3 Effective Methods for Attaching Rubber Feet to Your Laptop

If the rubber feet on the bottom of your laptop have become loose, your laptop might not sit securely, and it's more likely to slide around on flat surfaces like your desk or table. Thankfully, there are various ways you can reattach or replace the feet. In this guide, we'll walk you through the most effective methods for gluing your laptop's feet back on or adding new ones.

Remove any old adhesive or grime. Reattaching your laptop's rubber feet with silicone adhesive is a great choice if they've come loose. Silicone adhesive provides flexibility and strong bonding to rubber, plastic, and metal, potentially offering longer-lasting results compared to other glues. Before you begin, use tweezers to peel off any remaining old adhesive. Stubborn residue, dirt, and oils can be wiped away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

• Opt for rubbing alcohol with a high concentration, such as 70% or more.
• You can also attempt to dissolve the glue using vinegar or baby oil.

Apply a thin coat of silicone adhesive to the areas where the feet belong. Typically, laptop rubber feet fit into pre-made recesses on the baseplate. Use a small brush to spread a thin layer of adhesive into each recess.

• For certain laptop models like the MacBook Pro, you may need to remove the baseplate first to attach the feet. This is because the feet have a backing piece that must be inserted through a hole in the baseplate and glued down from the other side.

Secure the feet in position. Apply firm pressure to affix the feet into the recesses on the underside of your laptop. If you're using pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive, hold the feet firmly in place for at least 30 seconds—or as per the instructions—to ensure the adhesive bonds the feet to the baseplate effectively.

Follow the instructions provided to set the adhesive. Certain silicone sealants and adhesives may require pressure, a drying agent, slight moisture, or warmth to facilitate rapid drying. Refer to the guidelines on the adhesive packaging to determine the optimal drying method for keeping your laptop's feet securely attached.

Purchase replacement feet specifically designed for your laptop. If you've misplaced the rubber feet for your laptop, you can often find replacements tailored to your specific computer model. Consult the manufacturer or search online using terms like 'MacBook Air replacement feet' or 'Lenovo laptop rubber feet.'

Clean the areas where the old feet were placed. For better adhesion of the new feet, ensure the surface is clean. Use tweezers to gently remove any old adhesive, then wipe the area with a cotton swab soaked in at least 70% rubbing alcohol.

Remove the adhesive backing from the new feet and attach them. Most replacement laptop feet come with adhesive backing. Peel off the backing and firmly press the feet into the spots where the old ones were.

• For certain laptop models, the process might be a bit more complex. For instance, with a MacBook, you may have to remove the baseplate and insert the feet through the holes on the bottom.
• Follow any special instructions that come with your replacement feet to ensure proper fitting and adhesion.

Clean the areas where the old feet were positioned. If your laptop's feet are missing, an easy and cost-effective solution is to fill the spaces with hot glue or moldable silicone glue. Start by cleaning away any dirt or remnants of old adhesive for better adherence of the new feet.

• Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%), vinegar, or baby oil to dissolve stubborn adhesive.

Preheat a low-temperature glue gun. Load a glue stick into the back of the glue gun and plug it in. Allow a few minutes for the gun to warm up. It's ready when liquid glue starts to emerge from the nozzle when you squeeze the trigger.

Apply glue into the empty indentations. Keep the tip slightly immersed in the glue while exerting continuous pressure on the trigger. This prevents the formation of air bubbles. Fill the indentation until the glue level is slightly above the edges.

• If any original feet remain, use them as a reference for determining the desired height of the glue mound.

Allow the glue to cool before flipping your laptop over. Hot glue solidifies as it cools. Give it a few minutes to cool and set before using your laptop.

Consider moldable silicone glue as an alternative to hot glue. For a more rubbery finish, try using moldable silicone glue like Sugru or E/Fusing. Mold the glue into the desired shape, press it into the laptop’s feet indentations, and allow 12-24 hours for full setting.

• You can also create your own silicone glue by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with 100% silicone caulk. Gradually add cornstarch until the caulk reaches a putty-like consistency and is no longer sticky to the touch.