skatingforums
On the Ice => The Pro Shop => Topic started by: tstop4me on October 21, 2018, 02:12:45 PM
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I keep a screwdriver kit in my skate bag. Over the last two weeks, I've helped out three advanced skaters whose blades were loose. I was surprised they didn't routinely check their mounting screws. Several other skaters I talked to thought it was the skate tech's responsibility when they brought their skates in for sharpening, but they didn't specifically know what their skate techs did. Note: If you do your own sharpening, the questions concerning skate techs do not apply.
On a new mount, I check my screws after every session. Once the mount is stable, I check the screws every week (I skate 5 times a week).
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I check my mounting screws every time I skate. I have one in the heel of the right boot that seems to come loose after 1 or 2 sessions. I even tried swapping 2 screws around and that one screw hole must be slightly larger than the others.
I guess I need to put a larger screw in that particular hole.
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My skates are over ten years old. I checked them regularly when they were new, but now it's once per season. I'll check to see if any screw needs snugged, but they never do.
When I mounted my blades in 2007, I used silicone sealant between sole and blade plate. Some of that oozes up past the screws when tightening the mount, so I suspect that rotation/loosening is inhibited by the sealant. It also cures to form a gasket to keep water from finding its way between plate and boot, reducing leather rot.
I did the same thing on the skates I had before these, and the screws and leather were sound after 6 years of skating.
I just don't have a problem with loose screws.
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I check my blades monthly (on/around the 8th of the month) and they're usually loose.
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I'm one of those people who has never checked their screws, largely because as a newbie I didn't realise I should, though it makes perfect sense! Will start getting into the habit of it when I wipe down my blades.
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My skate tech recommends checking before skating. Thermal properties, I guess. :blush:
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My skate tech recommends checking before skating. Thermal properties, I guess. :blush:
I usually wait at least 6 hrs after a session. Besides letting the temperature of the skate assembly stabilize, if you have traditional leather soles and heels, you want to make sure the leather is dry before tightening screws. I give myself enough time before the next session in case a screw hole is stripped: I can at least do a temporary repair.
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I dont necessarily check them on a routine basis but when i take them out of my bag to put them on i hold the boot and give the blades a little wiggle and if they dont seem right then i turn them upside down and have a look at the screws. Its hard to explain the kind of feeling im looking for but ive had a loose blade before and had to tighten it with a screwdriver so i know the sort of feeling im looking for. Its like a wobble...
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If I hear squeaks when I walk, I know a screw is loose somewhere. Then I'll check every day until I can get to my tech to have it fixed.
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I don't use a specific time interval but I check them each time I sharpen my blades. I have only once found a loose screw, so this seems good enough to me.
I check my daughter's skates every few weeks and have found the occasional loose screw. She is doing double jumps and flying spins so I want to be sure her equipment is in top shape.