How to repair Snowshoes

From WildernessWiki.org

Due to excessive wear and non-abrasion resistant lacing, many modern snowshoes lose their effectiveness when lacing connecting the main body to the frame wears through. An effective solution to this problem presents itself in the form of zip-ties. Zip-ties can be found very inexpensively at many different department and hardware stores. I used 40 lb. test for my snowshoes, and they have supported my 150 lbs. with ease. I wouldn't recommend anything too much lighter, but you can always double them up. The method for which the replacement should be carried out is such:

• Cut away all the worn lacing. Place the zip-tie through the hole for the lacing, and wrap it around the frame. Make sure the small "zipper" is on top, just outside tho hole. Also make sure that the "zip" side, with all the little grooves, is inside against the frame. This way, it will be more abrasion-resistant.

• Tighten the zip-tie. Be careful not to make it too tight; you want a bit of give. If it's too tight, it make wear through the body of the snowshoe - and you don't want that! Make it snug.

• Cut off the excess.

Be careful. I've just been experimenting with this method. My snowshoes have seen about 6 hours of rugged use with just the zip-ties, and there aren't any signs of wear whatsoever. I'd recommend carrying some extra zip-ties, in case of an emergency.

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