How to Repair Tubbs Snowshoes

Tubbs snowshoes are reliable and resilient, but when wear and tear catches up with them there are some proven methods you can use to fix or refurbish them. The shoe itself or the binding can sometimes get damaged, requiring some quick repairs to make the snowshoes operable again. It's always a good idea to carry a special snowshoe repair kit with you when hiking. Your kit should include a multi-tool, hardware and other materials you can use to accomplish a quick fix out on the trail.

Things You'll Need

  • Leatherman multi-tool
  • Hose clamps
  • Tent stakes
  • Waterproof duct tape
  • Nylon patch
  • Milk jug cutouts
  • Weatherproof glue
  • Zip ties
  • Small bolts, nuts, and washers
  • Webbing material or backpack straps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fix a broken frame on your set of Tubbs snowshoes with some hose clamps and tent stakes. Place the first clamp over the break in the frame pipe. Slide the tent stake between the frame and the outside of the ring and hand tighten it. Keep the stake centered on the break in the frame. Add another hose clamp to each end of the stake. Use your multi-tool's screwdriver to fully tighten all the clamps. If you still need more stability add more clamps.

    • 2

      Repair rips, tears, or holes in fabric or plastic with duct tape, glue or plastic patching. For models that have a plastic shoe surface, wipe all dirt and moisture off the area you wish to prepare. Flat sections of milk jugs cut from the sides of an empty jug are ideal for this application. If there is a crack, gash, or hole in the plastic you want to cover, apply some weatherproof glue to the patch and the snowshoe. Place the patch on the top of the shoe. Press down hard on the patch with one hand while pushing against the bottom part of the shoe with the other hand. For fabric fixes use waterproof duct tape or try the glue and patch method with your nylon patches.

    • 3

      Make new fasteners for broken strap rivets with small nuts and bolts. Add a washer to the nut side for extra stability. A quick and easy way to accomplish this fix is to use zip ties to replace the straps holding the shoe area to the frame. Use the multi-tool's knife to cut a new hole for the small bolt to pass through if the rivet point on the strap rips open. Tighten the nut over the washer as much as possible with the pliers on the multi-tool.

    • 4

      Apply the webbing or backpack straps to fix the part of the snowshoe that attaches to your shoes or boots. You can secure the webbing to the frame or other parts of the shoe with the zip ties. Cut off the thin, adjustable straps below the padded shoulder area of an old backpack as an alternative. Tie each end of each strap to each side of the frame and use the tightening clasp to cinch it over the toe of your boot.