Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Fixing a Broken Sandal


          So your favorite pair of summer-time shoes just ripped, huh? Well, as long as you have access to a few simple supplies, you can stop cussing and start fixing. Keep in mind that although this technique might work on cheaper flip-flops, it was intended for nicer sandals you don't want to just throw away. Total time Spent: 10 minutes

 Step 1: Find some supplies

  •      Hemp, or some other thin, strong material.
  •      A center punch, or a small screw driver
  •      A sharp razor blade, or a knife with a good point
  •      Super glue or other adhesive
  •      A drill and 3/8 inch drill bit 


 Step 2: Make your holes

     In this step you will need to make two holes, one through which your original strap went, and another one for a new strap. I used a 3-8 inch drill bit here because it was easy and quick

Step 3: Connect the holes under the sandal

     Flip the sandal over and using the razor blade carve out a V-shaped notch between the two holes, making sure not to go too deep.This gives an area for the repair knot to go where it will be protected from the normal wear-and-tear of walking.
Step 4: Secure the new strap material to the existing strap

     I looped the hemp through the old strap by way of a new hole. Make sure you have doubled the hemp so you have a loop to go through the hole on the sandal for the next step.

 Step 5: Push new strap loop through bottom of Sandal

     Using the first hole you made, where the existing strap used to go, push the new strap loops through using your punch. Remember not to pull the whole strap through, otherwise you won't have the loop you need for the next step.

 Step 6: Push loose end of new strap through second hole

     From the top of the sandal, push the loose end of the new strap through the second hole you made. Again, this should be two strands of material.
Tightened chain knot 
  Step 7: Thread loose end through first loop and push loose ends back up through second hole

     The loose ends will go through the loop you made in Step 5, and then pushed back up into the second hole. The loose ends should look like the picture to the right from the top when done.  Make sure to tighten these chain knots now so you are ready to finish the project in the next steps. P.S. Make sure not to make your new strap too short, this can lead to an uncomfortable fit!

  Step 8: Wrapping up the loose ends
     Wrap the loose ends around the existing thong strap, then tie using a square knot. Cut excess off. Apply glue to bottom chain knot, and top square knot and second hole
 Step 9: Put it on!

     Now your sandal should be back to ship-shape, and you can go merrily on your way.