<P> An aglet (/ ˈæɡlət / AG - lət) is a small sheath, often made of plastic or metal, used on each end of a shoelace, a cord, or a drawstring . An aglet keeps the fibers of the lace or cord from unraveling; its firmness and narrow profile make it easier to hold and easier to feed through eyelets, lugs, or other lacing guides . </P> <P> The word aglet or aiglet comes from the Old French word aguillette, the diminutive of aiguille, meaning "needle", which is in turn derived from the Latin word for a needle, acus . </P>

What are the things on the end of your shoelaces called