Repairing Silicone?

Is it possible to repair silicone? All the online information I have found is about repairing silicone molds, used in manufacturing. That does not help with my problem.

I have a pair of toe separators (an essential self-care item when you have toes that tend to cramp up when the weather changes). On one of them, the socket for the big toe tore. I tried using a silicone gel that comes in a tube, but it did not hold. Has anyone successfully repaired a silicone item that needs to stretch when in use?

I would try duct tape  or some other very sticky/strong tape. A long thin strip should hold that broken piece together even if you have to wrap it completely around.

I would get some elastic string and sew it up  with that thread and needle.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3Pack-Elastic-Stretch-String-Cord-Thread-For-Jewelry-Making-Bracelet-Beading-US/163207173378?hash=item25ffe7d502:m:mAcIQb4N6WC7UeNF2B5lB1A:rk:4:pf:0

Lucrecia Anderson wrote:I would try duct tape  or some other very sticky/strong tape. A long thin strip should hold that broken piece together even if you have to wrap it completely around.

The trouble with wrapping tape completely around is that these are designed to have to stretch in order to go onto my toes. Maybe if I could find an elastic tape...

Kinesiology tape or self adhering tape(like for blood draws) are both stretchy and reasonably durable.

I think your best bet is to make a new one. Probably with some kind of mold?

Are the cylinders solid?  If so they provide the best place to secure "mechanical" connections - ie. thread, screws, staples. Very skinny bolts w/washers run complete through the cylinder could hold both ends of an elastic strip.

IAC, mechanical fasteners used to hold a strip of elastic stuff across the tear might work. The sewing idea sounded plausible, w/or w/out elastic thread; if using "hard" thread then I think an elastic strip of some kind must used in conjunction w/the sewing.


Rufus

I've had decent luck with gluing molded silicone parts together with a tube of silicone Gorilla glue.  Having said that, I haven't tried to then mechanically stretch the bondline, so not sure how that will go.  I would probably cut a thin sheet of silicone to wrap around the broken zone and "laminate" it over the broken zone by coating the sheet in the silicone Gorilla glue and then wrap it, fixture it so it won't move and let the silicone glue set for a day or so.