Poll on checking blade mounting screws

[tstop4me]

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).

[dlbritton]

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. 

[Bill_S]

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.

[FigureSpins]

I check my blades monthly (on/around the 8th of the month) and they're usually loose.

[Emmy]

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.

[FigureSpins]

My skate tech recommends checking before skating.  Thermal properties, I guess. 

[tstop4me]

My skate tech recommends checking before skating.  Thermal properties, I guess. 

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.

[im_sk8_mad]

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...

[Clarice]

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.

[Matsumoto]

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.