Modding rubber boots?

[Zeke1]

Does anyone have experience modding rubber wadding boots? Can they be drilled out for screws (chicago/wood/etc) or is there a particular glue that works well with them if I wanted to attach accessories? Or do they lose structural integrity when cut into and does glue not bond with the material reliably?

 

[smithjohnj]

Rubber cement works well. You may need to roughen the surface in order to get a good bond. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish you might also look into "patching kits". You can find them for repairs on objects from inflatable air mattresses to heavy-duty truck tire inner tubes.

 

[moviebuff5]

Not rubber boots specifically, but I have had good luck with E-6000 bonding to rubber.

 

[SMP Designs]

Boot fix will glue damn near anything to anything. Boot-Fix Shoe Glue: Instant Professional Grade Shoe Repair Glue Amazon.com: Boot-Fix Shoe Glue: Instant Professional Grade Shoe Repair Glue: Home & Kitchen

Otherwise, maybe JB Weld. As to cutting for screws and such, I’d say you’re ok if you’re on the shaft of the boot and not near the ankle or toe (where the most tension stress is located).

 

[JPH]

if you are drilling holes, put a block of wood above and below to sandwich and immobilize the rubber. Just trying to drill rubber can cause it to catch and spin around and stretch or tear.

There are web pages where people Pasti-dip rubber boots to change color.

I am having that dilemma with riding boots that I want to turn into micronaut boots. Sand the boots first, then rattle can it. I would try to avoid anything rigid on the boot, like JB weld or screws unless that is your intention and you immobilize a large area around the hold (like 1 cm). The rubber boots will flop around and rigid materials will stretch and possibly tear the rubber.

Maybe post what you have and what you intend to do. There is usually more than one way to do all of this.