How to Use Screws in Your Boots for Ice Traction
It’s never fun to slip and fall on the ice, and it’s not cheap to buy “creepers” or spikes to go on the bottom of your boots. One cheap and easy way to create traction on your boots is to put the screws to them—quite literally.
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Things You'll Need
- Boots
- Drill
- Drill bit, 3/8-inch
- No. 8 sheet metal screws
- Grinder
- Nut driver
Instructions
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1
Check your boots for any cracks that need to be repaired and use a glue made for shoes or a wax-based sealant to fix them. Replace the felt lining, if needed, with store-bought inserts.
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2
Examine the tread and locate the lugs, which are the thick parts of the sole. These lugs are the "pattern" of the sole and are built for traction in the snow. According to the Northe Platte Telegram, lugs are thicker than the rest of the boot’s sole and are ideal locations for screw placement.
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3
Drill pilot holes about 1/4 inch deep into the lugs of the soles using a drill with a 3/8-inch bit. Do not drill too deep or the waterproof qualities of the boot will be compromised.
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4
Grind about 1/8 inch off the end of the No. 8 sheet metal screws, which are about 1/2 inch in length. This will remove the sharp point and leave thread to hold the screws in place.
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5
Use the nut driver to place the No. 8 screws in the holes you previously drilled. Tighten the screws until the heads are tight against the sole of the boot.
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Tips & Warnings
Winter boots, such as Pac boots like Sorels, have thick “lugs” on the bottom built for traction. These are the treads on the bottom of the boot and each brand of boot has its own pattern. Usually, no two screw patterns will look the same when finished because of the lug locations.
If your boot lugs are thick enough, you won't even have to take the tips off the ends of the screws before tightening them down.
Don't wear your new traction boots inside as they will tear up floors, carpets and most surfaces.
References
- Photo Credit winter boots image by KtD from Fotolia.com
