The “ribs” are the slender metal spokes that support the canopy of an umbrella while it’s open. Prop your umbrella upside down or clamp it upright between your knees so you’ll be free to work on it with both hands. In this position, the ribs will still be slightly bent, which will make it easier to manipulate the main connector pieces. [2] X Research source
If the problem is not a dislocation but an actual break, you may have no choice but to throw your umbrella out and buy a new one.
It may help to hold the rib ends together with the fingers of your free hand while you focus on guiding the wire through. [5] X Research source If you don’t have anything else on hand, a bit of wire taken from a spare coat hanger may do the trick.
If your makeshift wire connector is too loose, your umbrella may not open correctly. Reconnecting the separated rib ends repairs the joint, allowing the umbrella to open and close properly once again.
Be sure to snip the wire straight across rather than at an angle. You could cut or scratch yourself on an angled wire end, if you’re not careful.
In the best case scenario, there will be no actual damage to the fabric itself, and your umbrella will be as good as new (or better) by the time you’re finished.
Aim to leave 1⁄16–1⁄8 in (0. 16–0. 32 cm) of space between each of your stitches. A couple stitches will probably be all you need for a minor snag or puncture.
Shop around for a patch with a color and texture that’s similar to that of your umbrella. You’ll most likely need to use a patch any time you’re dealing with a rip or hole that’s more than 1⁄4–1⁄2 in (0. 64–1. 27 cm) long or wide.
Patching kits can be a lifesaver for those times when you don’t have a needle and thread handy, or when you’d just rather not go to the effort of stitching your umbrella up yourself. You can pick up a nylon patching kit at any major craft store or home improvement center. The materials included with these kits typically measure 4–8 in (10–20 cm), and come in common colors like black, red, blue, green, navy, and orange.
You can also clean your umbrella with rubbing alcohol if you encounter any particularly heavy grime or rust. A good wipedown will also help get rid of any dust or dirt that’s built up on older umbrellas over the years.
Super glue dries fast, but it takes a little time to cure completely. Hold off on using your umbrella for about an hour after putting it back together. This method may not be effective enough to repair heavy umbrellas made from materials like steel and wood that have a lot of heft. In this case, you may have no choice but to replace the umbrella.
If possible, tuck the loose end of the wire underneath the wrapped section to keep it from coming unwound. If you really want to make sure the wire stays put, dab a bead of super glue into the seams. It will take a lot more than a rainstorm to pry it loose!
