How To Replace Plastic Tips on High Heels with Rubber
It's good to know how to replace heel tips on high heels.It can give your shoes a new lease on life.The most professional way to do this is to hit the rubber tip with a hammer.Slip-on caps can be used if you want to cover up worn down heel tips.You want to replace a don.
Step 1: You can cover the work surface with a towel or cloth.
As you work on your shoes, this will protect them.This method can be used on worn-out heels.It can be used on new plastic tips.
Step 2: The length and width of the tip should be measured.
This is important, as some heel tips have a slightly longer shape.If you have trouble measuring in millimeters, convert to centimeters.
Step 3: Purchase a set of tips.
The heel tips are not the same as the slip-on kind.They are a permanent tip and come with a nail.Make sure you buy the right size and shape.The heel tip won't fit if the sizes are round.
Step 4: The plastic heel tip can be removed with long needle nose pliers.
Use a set of long, needle nose pliers to get the edge of the old heel tip.Pull on the heel tip.Don't break the nail.If the hole is not clear, you won't be able to use the new tip.If you want to replace old, worn-out heel tips, you may have to cut the old tip with a blade first, then pull the screw out with pliers.
Step 5: If needed, smooth out the surface.
If you pulled out a new, intact heel tip, this may not be necessary.There could be some leftover from slicing away an old tip.Sand this off with a tool.You might have to get a thicker rubber tip to make up for the loss of height.
Step 6: The heel tip needs to be wiped clean.
Rubing alcohol will work better than a damp rag.It will remove dirt and oils.If you sanded the heel, you should do this.
Step 7: The hammer is lightweight and can be used to tap the new tip.
Put the new tip's nail into the hole.Make sure it's oriented in the right direction, then use a lightweight hammer to put it in place.You should not see any gaps if you keep going until the tip is flush.First, coat the nail with glue.This will make it stick better.Sand the edges if the tip is too large.
Step 8: The method can be repeated on the other shoe.
The caps are more durable than the slip-on caps.They will eventually wear down, just like any other rubber heel tip, because they are made out of rubber.
Step 9: The length and width of the tip should be measured.
It is best to measure in millimeter, inches, and centimeters as there is no guarantee that the brand will use it.Take note of the shape of your foot: round, oval, or semi-circle.The method will work best on worn-out tips, but you can try it on regular ones.Sand the tip down until you see the metal nail.
Step 10: Purchase a slip-on cap.
Make sure you get the right shape and size of the cap.If you read the label carefully, you'll see that some of the caps look similar to rubber.Make sure that the range that includes your size is included in the package.
Step 11: The cap on the heels is worn out.
If the kit comes with several different sizes, you can check against the included chart to find the size that you need.
Step 12: If necessary, put the cap down.
It's important that the fit is tight and snug.The cap may not go on all the way if the fit is snug.In this case, lightly tap the cap against the flat surface.
Step 13: The process for the other shoe should be repeated.
They are not permanent because they are slip-on caps.Replacement tips are more durable.
Step 14: The heel tip needs to be cleaned.
You should wash your hands with soap and water.Rub alcohol on the worn out heel tip.The method is meant to cover worn-out tips.If you don't want a rubber one, you can try to sand it down to reveal the nail stud first.
Step 15: A wrap and cap kit is required.
There is a rubber cap and a sheet of elastic tape in these kits.They usually have several different sizes of caps.Measure your heel tip against the chart to find the right size cap.If the sizes come separately, you have to get the right one.
Step 16: Wrap the elastic tape tightly around the base of the foot.
The elastic strips in your kit look like black electrical tape.Wrap the tape tightly around the base of the shoe.Make sure the bottom edge of the tape is in line with the heel.Wrap the tape tightly so it stretches.Depending on the thickness of the heel, you only need to overlap it by 12 inch.The longer the overlap, the thicker the heel is.
Step 17: Put the cap on the foot.
When it bumps up against the worn-out part, make sure to slide it on all the way.The fit needs to be snug.The tape should be on top of the cap.If the fit is tight, you will have to tap the cap against the flat surface.
Step 18: Wrap the elastic tape around the cap a few more times.
The tape should be centered over the seam between the cap and the heel.An equal amount of tape is needed to cover the top edge of the cap.Wrap the tape tightly until the strip ends.If you wrap the tape tightly, it won't stick to itself.
Step 19: The band should be pressed tightly for 10 seconds.
Make sure you cover the end of the tape by holding the heel tip between your fingers.For 10 seconds, squeeze the tip tightly between your fingers.This will keep the tape from coming undone.
Step 20: The process for the other shoe should be repeated.
These are temporary and not permanent.Real replacement tips will last longer.