Nat1 Report post Posted January 7, 2012 I've replaced the soles on my sandals and boots many times, but I'm sure there are techniques out there that would make the job simpler, or more efficient. For now I just use a Master Heat Gun. The heat area is about a 1.5" diameter circle, and the temp rating is (73-113 degrees F). Is this the right tool? It does work, like I say, but slow. More likely are the techniques. Can someone describe in detail this process for me? While I'm at it, is there a sole, Vibram or other, that is highly recommended for snow and ice, for a good winter or hunting boot. I've tried two different Vibrams so far, with impressive tread pattern, but the rubber is not sticky enough for icy snow (I'm not expecting miracles--I also have crampons for super-icy!). Thanks, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leather monger Report post Posted January 7, 2012 I've replaced the soles on my sandals and boots many times, but I'm sure there are techniques out there that would make the job simpler, or more efficient. For now I just use a Master Heat Gun. The heat area is about a 1.5" diameter circle, and the temp rating is (73-113 degrees F). Is this the right tool? It does work, like I say, but slow. More likely are the techniques. Can someone describe in detail this process for me? While I'm at it, is there a sole, Vibram or other, that is highly recommended for snow and ice, for a good winter or hunting boot. I've tried two different Vibrams so far, with impressive tread pattern, but the rubber is not sticky enough for icy snow (I'm not expecting miracles--I also have crampons for super-icy!). Thanks, i work at a shoe repair shop and we use a combo of heat then take it out of the heat and then use acetone to dissolve the glue it works good but must make sure it doesnt change the color of the leather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nat1 Report post Posted January 7, 2012 i work at a shoe repair shop and we use a combo of heat then take it out of the heat and then use acetone to dissolve the glue it works good but must make sure it doesnt change the color of the leather Hi, Do you apply the heat straight to the old rubber sole, and wait to heat up the whole thing, or do you direct it at one end, from the edge, to try to peel it back? The other thing is, what is the heat gun called, or the specs, if you know? Thanks for the help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leather monger Report post Posted January 8, 2012 Hi, Do you apply the heat straight to the old rubber sole, and wait to heat up the whole thing, or do you direct it at one end, from the edge, to try to peel it back? The other thing is, what is the heat gun called, or the specs, if you know? Thanks for the help. we use a heat lamp not a heat gun sorry not to mention that we get it till the rubber is just starting to smoke we do wth whole sole under the lamp then we take it out and start peeling it back then use acetone in a solvent type bottle with spout on it and as we pull the sole back we squirt a acetone on it to disolve the glue Hi, Do you apply the heat straight to the old rubber sole, and wait to heat up the whole thing, or do you direct it at one end, from the edge, to try to peel it back? The other thing is, what is the heat gun called, or the specs, if you know? Thanks for the help. we use a heat lamp not a heat gun sorry not to mention that we get it till the rubber is just starting to smoke we do wth whole sole under the lamp then we take it out and start peeling it back then use acetone in a solvent type bottle with spout on it and as we pull the sole back we squirt a acetone on it to disolve the glue Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nat1 Report post Posted January 9, 2012 we use a heat lamp not a heat gun sorry not to mention that we get it till the rubber is just starting to smoke we do wth whole sole under the lamp then we take it out and start peeling it back then use acetone in a solvent type bottle with spout on it and as we pull the sole back we squirt a acetone on it to disolve the glue Thanks for the details, that helps! If you get a chance to give me a name or model for the heat lamp some time, I would appreciate that. I will look into it--not sure why my shoe supply wholesaler doesn't carry one--I bought the heat gun from them. Wow... smoking rubber and acetone-- quite the toxicity fest! I hope you wear a mask... cheers, we use a heat lamp not a heat gun sorry not to mention that we get it till the rubber is just starting to smoke we do wth whole sole under the lamp then we take it out and start peeling it back then use acetone in a solvent type bottle with spout on it and as we pull the sole back we squirt a acetone on it to disolve the glue Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leather monger Report post Posted January 9, 2012 we just used a cheap clamp on fixture from the home depot and put a heat lamp bulb in it and we set it in a metal box so the bulb would be about 10 inches from the sole and just turn it on and keep an eye on it till it just barely starts to smoke a little youll have a big mess if you forget about it the rubber will melt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nat1 Report post Posted January 9, 2012 we just used a cheap clamp on fixture from the home depot and put a heat lamp bulb in it and we set it in a metal box so the bulb would be about 10 inches from the sole and just turn it on and keep an eye on it till it just barely starts to smoke a little youll have a big mess if you forget about it the rubber will melt Sounds like an inexpensive and effective solution... Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
