How Much Does It Cost To Relace A Baseball Glove & Is It Worth It?

The baseball glove relacing cost can vary quite a bit, generally ranging from $30 to $80 depending on the amount of lacing needed and the complexity of the glove. Relacing your glove might seem like a minor expense, but it’s a crucial part of baseball glove maintenance. Is it worth it? Let’s delve into the details to help you decide.

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Why Relace Your Baseball Glove?

A baseball glove is an investment. Proper care extends its life and maintains its performance. Relacing is a key part of that care.

• Restoring Performance: Over time, the leather lacing in your glove can dry out, crack, or break. This impacts the glove’s ability to catch and hold the ball securely. New lacing restores the glove’s original pocket and feel.
• Extending Glove Life: Replacing worn lacing prevents further damage to the glove’s leather. Broken laces can put stress on other areas, leading to tears and premature wear.
• Improved Feel and Control: Fresh lacing provides a more secure and comfortable fit. This gives you better control and confidence on the field.
• Customization: Relacing is an opportunity to customize your glove with different colors and styles of lacing.

Factors Affecting Baseball Glove Relacing Cost

The glove repair price isn’t fixed. Several factors determine the final baseball glove relacing cost.

Amount of Lacing Required

The most significant factor is the amount of lacing that needs to be replaced. A complete relace is more expensive than replacing a few broken strands. Some gloves only need a small section redone, while others are almost entirely unlaced, significantly increasing the cost.

Complexity of the Glove

Some gloves have intricate lacing patterns. A glove with a complicated design will naturally require more labor and time to relace, increasing the glove relacing labor cost.

Type of Lacing Material

Different types of leather lacing are available. High-quality, durable lacing costs more than cheaper alternatives. The lacing you choose impacts both the price and the longevity of the repair. Using rawhide lacing is the most common and is durable. Synthetic lacing can be more water-resistant.

Labor Costs

The hourly rate or flat fee charged by the repair shop contributes to the overall cost. Experienced technicians usually charge more, but their expertise ensures a higher quality repair. It’s important to compare prices from different shops to get the best deal.

Location

Baseball glove repair shop prices vary depending on your location. Shops in larger cities or areas with higher cost of living may charge more than those in smaller towns.

Webbing Replacement

If your glove’s webbing is damaged, replacing it will add to the overall cost. The cost of replacing baseball glove webbing depends on the type of webbing and the labor involved. Webbing replacement can range from $20-$50 in addition to lacing.

Additional Repairs

Any other repairs needed, such as fixing tears or reconditioning the leather, will also increase the total cost.

Average Baseball Glove Relacing Costs

Here’s a general breakdown of the costs you can expect:

Type of Repair	Average Cost	Description
Partial Relace	$30 – $50	Replacing a few broken or worn laces in specific areas.
Full Relace	$50 – $80	Replacing all the lacing in the glove.
Webbing Replacement	$20 – $50	Replacing the entire webbing or a significant portion of it.
Palm/Finger Repair	$25 – $60	Repairing tears or reinforcing weak areas in the palm or fingers.
Leather Conditioning	$10 – $25	Cleaning and conditioning the leather to improve its suppleness and durability.
Complete Glove Overhaul	$75 – $150	Full relace, reconditioning, and any other necessary repairs.

Note: These are average prices and can vary based on the factors mentioned above.

DIY Relacing: The Relace Kit Cost

If you’re handy and want to save money, you can relace your glove yourself. A relace kit cost generally ranges from $20 to $40. These kits typically include:

• Leather lacing (enough for a full relace)
• Lacing needle
• Instructions
• Sometimes, a small tool to help remove old lacing

Advantages of DIY Relacing:

• Cost Savings: Relacing your glove yourself is cheaper than paying a professional.
• Flexibility: You can choose the type and color of lacing you prefer.
• Personal Satisfaction: Some people enjoy the process of repairing their own equipment.

Disadvantages of DIY Relacing:

• Time Commitment: Relacing a glove can take several hours, especially if you’re a beginner.
• Skill Required: It takes some practice to properly lace a glove and achieve the desired tension.
• Potential for Mistakes: If you make a mistake, you could damage the glove.
• Tools Needed: While kits provide the basics, specialized tools may be beneficial for a higher quality result.

Is DIY Relacing Right for You?

Consider these questions before deciding to relace your glove yourself:

• Do you have the time and patience?
• Are you comfortable working with leather and small tools?
• Are you willing to learn the proper techniques?
• Are you okay with the possibility of making mistakes?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, DIY relacing might be a good option. If not, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Finding a Baseball Glove Repair Shop

If you decide to hire a professional, here’s how to find a reputable repair shop:

• Ask for Recommendations: Talk to teammates, coaches, or local sporting goods stores for recommendations.
• Read Online Reviews: Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or other review sites.
• Check Their Experience: Ask about the shop’s experience with relacing baseball gloves.
• Get a Quote: Get a written quote before committing to the repair.
• Inspect Their Work: If possible, look at examples of their previous work.
• Warranty: Ask if they offer a warranty on their work.

The Glove Restringing Service Cost: What To Ask Beforehand

Before handing over your glove, make sure to ask the repair shop these questions:

• What type of lacing do you use? (Rawhide, synthetic, etc.)
• What is the turnaround time?
• Do you offer a warranty on your work?
• Can I choose the color of the lacing?
• What happens if the lacing breaks prematurely?
• Do you have experience with my type of glove?

Alternatives to Relacing

Sometimes, relacing isn’t the only option. Consider these alternatives:

• Glove Conditioning: If the lacing is just dry and stiff, a good leather conditioner might be enough to restore it.
• Minor Repairs: For small tears or loose stitching, a simple repair might be sufficient.
• New Glove: If the glove is severely damaged or beyond repair, it might be time to buy a new one.

When Is It Time for a New Glove?

Relacing can extend the life of your glove, but there comes a point when it’s no longer worth it. Here are some signs that it’s time for a new glove:

• Extensive Damage: Multiple tears, holes, or broken areas that can’t be repaired.
• Loss of Shape: The glove has lost its original shape and can’t be molded back.
• Worn Leather: The leather is thin, brittle, and prone to tearing.
• Costly Repairs: The cost of repairs exceeds the value of the glove.

Glove Relacing Labor Cost: Break Down

The glove relacing labor cost is a significant portion of the overall repair price. Shops factor in time and expertise. A complex web design will increase the labor cost because of the increased time required to properly relace.

• Partial relace: $20-$30 labor
• Full relace: $30-$60 labor

These prices are estimates and could vary based on your geographic location.

Preserving Your Investment: Glove Maintenance Tips

Preventative baseball glove maintenance prices are usually lower than more involved repair costs. Here are some ways to extend the life of your glove:

• Condition the Leather: Regularly condition the leather to keep it soft and pliable.
• Store It Properly: Store the glove in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Use a Glove Wrap: Use a glove wrap or ball to maintain the glove’s shape when not in use.
• Clean It Regularly: Clean the glove with a damp cloth to remove dirt and sweat.
• Avoid Over-Oiling: Over-oiling can make the glove heavy and stiff.
• Break It In Properly: Properly break in the glove to avoid unnecessary stress on the lacing.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your baseball glove and avoid costly repairs.

Is Relacing Worth It? A Final Assessment

The decision to relace your baseball glove depends on several factors:

• The glove’s value: Is it a high-quality glove that you love?
• The extent of the damage: How much lacing needs to be replaced?
• Your budget: Can you afford the cost of relacing?
• Your DIY skills: Are you comfortable relacing the glove yourself?

If you have a valuable glove that you want to keep in good condition, relacing is usually worth the investment. It’s a cost-effective way to restore the glove’s performance and extend its life. However, if the glove is old, damaged, or inexpensive, it might be more economical to buy a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How often should I relace my baseball glove?

  • It depends on how often you use the glove and the conditions it’s exposed to. Generally, relace every 1-3 years for regularly used gloves.

• Can I use any type of lacing to relace my glove?

  • No, it’s important to use leather lacing specifically designed for baseball gloves. Using other materials can damage the glove.

• Will relacing change the feel of my glove?

  • Yes, new lacing will initially make the glove feel stiffer. It will take some time to break in the new lacing.

• Can I relace a softball glove the same way as a baseball glove?

  • Yes, the process is similar, but softball gloves often require thicker lacing.

• What is the best type of leather lacing for baseball gloves?

  • Rawhide leather lacing is the most common and durable option.

• How long does it take to relace a baseball glove?

  • Professionally, it can take a few days to a week. DIY can take several hours.

• Is it possible to stretch the laces too tight during relacing?

  • Yes, over-tightening can damage the leather and make the glove too stiff.

• What tools do I need to relace a baseball glove myself?

  • You’ll need leather lacing, a lacing needle, pliers, scissors, and possibly a leather punch.

• How can I prevent my glove laces from breaking?

  • Regularly condition the leather, avoid exposing the glove to extreme temperatures, and store it properly.

• Where can I buy a baseball glove relace kit?

  • Sporting goods stores or online retailers like Amazon.