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On the Ice => The Pro Shop => Topic started by: Isk8NYC on August 30, 2010, 12:08:40 AM

Title: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on August 30, 2010, 12:08:40 AM
Figure skates are the only required piece of equipment for this sport.  Someone on the old board said "Buy cheap, buy twice."  Skates are a great investment, with some resale value if you care for them properly.

How do you take care of skates properly?
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Sk8tmum on August 30, 2010, 08:05:48 AM
1. A chamois to dry the blades. Works better than a towel.
2. GOOD soft covers. We tried cheap ones, and they simply didn't soak up any residual moisture. We also replace them if they get any signs of rust (as a result of sloppy blade drying).
3. Good hard guards, which we run through the dishwasher about every 6 weeks to take any grit out of the channels. Wearing a guard is not particularly effective if dirt has gotten inside them and the blade is pressing down on them in the guard.
4. Soaker/perspiration absorbers inside the boot. Cuts down on boot rot and stink. Very important with my son, sigh.
5. Taking the skates out of the bag, and the covers off, and letting them air dry (NEVER over a vent) after usage. We have a shelf in each kid's room for this purpose.
6. NEVER leaving them in the trunk, heat or cold.
7. Vented skate bags that let them air in the time between arena and home.
8. SnoSealing boots that don't have them already sealed (i.e. Riedells).
9. Using a good blade sharpener who checks the boots, the soles, and the blades and tells us what to do. Also lectures kids on any sloppy or lazy care of the skates  88)



Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on August 31, 2010, 08:17:36 PM
Whenever I store skates, I rub a little vaseline, WD-40 stick, or even candle wax over the edges. It keeps the damp from causing rust.  If they're going to be stored for a longer time, I put it on thick and cover with wax paper/rubber band, then the dry soakers over the top.  

Finding a good skate tech, as Sk8tmum points out, is critical.  I usually ask the pros at the rink for recommendations.  Some techs (if you have more than one) are better at fitting than sharpening, and vice versa.  
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Sk8tmum on August 31, 2010, 08:24:07 PM
On the subject of sharpening: your blades may be sharp, but still need to be sharpened; nicks and chips in the edges are possible in nice sharp blades, and will definitely impact your skating quality.  Nicks from learning new jumps, stepping on something sharp by accident ... jumping on a steel rod in excitement ... 88)

We know the edge is gone when a fingernail, run along the edge, doesn't have anything pared off.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: kiwiskater on September 13, 2010, 10:22:18 PM
8. SnoSealing boots that don't have them already sealed (i.e. Riedells).

If you can't get SnoSeal then try looking for an identical product e.g. Nikwax - same stuff, different brand (I use them on my tramping boots :))
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: scootie12 on September 16, 2010, 02:02:25 PM
The single best maintenance you can do to increase the life of your skates is to ensure they are dried off properly.

All too often, skaters take off their skates, place soakers over the blades, and throw in their bag until next time.  HUGE no-no, lol.

I tend to do the following after each skate:

1. Wipe down the blades with a soft cotton towel.  I usually have a hand towel in my bag, so I wipe off the excess water on the blades, and also wipe around the blade, the sole, and quickly over my boot.  This literally takes all of 20 seconds per skate.

2. I place soakers on the blades...always make sure they are dry.  If you skate several times per day, perhaps two different soakers will work so you always have a dry pair handy.  I know some people that turn theirs inside out.

3. I'm usually either at the office or home directly from skating.  In either case I always make sure my skates are taken out of my bag and placed out to dry.  At home, I usually have my fan running, so I have this nice, cool spot where I can place my skates to air dry.  If I'm in my office, I usually put my skates in the corner and take home with me at the end of the day.  I avoid, at all costs, just leaving them in my trunk and out of the bag since there's no air circulation.

4. This is not exactly part of the other 3, but kinda in-line.  I always check my blades before I lace up my skates.  I do a quick wiggle test to make sure the blade isn't loose or shifting on the boot.  A common issue with skaters that don't properly dry their skates is water getting stuck between the blade and boot, which will eventually strip out the screws.  

As a side note, some skate specialists will permanently mount the blade with a layer of silicon between the sole and the blade plate.  Other specialists will simply make sure the sole is water-proofed and screw in the blades.  If you have a silicon layer, eventually the silicon will come out and it will cause your blade to come slightly loose.  Usually, you'll simply need to tighten the screws on the blade, but keep an eye out to make sure the blade doesn't *shift* from the original mounting.  Just mentioning since the positioning of the mounting can be the difference between skating well and skating badly. :)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: kiwiskater on September 16, 2010, 05:16:46 PM
 

As a side note, some skate specialists will permanently mount the blade with a layer of silicon between the sole and the blade plate.  Other specialists will simply make sure the sole is water-proofed and screw in the blades.  If you have a silicon layer, eventually the silicon will come out and it will cause your blade to come slightly loose.  Usually, you'll simply need to tighten the screws on the blade, but keep an eye out to make sure the blade doesn't *shift* from the original mounting.  Just mentioning since the positioning of the mounting can be the difference between skating well and skating badly. :)

Ooh thanks for the tip - my skates come with a rubber layer covering the sole of the boot (it says 'Rubber Protected', and 'genuine leather' so I guess that means rubber protecting the leather sole? I'd never have known this could have an effect!
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on September 16, 2010, 06:00:21 PM
Here's one we missed:

There are temporary mounting screws that go into the slotted holes on the blades' sole plate.  These let the fitter adjust the alignment when you first wear them, to get it just right.

Once you're sure the blades are aligned properly, get the permanent screws put into the round holes.  Those will hold the blades in place, especially if you jump.


Note: if you have recreational skates, the blades might be riveted in place, so this doesn't apply.  Some boot-and-blade sets already have the permanent holes in use.

Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: scootie12 on September 16, 2010, 06:06:41 PM
Ooh thanks for the tip - my skates come with a rubber layer covering the sole of the boot (it says 'Rubber Protected', and 'genuine leather' so I guess that means rubber protecting the leather sole? I'd never have known this could have an effect!

Hmm, I think you might be referencing something different.  

I know some skates have an extra rubber piece attached to, or covering, the sole, which is fine.  That would serve as an extra layer to prevent water from eventually rotting the sole.  What I'm talking about is a layer of silicon (sometimes epoxy glue) that holds the blade securely to the boot.  Some skate techs put it on the sole before mounting the blade in order to make sure both parts of the blade plates are "super glued" down.  This is great and will last for a long while, but eventually the silicon/glue will rot and it will slowly fall out from the mounting.  In many cases it will very slowly ooze out over time, and you can even pull on it....it is a bit stretchy.  

So what I was saying is once this glue layer is gone, the blade might feel loose, and you'll need to have the screws tightened.  This happened to me before, and as an extra precaution I had my skate guy drill in an extra screw to one of the open holes on the blade (my issue was with the heel part).


Not a huge big deal, but because of this, I always check my blades to make sure the screws aren't starting to strip or come loose.
Title: How Do I Use Sno Seal
Post by: JimStanmore on September 26, 2010, 05:12:36 PM
I am receiving new boots on Wednesday and I want to make sure I treat them right.  My first ever pair of new boots, Jackson Freestyles, seemed to have lasted a year with just wiping down.  When they blades were changed last week, however, there were a few rust stains and some areas seemed raised - these were not related to the impression of the plate.  I don't want my SP Teri's to end up the same way after 11 months.  So,...

What are the best ways to use Sno Seal?
Does it just go on the sole of the boot?  i.e., do you also use it inside of the boot?
Should you wait before putting it on the sole of a new boot or can you do it right away?
How often do you reapply?
Does WD-40 work as well (ala skaterslandingtv)?
Any warnings about using Sno Seal?

(This info was in old posts, but I thought I would find out current info instead of resurrecting the old.)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: kiwiskater on September 26, 2010, 05:24:19 PM
What are the best ways to use Sno Seal?
Does it just go on the sole of the boot?  i.e., do you also use it inside of the boot?
Should you wait before putting it on the sole of a new boot or can you do it right away?
How often do you reapply?
Does WD-40 work as well (ala skaterslandingtv)?
Any warnings about using Sno Seal?

(This info was in old posts, but I thought I would find out current info instead of resurrecting the old.)

Jim - while I can't be specific about experience from a skate perspective I can from my tramping boots!

When using the snoseal, make sure you have a well ventilated room, I often do my waterproofing in the laundry & open the outside door, if it's anything like my Nixwax you'll want to vent the fumes when using a fresh tin.

Apply only to the outside of the boot (soles and the entire outside of the boot) - it is there to repel water (which you don't get inside) it doesn't serve to apply to the inside as the boot still needs to breathe.

Reapplication depends on how often you skate & individual conditions (e.g. how much moisture do you expose the boot to e.g. by the way you skate or the level you skate at?), you might be able to see the layer of wax on the boot if you hold it up to the light in a particular way, look for inconsistencies in the waxy texture/sheen on the boot to tell you when to reapply.

hope this helps :)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: JimStanmore on September 26, 2010, 08:12:03 PM
Thanks, kiwi.

I found this at http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080829205936AAxiJ0x.  Can anyone comment if this is about right?

Quote
"You only apply to the sole and I don't even worry about the sides that much. The most important place is where the blade attaches to the boot because the water can get under the plates and then the sole sits wet - that's when you have problems like screws falling out/stripping and screws breaking off b/c they remain wet. I also always replace all screws any time I remove a blade for service. I never replace the blade with old screws.

I use a heat gun to sno-seal boots and a sponge paint brush. I also do this a lot as I am a skate technician. It used to take me a really long time to sno-seal a pair of boots (with a hair dryer) now not so much. You want to put as many coats on as the leather will take. You will know that it cannot absorb any more wax when it won't melt into the leather anymore. I usually get about 20 - 25 coats or more on a pair of boots.

Source(s):
competitive skater - 8 years
coach - 17 years
boot fitter & skate technician - 9 years
skating mom - 7 years"
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on October 04, 2010, 01:24:45 PM
There are a lot of posers on Yahoo! Answers, so I rarely believe radical suggestions like using a heat-gun or putting plastic bags over your feet to mold skates faster.  I tried the plastic bags - I just felt like I ended up with sweaty feet inside the bags and none of that perspiration made it to the boot, where it was needed.

I've used heat guns to remove wall paper and paint - those suckers get hot enough to blister skin in a second!  I would NOT take a chance using one on my skates for waterproofing or for heat-molding.  (Then again, I'm not a skate tech.)

New skates usually won't absorb Sno-Seal because they have a layer of laquer or polyurethane on them.  You can wait until you see water marks, then remove the laquer/poly with steel wool and then apply sno-seal.

TYPES OF SKATES:
. If the bottoms of the skates are plastic/pvc, you don't need to waterproof them.
. If the bottoms of the skates are leather, but have a layer of plastic/PVC on the sole, waterproof the sides and any nicks/scratches in the sole.
. If the skates are all-leather, waterproof before the blades are attached.

Only waterproof as needed - when you see the leather's absorbing water from skating, it's time to get out the hairdryer.


I use WD-40 on the blades, but not the soles.  I don't know anyone who does that to their leather boots.  I'd be interested to see what the skate manufacturers say about that approach to waterproofing - I wonder if it would void the skate warranties?
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Sierra on October 04, 2010, 02:06:21 PM
Anything involving perspiration is not going to help the boot a bit. Perspiration contains bacteria from our feet, and bacteria eats protein. Leather is 98% protein. That's also a reason not to skate barefoot, even if you never sweat.

On other water/molding issues-
Y!A has several posters that tell people to do things like putting on a hot, wet sock to help break in boots. I believe I once read an answer that said to sit in a hot bath with the boots on. These suggestions make me cringe. Water and dampness just should not be brought near any sort of leather. I'm not a skate expert, but I do know how to care for leather products, especially important equipment (such as saddles.)

I had my skates lacquered because a coach told me to. According to skatingforums users, lacquer is not the best thing to use, as it chips and traps water. It hasn't chipped at all yet, but there's a place on the right boot where it's rubbed off from doing lunges, and water soaks in. I just let the skates air dry at home and the dark, wet spot disappears after a couple of hours. I now protect that area by not doing lunges. I had to do lunges before because it was a part of my program.
Maybe it just depends on how much the skater beats up the soles of their boots and the quality of the lacquer.

Rust- Here in Florida it's virtually impossible to keep low quality blades from rusting, due to the humidity. I haven't had any rust issues with my Aces, but on my old blades I used lime juice to wipe rust off. Works very well. You can use a bottle of juice such as ReaLime or a halved key lime.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on October 04, 2010, 02:14:12 PM
Actually, it was an elite skate expert who recommended "sweating up the skates" after they'd dried out from disuse.  He was right and I used those skates for another four years.  I don't have a foot-bacteria or perspiration problem and I skated barefoot for years with no ill-effects on my feet or my skates.  Drying out leather makes it hard and stiff, not what you want for the inside of skates.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Kim to the Max on October 04, 2010, 02:50:21 PM
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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on October 04, 2010, 03:25:13 PM
On the other hand, I believe in Kim...about the heat gun: does it darken the leather?  How do you hold the skate and use the gun?  Where do you put it while you apply the wax so you don't burn or melt anything?
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Kim to the Max on October 04, 2010, 03:38:14 PM
Haha :)

The leather didn't darken any more than it did with the hair dryer.

I tend to sit on the floor to do them and I put the skate on the floor, and hold them by the blade while I use the heat gun to warm the leather. Then I turn the heat gun off and use my fingers to apply the wax. It will melt from there and then I blast it again to make sure the wax gets absorbed. I also take a while to do mine, so the blade doesn't get hot...but if you are directing the heat right, you don't hit the blade at all (which is what happens to me...the blade is only as warm as my hand..maybe a little warmer because of the radient heat from the gun).
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Kat on October 09, 2010, 07:24:38 PM
Quote
on my old blades I used lime juice to wipe rust off.
You can use ketchup too.  I use it to remove tarnish and rust from stuff...people laugh whenever I tell them, but it works great.  :)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: FigureSpins on October 10, 2010, 08:52:21 AM
Ketchup contains vinegar, which is acidic like citrus fruits.

If you really have rust on your skates, just get them sharpened.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Query on October 10, 2010, 12:51:37 PM
Vaseline contains a plasticizer [sp?], a substance that causes organic molecular chains to bond with each other. (I think that's the point of whole point of Vaseline - maybe it seals the cracks in your skin by binding them together.) It would modify the chemical bonds in leather. May not be a good idea. It seems to me that if you want to use an oil or grease, it makes sense to just use an oil or grease.

A very common oil used in maintaining leather is Neat's Foot Oil. But most types stain leather. Maybe the stain won't matter on the bottom of your sole. Lexol brand Leather Conditioner doesn't stain things much.
According to various Internet sources, oil droplets, not water, are used to lubricate the layers comprising skin and leather, and therefore make it more flexible ("supple"). Chemicals that "moisturize your skin" use oils, not water. Leather is primarily dried and preserved animal skin, and still behaves a lot like living skin. So soaking it in water is like soaking yourself in the bathtub too long. But leather is dead and can't heal itself. Leather that stays too wet cracks and fall apart, just like skin would.

I wouldn't use soap or alcohol to clean or keep the leather soft - they would cause water to mix with the oil droplets and kill the suppleness. I have been thinking of using a water/alcohol mix after punching (stretching) the leather over my ankle bones, so it becomes too hard to keep un-stretching itself, but I don't think most people would want to.

Heat guns: I think hair driers are less hot and safer, especially if you use a candy thermometer to check the temperature you are reaching at the boot surfaces. If my sources are correct, it is easy to weaken the threads and glues that hold the boot together (which is why each type of boot has a maximum heat molding temperature, which for many boots is as low as 185 deg F). E.g., glues hold together the layers of leather in leather heels, and may help bind the sole to the boot, or the layers within the boot to each other.

Perhaps a skilled professional can isolate the heat from a heat gun to just the places that won't be affected? But pro shop professionals don't always want boots to last forever.

WD-40 partially evaporates and is therefore of limited value as an oil. But it leaves a solid residue - I honestly don't know how well it works as a sealant. That's not what WD-40 is advertised to do, which is partly to penetrate things that have become rusted or clogged. Any oil might be used to help you buff the sole to make it pretty and shiny, but that is a separate matter from waterproofing it.

I think the idea that Bill_S has put on his website about using silicone instead of Sno-Seal should work, and might possibly be more durable than Sno-Seal. He seems very knowledgeable about mechanical things. You don't need more than room temperature heat, just a little time to let it set.

Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Bill_S on October 10, 2010, 02:29:26 PM
I use Silicon Seal under blades when mounting them. When the screws are tightened, the excess squeezes out and can be smoothed around the edges of the mounting plates. It waterproofs under the metal blade, and improves the fit because it cures into a "shim". The shim fills any voids under the mounting plate to prevent any water from collecting there.

However, I would not rub it on the entire sole because of adhesion problems - especially if the leather soles have been Sno Sealed previously. It just won't stick enough without being mechanically trapped between metal and leather. I've tried that - it flakes off.

I'd try thinned polyurethane before lacquer because lacquer isn't as durable or as water-resistant as polyurethane, and lacquer solvent contains acetone (nasty stuff). Thinning the polyurethane with mineral spirits, as is done when finishing wood, allows it to penetrate more deeply into the leather.

Some people use shellac, but while it is fast and easy to apply (the alcohol solvent smells pleasant and it dries in under an hour), shellac isn't known for good water resistance. It won't do the job long-term.

Concerning heat guns  - I use them to speed melting when Sno Sealing, but I am VERY careful not to get the nozzle too close, or to pause in one spot too long. Careless use can damage leather (burn it!) in a hurry, and I'm very aware of the potential for damage when using one.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: FigureSpins on October 10, 2010, 02:52:58 PM
Hey Bill,

You had recommended using a certain size and type of stainless-steel screws for blade mounting.  Can you tell us the size/type we would typically need?

I noticed that some of the screws used to mount a student's blade were rusting, so I wanted to suggest they replace them before the rust stains develop further.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Bill_S on October 10, 2010, 07:42:42 PM
I buy 18-8 stainless steel screws to resist rust. Most blade installs I've seen use cheap galvanized screws. Galvanizing provides substantial rust resistance, but the protection afforded will diminish over time. I prefer stainless for long-term protection.

You'll need four different screw sizes - #6  x 1/2" round (or pan) head, #6 x 1/2" flat head, #6 x3/4" round (or pan) head, and #6 x 3/4" flat head. I use Phillips heads (personal preference). I buy my screws in 100 pc. boxes from McMaster-Carr in the US. They cost between $3-$4 per box depending upon size.
 
The screws have a "sheet metal" thread with a standard point. These screws cut their own threads as you tighten them into the pilot hole you drill first. Don't confuse the sheet metal threads with machine screw threads that require tapped holes.  

Here's current pricing (late 2010) from McMaster-Carr...

#6 pan head x 3/4 long $4/100, part no. 92470A151
#6 pan head x 1/2 long $3.18/100, part no. 92470A148
#6 flat head x 1/2 long $2.97/100, part no. 90065A148
#6 flat head x 3/4 long $3.74/100, part no. 90065A151

http://www.mcmaster.com/#tapping-screws/=97xu1h (http://www.mcmaster.com/#tapping-screws/=97xu1h)

The longer 3/4" screws go into the heel. The short 1/2" screws go into the sole. If you get that wrong, you'll know it immediately when you try to put on your skates  ;)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Bill_S on October 10, 2010, 07:50:13 PM
BTW, if you strip a screw on your skates, move up to larger #8 screws instead of #6. They are larger in diameter, but still fit through the mounting plate holes. The larger diameter will bite into the enlarged old hole usually without any trouble.

Don't overtighten any screw in boots! "Snug" is a good way to describe the feel of a properly tightened screw in leather. Leather is not the strongest material.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Query on October 12, 2010, 06:06:55 PM
So, Bill_S, do you recommend/use Sno-Seal on the rest of the sole, or something else?

Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Bill_S on October 12, 2010, 07:30:14 PM
I don't offer recommendations because I haven't done comparison testing. I might try to do that sometime with strips of leather in a controlled experiment. It takes experimental evidence to be able to go beyond conjecture, although informed opinions that weigh related facts are often on-the-mark.

FWIW, I do use Sno Seal. There's a long history of it working just fine, with the caveat that it needs to be refreshed occasionally. I do add the silicon sealant under the mounting pad for reasons mentioned in a post above. I have never had a screw come loose, nor any leather rot -- even with skates used 12 hours per week for 5 years. The methods that I use outlast the skates themselves, and that's all I can ask.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: isakswings on October 12, 2010, 10:47:27 PM
What is a good tip for remembering to take hard guards off after a competition? In 2 years of competing, we have NEVER forgotten to take J's hard guards off her skates until her last competition. We are usually quite diligent about caring for her boots and blades. However, that time, we forgot to take the guards off and put them in her bag! OOPS! I did not realize the error until the next day. By then, there was a small amount of surface rust on her 2 month old blades! It came off but I definately do not want that to happen again, so any tips for competitions? Usually, we dry the blades and put her soakers on right away. That time however, she was watching a friend compete after she competed and we forgot to properly dry her blades.

Thanks!
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on October 13, 2010, 07:53:28 AM
I wouldn't obsess about one mixup, to be frank.  It was just a mistake that didn't really do any harm.  The blades had probably dried by the time you put them in the bag.  I think watching the friend skate was a more important lesson in sportsmanship than the one you learned about skate care, lol.

To answer your question: Have HER put the soakers inside her shoes/sneakers when she puts on the skates.  That way she can't put on her shoes/sneakers without pulling out the soakers, which will be a reminder to dry the skates and put them away properly.

Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Query on October 13, 2010, 12:21:41 PM
The strange thing is that while I've met or corresponded with a lot of people who have had problems with rotting and significant rust on the blade, I never have - and there have been times when I didn't wipe mine dry, but just let them air dry, and a few times I left boots in the car, and I haven't been consistent about using wax (I think leather conditioning oil works almost as well).

My current skates (which were way over my level) have seen a few thousand hours on ice over about 11 or 12 years. I've used some blades for a few years at a time.

I had a little rust form on non-stainless steel screws - I replaced them with stainless screws.

I have a theory about this: If you have good quality equipment, you won't have major problems with rot or rust unless you do something extreme, like keeping the skates in a trunk, hot car, bag or box, leave the plastic guards on for more than a few minutes, or you store them somewhere that stays humid all the time.

Yet, in theory it makes sense to use Soakers or equivalent breathable guards, dry the blades and screws and coat the blades and screws with a layer of oil after every skate, especially if you won't skate for more than a day, apply a wax to the outsoles, keep the skates in the open indoors or inside a breathable mesh container (a $0.99 supermarket mesh bag is probably better than a relatively unbreathable $140 Zucca bag), and don't leave them in the car any time you don't have to.

For some people, this stuff is too expensive to be careless. I mostly do these things now, though with my current stainless steel blades, I don't use oil if I am going to skate within a few days.

P.S. - I just fixed my wording. I'm sorry if anyone thought "in the open" meant outdoors.

If you use oil, make sure it is a very thin layer, so you don't mess up the ice.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: blue111moon on October 13, 2010, 01:31:06 PM
I don't obsess at all.  :)  I just make sure to wipe the blades DRY after each session.  Not just a quick wipe - I rub the blades dry with a cotton towel.  Then the soakers go on, the skates go in my bag (a cheap rolly suitcase), the bag gets zipped and dumped in the trunk of my car.  The only times I bring the bag in is when the weather outside stays cold.  Even then I don't open the bag between sessions.  During the summer when my feet get sweatier than normal, I spray a little of the Dr. Scholl's Foot Spray into the boots once or twice so they don't smell.

I don't use oil or wax - once in a very great while, I'll take a piece of wax paper from the kitchen and rub the blades because it gives me a little more glide (learned that trick doing figures).

My boots last an average of 10 years (skating 2 - 3 times a week) so I'm not hard on them at all.  And I've only had one pair that had soles that rotted out in lest than 3;  Riedell rebuilt them for free, saying that the leather was probably "bad."  An old friend started me using Jubilee Kitchen Wax to clean scuffmarks and dirt off the uppers instead of polishing over them.  Someone told me once that the alcohol in polish isn't good for the leather.  Don't know if that's true or not but the Jubilee generally cleans them enough so that they don't need polish anyway.

That's just about it as far as care goes for me. 
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: isakswings on October 13, 2010, 10:59:27 PM
I wouldn't obsess about one mixup, to be frank.  It was just a mistake that didn't really do any harm.  The blades had probably dried by the time you put them in the bag.  I think watching the friend skate was a more important lesson in sportsmanship than the one you learned about skate care, lol.

To answer your question: Have HER put the soakers inside her shoes/sneakers when she puts on the skates.  That way she can't put on her shoes/sneakers without pulling out the soakers, which will be a reminder to dry the skates and put them away properly.



Thanks and yes, it was important for her to watch the friend skate. :) We stay and watch a lot of her friends. We enjoy it! It is so much fun to watch the other kids skate. We've been known to stay at a comp just to watch the other kids skate. We just forgot to take off the hard guards since we were in a hurry to leave once the friend was done skating. Love the tip about the soakers. :)

Angie
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: FigureSpins on January 13, 2011, 09:23:23 AM
Harlick has some great skate-care tips (even how to care for suede boots) on their FAQ page:

http://www.harlick.com/order/faq.php

I especially like these answers:

What is the proper way to break-in my new boots?
 (http://www.harlick.com/order/faq.php#break)
Why do I fall to an inside edge all the time? (featuring article by Dr Mike Selsner) (http://www.harlick.com/order/faq.php#fall)
How do I care for my boots? (http://www.harlick.com/order/faq.php#care)
Why do my tongues twist? (http://www.harlick.com/order/faq.php#twist)
How do I clean suede leather? (http://www.harlick.com/order/faq.php#clean)


Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: kiwiskater on January 13, 2011, 02:48:17 PM
Anyone got any tips on caring for gouges in the leather...some darlings (e.g. my brother) got too close during some lessons and I have gouges in the leather where their blade has run over my boot, I also got some from the pro shop when the took my boot for stretching (grr)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: sk8Joyful on January 13, 2011, 03:04:42 PM
Quote
Harlick has some great skate-care tips on their FAQ page:
wow - these 2 challenges, are experienced by other skaters too? - THANKS for these helpful! explanations.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on January 13, 2011, 03:35:38 PM
Anyone got any tips on caring for gouges in the leather...some darlings (e.g. my brother) got too close during some lessons and I have gouges in the leather where their blade has run over my boot, I also got some from the pro shop when the took my boot for stretching (grr)

Taping your skates helps prevent them.  However, once they're there, there isn't much you can do.  I've had good luck at disguising the cuts with superglue and a matching white paint pen.  Actual deep gouges and dents aren't easy to get out.

I wonder if a little heat and moisture might help plump up a gouge?
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: kiwiskater on January 13, 2011, 03:36:57 PM
bummer! I'm not sure we even get skate tape here... skating is such a minor sport here!
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on January 13, 2011, 03:39:44 PM
Look for white vinyl adhesive tape at the hardware store, but change it often so it doesn't yellow or fade your skates.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Kim to the Max on January 13, 2011, 03:51:39 PM
Anyone got any tips on caring for gouges in the leather...some darlings (e.g. my brother) got too close during some lessons and I have gouges in the leather where their blade has run over my boot, I also got some from the pro shop when the took my boot for stretching (grr)

Those are badges of honor! Don't cover them!!

But if you must, I agree with Isk8NYC...Skate Tape is the way to go...or white vinyl tape...
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: kiwiskater on January 13, 2011, 03:56:24 PM
Those are badges of honor! Don't cover them!!

LOL thanks!
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on January 13, 2011, 03:59:27 PM
Those are badges of honor! Don't cover them!!
If YOU sliced your boot doing something, it would be a badge of honor.  When someone else does it by accident, not an impressive "war story."  (OKay, well a pairs/dance partner is a different story, if you were skating at the time.)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Kim to the Max on January 13, 2011, 04:19:48 PM
If YOU sliced your boot doing something, it would be a badge of honor.  When someone else does it by accident, not an impressive "war story."  (OKay, well a pairs/dance partner is a different story, if you were skating at the time.)

Lol true :) I have tons of dings and slices from coaching learn to skate...not impressive, but personally, I like the look of beat up skates more than I like shiny new ones...it's a personal thing :)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Query on January 14, 2011, 11:15:29 AM
Boot covers!
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Kat on January 22, 2011, 04:03:45 PM
All the scuffs and marks on MY skates, I'm pretty sure, are from clunking around together in my skate bag, not from skating!
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on January 22, 2011, 04:17:43 PM
If you have Riedells with PVC soles, the color rubs off on the boot and it's almost impossible to remove the scuffs unless you get to them right away.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: FigureSpins on April 27, 2011, 09:41:01 PM
Just a shout out to Bill_S for his wonderful "How to mount blades" page on his website.
http://www.afterness.com/skating/mounting_blades.html

I had my blades pull loose yesterday, so I stopped at the Home Depot on the way home.

I pulled up his webpage (on my phone) for reference and successfully purchaed #6 stainless steel screws in 1/2" and 3/4" lengths.  (Half were flat head for the round holes, half were round head for slotted holes.)

I swapped the screws this morning; had to plug a few holes because they had gotten too big.  I stripped the head of one of the heel screws, but managed to back it out with a pair of pliers.  Used a new screw and it was fine.  It was nice to skate on blades that didn't move as I stroked or glided on an edge.  Felt much more secure, wonder why?  (LOL)

We have a pill box we won in a raffle and never used, so I think I'm going to put the extra screws in there so I can tell them apart from the non-stainless steel screws.

Thanks for the assistance and information, Bill!
Title: Radius of Hollow
Post by: AgnesNitt on May 19, 2011, 10:31:29 PM
There have been discussions on the original board about what radius of Hollow is. Here's a hockey page that does a good job explaining it.

http://www.redi-edgeice.com/skate-sharpening-tips.aspx
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Robin on February 14, 2012, 02:52:46 PM
Here's a trick to keep blades in good shape (and not worry so much about soakers!): after skating, run your blades under hot water and wipe them off. This heats up the blade and prevents water in the air from condensing on them. This is especially helpful in humid weather. Works like a charm.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC on May 22, 2012, 08:18:37 AM
This topic has links to heat-molding advice:
http://skatingforums.com/index.php/topic,3532.0.html
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: treesprite on January 20, 2013, 02:40:30 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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: FigureSpins 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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Robin 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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: nicklaszlo 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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Isk8NYC 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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: HannahLouise 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!
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: dlbritton 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.


 
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Mom2NewSkater 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

Welcome to skatingforums!
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Scamper 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
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Scamper 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!
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: FigureSpins 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.)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: tstop4me 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).
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Ethereal Ice 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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: AgnesNitt 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 (http://www.amazon.com/Pingi-Dehumidifier-Sachel-grams-rechargeable/dp/B007XIZB2E/ref=pd_sim_201_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41flMTW77lL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR107%2C160_&refRID=03512MB4VR2DRTBV40WX) 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.)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Ethereal Ice 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 (http://www.amazon.com/Pingi-Dehumidifier-Sachel-grams-rechargeable/dp/B007XIZB2E/ref=pd_sim_201_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41flMTW77lL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR107%2C160_&refRID=03512MB4VR2DRTBV40WX) 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! 
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Query 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.

Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Ethereal Ice 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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: beginner skater 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
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Query 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...
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: aussieskater 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 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/50gm-Reusable-Silica-Gel-Desiccant-Moisture-Absorber-dehumidifier-dessicant-/321831357351?hash=item4aeea4cba7)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: beginner skater 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 (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  :)
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: lutefisk 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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Ethereal Ice 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/
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: Ethereal Ice 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 (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.
Title: Re: How to take care of skates?
Post by: beginner skater 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