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Author Topic: How to take care of skates?  (Read 94203 times)

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Offline FigureSpins

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #50 on: January 20, 2013, 09:08:38 AM »
Note about heat guns. There are two kinds of heat guns, those sold as hardware and those sold as craft tools. Hardware heat guns get extremely hot - I have used them for bending schedule 40 PVC pipes, and believe me, you do not ever want to get one near your skates! The craft ones do not get that hot, but get hotter than a hair drier - those are the ones I've heard of people using for spot heat molding of skates.
thanks - I've always thought it insane that people would use a heat gun on their skates.  The one we own is for removing paint from a railing, wall or house.  You can blister your hand in less than a second!

I didn't know there were crafting heat guns.  That idea isn't all that zany.
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Offline Robin

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #51 on: March 26, 2013, 07:19:30 PM »
Here's a tip to keep blades from rusting...and it will eliminate condensation from forming after you skate: run your blades under hot water after you skate--if your rink has hot water, of course. A hairdryer works also. Then wipe them. This will prevent moisture in the air from condensing on the cold blades when not in use. This works like a charm in hot humid weather.

Offline nicklaszlo

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #52 on: July 29, 2013, 08:16:28 PM »
Posting a reminder to check the screws on your blades.  Some of mine were failing!  The front of one blade was visibly separating from the boot.

I added one more screw to each blade as a stop-gap, and added silicone caulk around the edges of the blades since I had neglected to do that when they were new.  Next time I go the pro shop I will have the bad screws replaced.

Offline Isk8NYC

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #53 on: July 29, 2013, 08:38:51 PM »
It's on the forum's calendar as a monthly event.  http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=1429.0

Coincidentally, the most recent "Skate Maintenance" event was on the day after I had the blades put on my new boots, lol.
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Offline HannahLouise

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #54 on: July 31, 2013, 04:46:05 AM »
First, I've got (pink because all of my skate stuff is pink, even the soles of my skates are glitter pink... But, you don't really need pink... Is just pretty) a microfibres cloth as I have found it drys off my blades better than anything else I've tried.

And then a good pair of soakers (I've found a heavy duty pair without furry animals on which is a huge bonus).

A pair of guards for walking around the rink and on concrete if I need to I outside for any reason.

I leave my skates on a cushion on a cabinet in my bedroom... Not just because they're beautiful and I love them, but so they can be aired out and to make sure they are dry properly after skating (even though mine never seem to feel damp even after four hours).

When I bought my Riedells I wasn't too bothered about looking after them as much as they just got a clean off after skating, and then they were shoved in my bag until I next went. However, when I went to get my Jackson Competitors fitted (by far now my favourite) the guy at the shop made sure I knew the only time guards should be on is for walking around. No guards on when your skates are travelling home or at home! Always have soakers on as it keeps them from rusting!

Offline dlbritton

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #55 on: November 06, 2014, 12:04:54 AM »
I have used a heat gun to apply sno seal before and it works wonders! I used to have to sit there with a hair dryer forever until the leather opened up enough to accept the wax. It was really quick with the heat gun. I also didn't let the gun sit in one place too long.

I just reapplied Sno-Seal to my boots and found a good way to warm them was to put them in front of a small space heater for about 15 minutes. The soles never got more than warm but really soaked up the wax. I was able to put about 8 coats on before they stopped absorbing wax. While I worked on one skate I put the other one back in front of the heater. Went pretty quick this way. I hate standing there with a blow dryer which takes forever.

Just put them in front of the heater and watched PBS for a while. Then started rubbing in the wax.


 
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Offline Mom2NewSkater

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #56 on: March 20, 2015, 03:46:07 PM »
Hmmm... what is Sno-Seal and where are you supposed to apply it? 

Also, how often should skates be sharpened?

Mod note: The purpose behind this thread is to provide answers to FAQ's like these, so read the topic from the beginning and you'll learn more than you ever wanted to know!   ;) 

TOPIC: http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=59.50

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Offline Scamper

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #57 on: March 25, 2015, 12:11:11 PM »
I am wondering if anyone has tried a new product called Never wet from Rust o Leum.  Please let me know if you have and you results and thoughts

Offline Scamper

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #58 on: May 12, 2015, 01:17:44 PM »
OK We just got a new pair of boots no blades mounted yet. I used the Never wet , It was amazing repelled water and left surface dry as a bone! Now the problem we went to mount the blades and the never wet product peeled right off the sole. It just will not adhere. So on to the next solution I applied Sno Seal and worked perfectly. I have been advised by someone that knows, that you can use carnuba wax as well or check out car care finishing waxes that offer a ton of protection. As for us I will touch up with other wax but for now we have a sealed sole and blades that are now mounted and a happy skater! I also ran a thin bead of Marine 100% Silcone Sealant around the mounting plates to prevent water from getting under the plate and causing damage! it dried clear so unless you are looking fro it it is next to invisible!

Offline FigureSpins

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #59 on: August 12, 2015, 03:02:32 PM »
A reminder from the guilt-laden: check your blade screws and do your skate maintenance monthly!  Saves money in the long run.

(Just paid to have my blades realigned and sharpened.)
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Offline tstop4me

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #60 on: October 20, 2015, 09:46:31 PM »
Very useful thread.  Here are a couple of additional tips.

(1)  To make sure the interiors of the boots dry thoroughly, always pull out the insoles at the end of the session.  Foam insoles, in particular, soak up a lot of sweat.  Loosen the laces, and pull the tongues forward and to the side to expose as much of the interiors of the boots as possible.

(2)  To dry off the blades and the exteriors of the boots, I use 3 wipes and 2 soakers.  For many years, I used chamois for wipes.  But real chamois is hard to find these days, and require a long break-in period.  I now use microfiber wipes.  The nap is particularly effective on suede boots.  After a session, I use a first wipe to clean off the slush and most of the water.  I then use a second wipe for more thorough drying, and put on a first pair of soakers.  When I get home, I remove the first pair of soakers, use a third wipe to dry off residual water that has condensed, and then put on a second pair of soakers.  Another poster suggested running the blades under hot water to prevent condensation, but I think you would risk splashing water onto and into the boot (especially if you have access only to bathroom sinks, and not utility sinks, at the rink).

Offline Ethereal Ice

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #61 on: April 24, 2016, 02:10:10 AM »
I agree wholeheartedly with the double soaker method, I was going to mention that I actually use two types of soakers. I had noticed that despite a good drying and switching the soakers out when I got home, I was still seeing evidence of water accumulating on the soles. I purchased one pair of the really thick puffy (terry cloth on the inside) soakers that can come up all the way past the sole onto the boot. After drying at the rink, I put my puffy soakers on, (it is easiest to turn them inside out and kind of roll them onto the blades). I put them on so they cover the entire bottom of my boot. When I get home, I pull out my towel to let it dry, remove the puffys and flip then inside out to dry, and then apply my regular terry soakers to my blades. They stay on until my next skate.

I have found that for other aspects of skate care, the bag I have makes things easy. It has the netting compartments so my skates are always exposed to air, and I actually use the top of the bag to drape my drying cloth and set my soakers on to dry them out before my next skate. Then I just toss them in and go. Personally, I leave my skate bag in the car as little as possible, I bring it inside as soon as I get home.

Offline AgnesNitt

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #62 on: April 24, 2016, 03:47:51 PM »
I use double soakers, but two at a time. It works well for me.

To keep the interior of my boots dry I put a small Pingi dehuminifier in each boot. I don't know why they're so expensive on Amazon, you may find them cheaper elsewhere.

(EDIT: It appears that the Pingi company has gone out of business. I really loved their sachet for drying out my boots. I have a couple stocked away. What's on Amazon is leftover stock.)
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Offline Ethereal Ice

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #63 on: December 15, 2016, 02:07:53 PM »
I use double soakers, but two at a time. It works well for me.

To keep the interior of my boots dry I put a small Pingi dehuminifier in each boot. I don't know why they're so expensive on Amazon, you may find them cheaper elsewhere.

(EDIT: It appears that the Pingi company has gone out of business. I really loved their sachet for drying out my boots. I have a couple stocked away. What's on Amazon is leftover stock.)

I have been using the 151 Small Space Dehumidifier bags for my skate bag. I believe it was this post that gave me the idea,  thanks.  I get them off Amazon, very economical.  I put them in the back/bottom of the net hanging in my Zuca skate compartment. I typically leave my Zuca bag door open all the time unless the bag is en transport, but it does not have the best air circulation. Btw, I accidentally opened one of the used ones when I was switching them out and the contents was very wet, not just damp,  wet.  I was surprised at how much moisture it had absorbed.

On the actual in-skate front,  I like the Stink eEze dessicant critters, I prefer the unscented ones, I don't like the idea of sweat mixed with a scent like that. I slide them in immediately after I am done skating and remove them once I get home. Even with all the drying and air my skates get, I started to notice a faint sweat smell now that they are close to a year old.  So I started removing my insoles and wiping them and my skate interiors out with antibacterial wipes and leaving those insoles out over the weekend.  Smell is gone! 

Offline Query

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #64 on: December 17, 2016, 04:51:17 PM »
I wonder if you could make do with a dry rice-filled sock. People often use these to keep their boots warm (you microwave them first). Microwaving them would also get rid of some of the moisture, recharging the moisture absorbing facility.

Dry rice has sometimes been used to dry out electronics.


Offline Ethereal Ice

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #65 on: December 20, 2016, 03:07:39 AM »
I wonder if you could make do with a dry rice-filled sock. People often use these to keep their boots warm (you microwave them first). Microwaving them would also get rid of some of the moisture, recharging the moisture absorbing facility.

Dry rice has sometimes been used to dry out electronics.

There are all kinds of recipes for homemade dessicants online, using rice,  silicone, kitty litter etc.  The packs I have been getting online are a penny for a three pack and five dollars shipping , they actually ship from England...they should be the expert in dessicants,  eh? Anyway,  I go through a pack or two a month so the average cost is about $2.50 a month,  and I have never seen dessicants pick up moisture like these things do,  they are fairly incredible.  They are beads (probably silicone of some sort) and the instructions say when they turn to gel to replace them.  I found out that the "gel" is sopping wet inside.  Neat.

Offline beginner skater

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #66 on: December 20, 2016, 04:02:37 PM »
  The packs I have been getting online are a penny for a three pack and five dollars shipping , they actually ship from England...

I some times get as new second hand hardback books shipped from the States , penny for the book, and £2.80 ($3.46) for shipping.  It's amazing isnt it? I wonder how they do it...

  They are beads (probably silicone of some sort) and the instructions say when they turn to gel to replace them.  I found out that the "gel" is sopping wet inside.  Neat.

Are they reusable at all? It would be nice to find an eco friendly solution

Offline Query

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #67 on: December 21, 2016, 08:09:58 PM »
Sounds like you found a really cheap source, no need to improvise.

I guess you have to keep any dessicant in a small closed container most of the time, so it doesn't absorb water from the atmosphere to the point where it stops absorbing...

Offline aussieskater

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #68 on: December 21, 2016, 10:47:11 PM »
Are they reusable at all? It would be nice to find an eco friendly solution

If the ones you're talking about are the same as the ones I can get here,  then they are indeed reusable - you dry them in a slow oven for a couple of hours.  Here are the ones I use and the instructions to recharge them are in the body of the listing.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/50gm-Reusable-Silica-Gel-Desiccant-Moisture-Absorber-dehumidifier-dessicant-/321831357351?hash=item4aeea4cba7

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #69 on: December 22, 2016, 06:46:58 AM »
If the ones you're talking about are the same as the ones I can get here,  then they are indeed reusable - you dry them in a slow oven for a couple of hours.  Here are the ones I use and the instructions to recharge them are in the body of the listing.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/50gm-Reusable-Silica-Gel-Desiccant-Moisture-Absorber-dehumidifier-dessicant-/321831357351?hash=item4aeea4cba7

Thanks for that, I'm not particularly an environmental warrior, but I would prefer not to be sending granules of chemicals regularly to landfill  :)

Offline lutefisk

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #70 on: December 22, 2016, 08:05:12 AM »
I used to use those Pingi dehumidifier things until one day when the closure on one of the bags failed and little pingi beads went everywhere.  Now I just store my skates in the heater room of the house in between uses.  Seems alright.

Offline Ethereal Ice

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #71 on: December 22, 2016, 10:01:40 AM »
Thanks for that, I'm not particularly an environmental warrior, but I would prefer not to be sending granules of chemicals regularly to landfill  :)

Here is an interesting article on the variety of dessicants available,  and it sounds like some are more environmentally friendly than others... http://www.backdoorsurvival.com/survival-basic-understanding-desiccants/

Offline Ethereal Ice

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #72 on: December 22, 2016, 10:12:38 AM »
If the ones you're talking about are the same as the ones I can get here,  then they are indeed reusable - you dry them in a slow oven for a couple of hours.  Here are the ones I use and the instructions to recharge them are in the body of the listing.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/50gm-Reusable-Silica-Gel-Desiccant-Moisture-Absorber-dehumidifier-dessicant-/321831357351?hash=item4aeea4cba7

I know that the Stink eEze dessicant inserts I use for my skates themselves are able to be"reactivated" I believe by putting them in the microwave.  The packs I get from England are not very sturdy,  once the beads turn to gel the paper packaging gets a bit soggy,  I would not trust it to try to attempt to revive it.  This thread has caused me to check into the rice,  salt,  etc.  options as well,  not sure if I will stay with the 515 ones forever but I have been pleased so far with their work inside my Zuca.  I also always keep my Zuca next to a heat source with the door open so it is surprising the amount of moisture collected up the in that top net.

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Re: How to take care of skates?
« Reply #73 on: December 22, 2016, 07:24:49 PM »
I know that the Stink eEze dessicant inserts I use for my skates themselves are able to be"reactivated" I believe by putting them in the microwave.  The packs I get from England are not very sturdy,  once the beads turn to gel the paper packaging gets a bit soggy,  I would not trust it to try to attempt to revive it.  This thread has caused me to check into the rice,  salt,  etc.  options as well,

You could try sewing them into coffee filter envelopes  :D as per the survivalist.
Ive been having a little google, and apparently bentonite clay is more absorbent than silica gel, but the suggestion to reactivate is 24  h in the oven, which seems a but excessive in terms of energy. Althought the States is the main producer, cf China for silica, so less air miles.
Also diatomaceous earth is a dessicant, as well as calcium chloride.
Hmmm, hard to know what to do. I might try rice