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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Perd Hapley on September 11, 2010, 02:53:05 PM

Title: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: Perd Hapley on September 11, 2010, 02:53:05 PM
I just had some boots re-soled, and I realize now I should have had the eyelets replaced.  The original set are either worn down to the point that they have sharp edges, or down to the leather.  Neither is very good, if you want your shoe-strings to last very long. 

Is there an alternative to having the eyelets replaced?
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: roo_ster on September 11, 2010, 03:43:26 PM
I just had some boots re-soled, and I realize now I should have had the eyelets replaced.  The original set are either worn down to the point that they have sharp edges, or down to the leather.  Neither is very good, if you want your shoe-strings to last very long. 

Is there an alternative to having the eyelets replaced?

1. Small bit of soda straw & JB Weld

2. Grommet (small) installation kit
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: Perd Hapley on September 11, 2010, 06:46:21 PM
1. Small bit of soda straw & JB Weld

2. Grommet (small) installation kit

OK, thanks. That last one never occurred to me, even though I've installed grommets in camping gear before.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: roo_ster on September 11, 2010, 09:48:43 PM
for option #1, you start of with enough straw to easily handle.  Once the JB cures, cut it down and use a rat-tail file to smooth the edges.
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: zahc on September 11, 2010, 10:06:03 PM
My dad has this same problem with boots. I was wondering if a shoe-repair place could re-eyelet them.
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: Perd Hapley on September 11, 2010, 10:29:38 PM
My dad has this same problem with boots. I was wondering if a shoe-repair place could re-eyelet them.

I had that done once.  Don't remember how much it cost.  In that case, I was applying too much neats' foot oil to the area around the eyelets, and they were just slipping out.  The leather was too supple. 
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: Tallpine on September 11, 2010, 10:51:17 PM
Quote
Is there an alternative to having the eyelets replaced?

New boots  ;)
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: sanglant on September 11, 2010, 11:08:36 PM
or wearing them without laces. but don't, and plz don't ask why.
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: Tuco on September 12, 2010, 09:19:47 PM
....


Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on September 13, 2010, 01:00:03 PM
Quote
Is there an alternative to having the eyelets replaced?
Zip ties.
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: HankB on September 14, 2010, 09:58:11 AM
Is there an alternative to having the eyelets replaced?
Duct tape.
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: Perd Hapley on November 27, 2010, 06:29:36 PM
OK. I had to look around for a while, but I finally found some eyelets at Wal-Mart that were about the right size. For some reason, the local fabric store only believes in LARGE eyelets. The ones I bought don't look quite right, but they're close enough.

I looked into having them done for me, but the $80 price was a little steep.
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: seeker_two on November 27, 2010, 06:54:24 PM
Is there an alternative to having the eyelets replaced?

Detcord.
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: KD5NRH on November 27, 2010, 07:04:40 PM
Is there an alternative to having the eyelets replaced?

Not having them replaced?

Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: Chuck Dye on November 27, 2010, 08:34:58 PM
Buying laces in an actual cobbler's shop I asked about solutions to the low life expectancy of laces in my boots.  I was told to try turning the grommets to see if that presents a less abrasive sector to the lace before I go at them with a stone.  The cobbler said a Dremel fine conical turned by hand is best, reminded me that the metal is pretty thin. Turning grommets and eyelets, I was told, is actually an intended, if now uncommon, practice for boots and shoes that last long enough for the laces to wear the grommets or eyelets thin or through.  I was also gently admonished that grommets are two piece constructions with an eyelet and a backing washer.  Few shoes and fewer boots use eyelets alone.

I have turned the lace biting grommets in my boots 90 degrees 9had to scribe a register scratch to be sure,) don't yet have any idea if that has solved the lace wear problem.
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: Perd Hapley on November 27, 2010, 11:36:02 PM
Huh. A washer is a fine idea. If mine had them, they must have been a fiber-type-thing that disintegrated upon removal. It would make them easier to turn, at least. I have turned grommets around before. It is somewhat helpful. I doubt these would turn, since the back side of the grommet is several bits of metal that (apparently) bite right into the leather.
Title: Re: Boot Maintenance, sharp edges on eyelets.
Post by: sanglant on November 28, 2010, 02:42:34 PM
one other option, if the eyes are big enough. epoxy then drill out a smaller epoxy lined eye. =D just type anything you don't want epoxy on. [tinfoil]