What is the tip of the lace called and where did this name come from?

Very rarely do people think about the names of the various household little things that surround them every day. But these names are often very original and interesting. Interest in such details is a good way to increase your erudition and broaden your horizons. And you can start with the most ordinary shoelaces, which are tied every time before going outside.

Names given to the tip of a lace

Such a seemingly small thing like the tip of a shoelace has several names. The most common and frequently used are “piston" And "knob" Since the 18th century, this element was called “eglet».

The exact origin of the word is unknown - most likely from the English aglet or French aiglet. Its use is known in the works of Shakespeare. Nowadays this word is more often used to refer to the tips of laces, which are a decorative element of clothing or shoes.

Separately highlighted aiguillettes - metal elements decorating the parts of the military uniform of the same name.

Difference between types of tips

Many names for this item of clothing are given for a reason. They serve to separate the ends of the laces according to their purpose:

1. A plastic piston and knob are used in relation to a functional part. It serves to make it easier to thread them into the eyelets of shoes, clothes, bags and other accessories.
2. Egletes are now called tips used for decoration. In the past, their purpose was to fasten clothing parts, and they turned into a decorative element after the invention of buttons.
3. The aiguillette is crowned with a decorative braided cord, which is now an integral part of the ceremonial military uniform. This term is also used to refer to the tip of the leather cord that forms the basis of a cowboy tie (bolo).

What are they made of?

Nowadays, the main materials for the manufacture of these elements are plastic and metal. They are durable, easy to process and relatively inexpensive. In designer products you can see caps made of glass, decorative stone, various non-ferrous metals and alloys, such as copper or brass. In the Middle Ages and Modern times, aeglets made of gold and silver, decorated with precious stones, were in use.

At home, the tip can be made from a variety of available materials: wood, thread, resin, wax or regular glue.

How to make a tip with your own hands?

As shoes are worn, laces inevitably become unusable. If the tip begins to turn into a brush at the most inopportune moment, and there is no time to go to the shoe store for new ones, then you can fix everything relatively easily and quickly at home.

If the lace is made of synthetic material, then the problem can be solved with a lighter or matches. Under the influence of temperature, the threads melt and turn into a solid tip.

Important! The main thing is not to overdo it and burn it.

If the material used is cotton, rubber or leather, then you will have to work a little more. For example, using glue, repairs can be carried out in the following way:

• spread threads are carefully trimmed with scissors;
• the end of the lace is dipped in PVA glue;
• After it has dried a little, it should be wrapped with a thin strip of adhesive tape.

After such repairs, it will last for some time, enough to replace it. Repairs can be made in the same way. using melted wax.

If you have a small one on hand metal sleeve, then the design will be more durable. The protruding threads are cut off, the end of the lace is threaded into the sleeve. The metal tip is then carefully flattened with a hammer or crimped using pliers.