I just posted in the
small-things-to-save-money monster thread, but I thought umbrella repair should get its own topic since it's
ghastly how many umbrellas are probably disposed of every year.
I have fixed a number of umbrellas over the years, most recently one with sentimental value. I used the following instructable as my guide this time. Since I didn't have a spare tin, I took an unwanted button pin apart and used a kitchen scissors to cut the smooth part into a rectangle, then used jewelry pliers to bend it into a sleeve to hold together the two broken parts of the umbrella rib.
https://www.instructables.com/Fix-Broken-UmbrellaBut here are some pointers for various broken umbrella problems:
1. detached umbrella tip or rib: just need needle and stout thread (preferably waxed button thread)
2. holes in fabric: tent repair tape (only need tiny bits; I cut them into decorative shapes)
3. broken metal rib: make a sleeve for the two broken ends by cutting and bending a small rectangle of metal to shape with pliers as in the above instructable. Or, use a crimp if you have one the right size. If it keeps sliding off, use hot glue or wire to keep it on.
4. missing or broken plastic parts: use
moldable thermoplastic beads that can be melted in hot water (Instamorph is a name brand that also has different colors) to recreate the part.
Stay thrifty, stay dry!
