Simple Ways To Shrink A Silicone Bracelet: 13 Steps - WikiHow

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1 Measure your wrist with a tape measure to find your perfect fit. Wrap a flexible tape measure around your wrist and write down the value in inches or centimeters. Add about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to that number to find how long your bracelet should be.[6] X Research source
- For example, if your wrist is 6.5 inches (17 cm) around, the ideal bracelet size is 7.5 inches (19 cm).
- If you want a snug fit, only add 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) to the size of your wrist. Just remember that you'll need to be able to pull it over your hand to put it on.
- Adding an extra inch to your wrist size ensures the bracelet will be loose enough to put on and take off.
2 Use scissors to cut the band where there's no design or logo. Pick a discreet place to cut the band so you won't notice a break in the design once you put it back together. Snip the band in half with a sharp pair of scissors. Make the cut as even as you can so there are no jagged edges or curves in the cut. That’ll make it easier to bond it back together.[7] X Research source
- Avoid using a pocket knife or dull scissors you use for everyday purposes. Sharp scissors made for cutting hair, fabric, or craft materials are a good choice.
3 Lay the bracelet and tape measure side by side and mark your perfect length. Lay both pieces side by side on top of a piece of paper. Make a small mark on the paper where the inch-value of your wrist is. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to that and make a second mark on the paper—that’s where you’ll need to cut the bracelet.[8] X Research source
- If you’re worried about the bracelet being too tight, only add 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) or 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) to the measurement.
4 Hold the bracelet with your fingernail at the proper length and snip off the excess. Now that you know how long the bracelet should be, grab the bracelet and position your finger on that point so you know where to cut. Put the blade of the scissors right next to your fingernail marking the point and snip off the excess material.[9] X Research source
- Make it a single, clean-cut so you won't have to deal with gluing a curved or jagged edge.
5 Apply rubber cement to one edge of the band. Squeeze the tube to apply a thin strip of rubber cement to the cut edge of the bracelet. Use a glue that has a very fine applicator tip so you won't end up with globs of dried glue on your bracelet.[10] X Research source
- If you only have rubber cement with a brush applicator, use a very fine paintbrush to apply the cement instead.
- Don't use epoxies, school glue, or glues intended for paper because they won't work well (or at all) on silicone rubber.
- Clear Super Glue, PASCOFix, Sil-Poxy or Elmer's Rubber Cement are all good choices for silicone bracelets.
6 Hold the 2 cut edges of the bracelet together for 2 minutes. Carefully align the snipped edges and push them together for a good 2 minutes. The idea is to set the glue without letting any pockets of air get between the 2 edges of the bracelet. That way, it stays together longer.
- It's okay if you see glue squeeze out from between the pieces—it’ll dry clear.
7 Let the rubber cement dry for at least 1 day. Place the bracelet in a warm, well-lit area and wait for it to dry completely before you try to put it on. A windowsill is a good spot to put it because the more heat and light it gets, the faster it will dry and the sooner you'll get to wear your custom-fitted bracelet.
- The glue may feel dry but leave it alone—it won't reach its full strength for at least 24 hours after the application.
- To speed up the drying time, hit it with some hot air from a hairdryer for 1 or 2 minutes.
8 Slide it over your hand gently to put it on and take it off. The cut and glued bracelet will be more prone to break if you overstretch it, so slide it onto your hand extra carefully. When you take it off, cup your hand so you won’t have to stretch the band too much to get it over your palm and fingers.[11] X Research source
- The bracelet is waterproof, but you should take it off before swimming or bathing because too much moisture can weaken some types of rubber glue over time.