In the world of baseball and softball, a glove is more than just a tool. It’s an extension of the player, a well-conditioned companion on the field. But over time, every glove will need some TLC. Rather than tossing out your trusty companion, why not learn how to repair it? This guide will walk you through the process of relacing your glove, so you can keep playing with confidence.

What You Need – Tools for Re-lacing

Re-lacing a glove might seem complicated at first, but with a little practice, you’ll become a pro. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Laces: Depending on the type of glove, you’ll need 3-4 laces (or more for specific glove types). Look for laces that are 72 inches long.
• U-wire or straight-lace grooved needle
• Conditioner
• Knife

You can find these tools in the Glove Accessories section of our online store.

How to Lace a Softball or Baseball Glove

Don’t worry if you’ve never repaired a glove before. It’s easier than you think! Follow these simple steps:

1. Before removing the old laces, take pictures or draw a diagram of your glove from different angles. This will help you stay on track during the re-lacing process. As you remove one lace at a time, immediately replace it to avoid confusion.

2. Once the laces are removed, apply conditioner to the entire glove, focusing on hard-to-reach areas between the fingers. Be sure to use the conditioner sparingly.

3. Rub some conditioner on the laces to make them slide through the holes more easily. This will also save your fingers from unnecessary strain.

4. Make a small hole at one end of the lace using a punch. Thread one side of the u-wire needle through the hole and tie a knot at the opposite side of the lace.

5. Start re-lacing from the toughest area, which is usually the palm. Make sure the smooth side of the lace is facing outward. Begin at the back of the pinky finger, looking for an unoccupied hole. Feed the needle and lace through the hole, tracing down the line to the palm. This might be challenging at first, but you’ll get the hang of it.

6. Continue lacing, following the pattern of lace, lace, lace, space, lace, lace, lace. When you reach the web area, tie a knot using the closest hole, leaving enough lace to tie it up later.

7. Complete the lacing around the rest of the glove, making sure not to cover the finger sleeves on the inner part of the glove. This will ensure maximum comfort.

And there you have it! Your glove is now re-laced and ready for action.

How to Replace a Baseball Glove Web

When replacing the laces, you’ll also need to reattach the webbing. Don’t worry, it’s a similar process to re-lacing. Just remember to complete this step before finishing the laces on the fingers. Here’s what you need to do:

• Ensure you’ve previously conditioned the webbing.

• Line up the web and lace before you start, ensuring it’s straight and properly aligned.

• Start lacing from the backside of the glove, near the bottom where your web should be. Leave some lace out so you can tie it together later.

• Begin on the thumb side of the glove, near the edge of the inner glove. Insert the lace into the hole near the edge, facing inward towards the pocket. Follow the web pattern (I-web, H-web, trapeze, etc.) to the top of the glove, funneling the lace through the top part of the pocket. Continue through the web into the hole and repeat the process on the other side.

• Make sure the lace is tight on the web, ensuring no holes are missed. This is especially important for corner infielders who need a strong web to prevent baseballs from breaking through.

• Finish the re-lacing at the bottom of the glove, one hole away from where you started. Check that it’s symmetrical and tie the laces together in a knot.

Voilà! Your glove is as good as new. With a little time and effort, you can keep your trusty companion by your side for many more games to come. And if your glove is beyond repair, don’t worry – you can always explore our collection of new baseball and softball gloves at Sports News. Happy playing!