Ian's Shoelace Site - Knotted Shoelace Aglet

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Knotted Shoelace Aglet
Failing all else, the shoelace end can simply be knotted tightly to at least stop it unravelling. This doesn't aid lacing, and in fact prevents re-lacing.
	Step 1: Tie the end of the shoelace with a stopper knot, such as a "Figure of Eight Knot" or a simpler "Overhand Knot". Wikipedia: Figure of Eight Knot. Wikipedia: Overhand Knot.
	Step 2: Trim the loose ends of the shoelace close to the knot for a neat finish.
Advantages & Disadvantages: Although this method is cheap, easy, durable and quite effective at preventing the ends from fraying, there are a couple of disadvantages: It shortens the ends, which may make it more difficult to tie the shoelaces; Unlike a normal aglet, which normally assists with passing the shoelace ends through the eyelets, this actually prevents lacing or re-lacing, as the knots generally won't fit through the eyelets. Interestingly, the latter can be turned to an advantage when kids are learning to tie shoelaces, as it helps prevent those ends from being accidentally pulled through the knot (when tightening) or out of the eyelets (when loosening).