As the Official Adhesives Partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation, Loctite understands the importance of quick and reliable DIY soccer gear repairs. Learning how to fix soccer gear at home can save you money and keep you from spending unnecessary time on the sidelines. Our guide explains how to repair soccer gear at home using readily available supplies and simple techniques.
Your soccer gear can get damaged for various reasons, including regular wear and tear or improper use. Damaged gear can affect your on-field performance, increase your risk of injury, or put you on the sidelines. Fortunately, you can save money and your season with a reliable glue for sports gear and a few simple instructions.
Common soccer gear includes:
- Soccer cleats
- Shin guards
- Soccer ball
- Soccer bag
- Goalkeeper gloves
Separation of the upper shoe from the sole or torn seams can make your soccer cleats unusable. Fortunately, you can save them using the following steps.
1. Get the necessary supplies: You will need some supplies to repair cleats, including:
- Jumbo clothespins
- Loctite Shoe Glue
- A piece of dry cloth
2. Clean the cleats: For a strong and durable bond, clean your cleats before applying glue along the torn area. Use a dry cloth to remove dirt and debris from the area to be sealed.
3. Apply glue: Peel back the upper layer to expose the affected surfaces and carefully apply the adhesive. For a seamless seal, ensure that you use a continuous bead of glue along the torn area.
4. Seal the bond: Press the two surfaces together after applying glue to create a strong bond. Where possible, hold the bond together using jumbo clothespins. Remember to wipe away any excess adhesive using a dry cloth.
5. Fit the repaired cleats: Once the glue is completely dry, wear the cleat to see whether it fits comfortably. If you are comfortable with its condition, try it on the field.
Damaged soccer shin guards can have cracks or a detached foam layer. Here’s how to fix shin guards.
1. Supplies: Use the following supplies to repair cracked shin guards:
- Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System
- Clamps
- A coarse brush
2. Clean the shin guards: To fix cracked shin guards, clean them using a coarse brush to remove all dirt and debris from the surface.
3. Clamp together: Use a pair of clamps to hold the cracked shin guards. Place the clamps on either side of the crack.
4. Apply adhesive: Carefully apply glue along the crack, covering both sides. Give the adhesive enough time to set before removing the clamps.
5. Test the repaired shin guards: Once the glue has set, remove the clamps and test the shin guards to see if they fit well and provide the necessary protection.
If the foam pad on the back of your shin guards is falling off, follow the steps below.
1. Gather supplies: To repair shin guards with a detached foam pad, you will need:
- Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
- Replacement foam pads
2. Remove the old foam: Clean off every bit of the old foam. You can use a coarse brush to scrub off any remaining bits.
3. Attach new foam: Apply adhesive over the new foam pads and attach them to your old shin guards. New foam pads can be bought at a sporting goods store. Alternatively, you can buy a closed-cell insulation product at your local hardware store, cut it to fit the shin guard, and use adhesive to hold it in place.
Soccer balls can be damaged by various factors, including being chewed on by a pet, playing on rough surfaces, or regular wear and tear. Use the steps below to repair your soccer ball.
1. Gather supplies: To repair a damaged soccer ball at home, you will need:
2. Seal the leak: Locate the area where the ball has been pierced, insert the tip of the shoe glue, and push a generous amount of glue into the ball.
3. Pump air into the ball: Once you inject a good amount of adhesive into the ball, use the ball pump to reinflate it.
4. Apply tape: Locate the pierced area again and place a piece of tape over it. This prevents too much of the adhesive from being pushed out through the hole. Leave the adhesive to set for some time. Afterward, the ball will be ready for more action on the field!
Your soccer bag is only useful if it is in proper working condition. Any tear in the fabric or seams means you can no longer safely carry your necessities, like cleats, your phone, and other items. Fortunately, you can use the steps below to repair a torn bag.
1. Supplies: For this project, you will need:
- Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control or Loctite Super Glue Ultra Liquid Control
- Needle
- Thread
- Nylon patches
2. Patch small holes in the fabric: If the bag has a small hole or tear, place a nylon patch on the inside and another on the outside of the torn area. Hold the two patches together using your preferred Loctite Super Glue product.
3. Seal torn seams: If you have torn seams, use a needle and thread to close up the tear. Apply glue over the seam to reinforce the stitching.
The latex on the palms and fingers of the gloves makes it easier to catch the ball. However, it is easily ripped, scuffed, and scratched. Use these tips to repair damaged soccer gloves quickly.
1. Necessary supplies: You will only need Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control for this project.
2. Apply glue: Locate the site of the tear and apply a small drop of glue. Evenly spread the glue over the surface of the tear. Do not apply too much glue over the torn area, which may cause the latex around the tear to harden.
3. Close the tear: Bring both sides of the tear together and apply pressure until the glue sets. Releasing your hold too soon may result in a weak bond or cause the tear to open again. Alternatively, you can use a heavy object to apply the pressure for the desired time.
4. Reinforce the seal: Consider attaching a patch to the repaired area for longer-lasting results. To do this, apply glue over the patch and press it firmly over the sealed tear.
5. Fit the glove: Once the glue has set completely, wear the glove and try catching and throwing a ball to see whether it fits properly and the grip is still there.