A well-loved glove tells a story — hours on the field, long practices, epic plays, and maybe even a few big wins. But with all that wear and tear, your glove's laces can eventually give out. The good news? You don’t have to replace your entire glove. With the right tools, a little patience, and a few simple steps, you can give your glove a new life by relacing it yourself.
In this comprehensive tutorial, we’ll walk you through exactly how to relace your baseball or softball glove using the Covey Sports Lacing Kit, complete with helpful images, pro tips, and even a video tutorial if you're using a traditional needle.
Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this guide will help you bring your favorite glove back to life!
Why Relace Your Glove?
Glove laces are like the tendons of your glove—they hold it all together. Over time, exposure to dirt, sweat, water, and constant flexing can wear them down. If you’ve noticed broken laces or loose webbing, it’s time to relace.
Relacing your glove is more than just a repair—it’s an upgrade. A freshly laced glove provides better structure, a more secure pocket, and greater durability on the field.
Get Started with the Right Tools
Before diving in, make sure you have the proper tools on hand. At KCB, we offer top-quality glove repair supplies under our trusted Glove Care product line.
Our kits include:
- Premium full-grain leather laces in multiple color options
- A durable and easy-to-use lacing tool
- Step-by-step visual guidance (like this article!)
Prefer a single tool purchase? You can also get the Covey Sports Lacing Needle Tool by itself.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Relacing Your Glove
Tip: Before you cut or remove anything, we highly recommend taking clear pictures of your glove from all angles—especially around the webbing and fingers. This will serve as your reference point for how the glove was originally laced.
Step 1: Identify the Problem Area
Examine your glove closely to locate the damaged or loose lacing. Most common trouble spots are around the web, thumb loop, and fingers. Decide whether you’re relacing just one area or planning to do a full relace.
Step 2: Work in Sections
Relace in small sections rather than removing all the old laces at once. This helps you avoid mistakes by keeping most of the original pattern intact.
Step 3: Insert the Tool
If you're using the Covey Sports lacing needle, follow this simple three-step process:
Pic 1: Push the Tool Through the Hole
Pic 2: Thread the Lace Through the Eye of the Needle
Pic 3: Pull the Lace Through
Step 4: Continue Lacing
Continue this process, hole by hole, pulling the lace tight each time to ensure a snug fit. It’s helpful to mimic the original lacing pattern as closely as possible.
Step 5: Tie a Knot and Trim Excess
Pic 4: Tie a Knot at the End of the Lace
Pic 5: Cut Off Excess Lace
Extra Tips for a Smoother Relacing Experience
- Use needle-nose pliers to help pull out old laces—especially if they’re brittle or stuck.
- Apply a leather conditioner or glove oil to soften the lace and ease the threading process.
- Work in a well-lit space so you can see every detail clearly.
- Take your time. Relacing isn’t a race—it’s a craft.
Using a Traditional Needle Instead?
While we love the efficiency of the Covey lacing tool, some glove repair enthusiasts prefer a more traditional, screw-style lacing needle. If that’s you, this instructional video is a great resource:
Why Choose Covey Sports Lacing Kits?
At KCB Sports & Outdoors, we know gloves. Our Covey Sports lacing products are trusted by youth leagues, high school coaches, and serious ballplayers across the country.
Here’s what makes our lacing kits a standout:
- High-quality full-grain leather that holds strong through season after season
- Multiple color options to match your glove or show off your team spirit
- Easy-to-use tools that make relacing straightforward—even for beginners
You can find everything you need right here:
- Lace & Lacing Kits – Our most popular glove care products, including laces and tool
- Lacing Tool Only – Ideal if you already have laces and just need a tool
Final Thoughts: Restore, Don’t Replace
Relacing your glove is one of the most satisfying DIY projects in sports. Not only do you save money, but you also extend the life of a piece of equipment that often holds personal or sentimental value. With the right tools and a bit of guidance, anyone can relace a glove—and we’re here to help you do just that.
Whether you're a dad fixing your kid’s first glove, a coach managing a fleet of team gloves, or a player with a favorite mitt that’s seen better days, our Covey Sports tools and laces can help you keep your gear game-ready.
Explore all our glove care tools and lacing kits at KCB Sports & Outdoors and give your glove the upgrade it deserves.
