One of the challenges of being a baseball player is having to part ways with your beloved gear. While other sports may allow you to use the same equipment for your entire career, baseball requires regular gear changes once signs of wear and tear start to show. But what if you could delay the inevitable? What if you could make your favorite baseball glove last just a little bit longer? In this article, we will explore different methods to restore the stiffness to a soft baseball glove, allowing you to squeeze out a bit more life from it.
Why Restore the Stiffness of a Baseball Glove?
Wait a minute! Isn’t a stiff baseball glove a bad thing? Wasn’t the purpose of breaking in a glove to make it softer? Well, yes and no. While a bit of softness in the leather can enhance the glove’s performance, if it becomes too soft and floppy, it won’t be able to do its job effectively. Your grip will be compromised, and the glove won’t be as protective as it used to be. So, restoring the stiffness of your glove is essential if you want to maintain its functionality.
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How to Restore the Stiffness
There are a few methods you can try to restore the stiffness of your baseball glove, but in my opinion, there is one method that stands above the rest: tightening the laces. Here’s a quick refresher on how to do it. Start by inspecting the laces of your old glove. If they appear worn down, it’s advisable to replace them with new laces that can properly support the glove.
If the laces are still in good condition, untie the knot at the pinky finger area of the glove. Place the glove palm side up on a flat surface and take note of the X-pattern in the laces between the index and middle finger area. To restore stiffness, gently pull the top part of the laces out from the other end. This will compress the space between the index and middle finger of the glove, effectively tightening it. Repeat this process for each finger, tying off the excess lace and cutting off any extra length. Your glove should now feel stiffer and tighter.
Alternative Methods: Not Recommended
Sometimes, when a glove is on the verge of retirement, simply tightening it won’t be enough. While I highly recommend replacing the glove at that point, some people resort to drastic measures to save it. One such method involves applying a layer of glue to the leather, making it tighter and stiffer. However, I must emphasize that this method is not recommended. Glue can damage the leather and affect the glove’s grip, ultimately reducing its lifespan.
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Another risky technique is spraying water on the leather to make it stiffer. While water theoretically can achieve this effect, it also poses the risk of making the leather brittle and prone to cracking. It’s crucial to understand that these alternative methods should only be considered as a last resort, and their success is not guaranteed. It’s always better to rely on the tried and true method of tightening the laces.
Stiffening vs. Reshaping your Glove
It’s important not to confuse stiffening with reshaping. Reshaping refers to restoring the glove’s shape and pocket, particularly when it has lost its form after being stored for a while. On the other hand, stiffening involves tightening the leather to provide a snug and comfortable fit. A new glove typically feels quite stiff initially and requires breaking in to become softer. However, after a few seasons, the glove may become “too soft,” necessitating stiffening to extend its usability. Depending on the condition of your glove, you may need to either reshape or stiffen it. In some cases, both may be required before the glove is ready for use. If you stiffen your glove, be prepared to break it in again afterward to restore its shape.
Is It Worth It?
The decision to restore the stiffness of your baseball glove depends on its condition. If the leather is floppy, showing cracks, and beyond repair, stiffening it might not be effective. In such cases, you may only be able to use it for a few more months before inevitably replacing it. However, if the glove’s only issue is that it feels loose and soft, stiffening it could be enough to save it. By tightening the laces and achieving the right fit, you can prolong its lifespan and enjoy a few more seasons of use. Even when you have a professional relace your glove, it’s always a good idea to add some stiffness yourself to ensure a perfect fit.
In Conclusion
Stiffening your baseball glove is not a universal solution for all its problems, but in certain situations, it can extend its usefulness. Before discarding your old gloves, consider relacing and stiffening them to see if it breathes new life into them. However, remember that tightening the laces is the preferred method. Using glue or water can potentially damage your glove further, rendering it unusable. In such cases, it’s best to retire the glove and maybe keep it as a treasured memento. Give stiffening a try and see if it helps salvage your favorite glove. Good luck!
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: HOW
