure, grabbing a new pair of laces is easy enough—but sometimes, it's not that simple. Maybe it's your favorite pair, the perfect match for your kicks. Or maybe you just don’t feel like spending money on something you can fix in five minutes with stuff you already have at home. This guide is for those moments. A bit of DIY magic, a sprinkle of patience, and boom—you’ve got your shoelaces looking brand new again.

What Causes Aglets to Fray?

Okay, so let’s talk about what’s really going on at the ends of those laces. Aglets are the little plastic or metal sleeves that seal off the ends of shoelaces. Their job? Keep the lace from unraveling and make it easier to thread through tiny eyelets.

But over time, life happens. The plastic wears down from friction. You might step on your laces, yank them too hard, or toss your shoes into the wash a few too many times. Exposure to heat, dirt, moisture, and just plain old wear-and-tear—it all adds up. Eventually, those ends get chewed up and fuzzy. Once they’re gone, lacing up your shoes can feel like trying to thread a needle with a paintbrush.

Materials Needed for DIY Aglet Repair

You don’t need a workshop or fancy tools to fix your shoelace tips. Here’s a simple list of things you probably already have lying around:

• Superglue or clear nail polish

• Scissors or a sharp knife

• Heat shrink tubing (optional, but awesome)

• Lighter, match, or a hairdryer

• Tape (Scotch, electrical, or masking tape)

• Sewing thread or fishing line

• A drinking straw (yep, really)

• Small pliers or tweezers (if you’re feeling precise)

Pick and choose what works for you based on what you’ve got.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Aglets

Step 1: Preparing the Shoelace

First things first—clean up that messy end. Use scissors to snip off the worst of the fraying. You want a fresh, blunt tip to work with. If the lace is dirty, give it a quick rinse and let it dry completely before moving on.

Step 2: DIY Aglet with Household Items

Now comes the fun part. Let’s turn that frayed mess into a clean, functional aglet using what you’ve got around the house.

Option 1: Thread and Glue Combo

Take a piece of strong thread or fishing line and wrap it tightly around the end of the shoelace, spiraling down like a tiny cast. Once it’s snug and tidy, dab a bit of superglue or clear nail polish over it to lock it in place. Let it dry for a few minutes.

Option 2: Tape Method

Cut a strip of tape (preferably something strong but flexible, like electrical or Scotch tape) and roll it tightly around the tip. Press it down firmly and add a drop of glue to seal it. Boom—instant aglet.

Option 3: Straw Hack

Snip a small section off a drinking straw, just a bit longer than the original aglet. Slide it over the lace tip and use a lighter (carefully!) to gently melt it into place. Press down the ends with pliers to tighten it. It’s a little janky, but it works in a pinch.

Step 3: Applying Heat Shrink Tubing

Got heat shrink tubing? You’re in business.

Cut a small section—about 1 inch long—and slide it over the cleaned-up lace tip. Use a lighter, match, or hairdryer to apply heat evenly around the tube. It’ll shrink down snug around the lace and form a solid, professional-looking aglet. Let it cool for a minute and you're golden.

This method is especially clean and durable. It also looks super slick, almost like it came straight outta the box.

Step 4: Sealing and Finishing Touches

Once your DIY aglet is set in place—regardless of the method you used—it’s time for some finishing touches.

• Trim any loose threads or rough edges.

• Add a thin layer of nail polish or glue over the surface to smooth it out and lock it in.

• Give it a few minutes to dry completely before trying to lace up.

Give it a little tug to make sure it's secure. You’re done!

Alternative Methods for Aglet Repair

If you’re feeling creative (or just don’t have any of the above), try out some other quick fixes:

Melted Wax Method: Dip the end of the lace into hot wax (from a candle, for example) and let it cool and harden. It's not super durable, but it works short-term.

Needle and Thread Reinforcement: Use a needle to stitch around the end tightly, then cover it in glue. It’s fiddly, but gets the job done.

Glue-Only Fix: No thread? Just shape the lace tip by twisting it and applying a few layers of glue, letting it dry between each. Simple and surprisingly sturdy.

Tips for Maintaining Shoelaces and Aglets

Want to avoid going through all this again soon? Here's how to keep those laces in check:

• Always untie your shoes—don’t yank them off.

• Avoid stepping on your laces.

• Keep them dry—don’t toss soaked shoes in the corner.

• Hand-wash your laces if they’re super dirty.

• Consider rotating shoelaces if you wear the same shoes daily.

And if you’re into customizing or upgrading your kicks, it might be worth exploring some replacement options down the line. There are premium laces out there designed to look great and last longer than your average ones.

So there you have it—frayed aglets are annoying, but not a dealbreaker. With a few household items and five to ten minutes of your time, you can easily fix shoelace tips and make them look brand new.

Whether you go the thread-and-glue route, shrink tubing, or just wrap some tape around it, the goal is the same: save your laces, save some cash, and get your shoes looking right again. It’s easy, kind of fun, and way more satisfying than throwing a good pair of laces in the trash.

Oh—and if you’re ever in the market for replacement laces or want to upgrade your lace game, Lace Lab carries tons of high-quality options that’ll match pretty much any style you’ve got. Just sayin’.

FAQs

1. Can I use nail polish instead of superglue for fixing aglets?

Yep, clear nail polish actually works pretty well for sealing the tips. It’s not as strong as superglue, but it dries clear and helps prevent fraying.

2. What if I don’t have shrink tubing or straws?

Totally fine. Just wrap the ends in thread and seal with glue or nail polish. Or use tape—it won’t last forever, but it’ll buy you time.

3. Are metal replacement aglets a good option?

For sure. They look slick and are super durable. If you want a cleaner, more permanent fix, metal tips are a solid upgrade.

4. How long will a DIY aglet last?

Depends on the method and how rough you are on your shoes. A good thread-and-glue or shrink tubing fix can last months, sometimes longer.

5. Can I wash my shoelaces after repairing them?

Yeah, but hand-wash them if you’ve done a DIY repair. Machine washing can mess up the glue or tape if it hasn’t set fully.

6. Where can I find stylish, durable laces if mine are beyond saving?

Lace Lab has a wide selection of premium shoelaces and accessories made for sneakerheads and customizers. Perfect if you want to elevate your look or just need a tough, good-looking replacement.