Getting peak performance from your ice skates means sharpening their blades regularly. The disadvantage to frequent sharpening, however, is that you will need to replace your blades more often, according to SK8stuff.com. Fortunately, replacement skate blades are widely available and generally cost less than new skates. Technicians at most skate shops can install the blades, but replacing blades on most hockey and figure skates is a straightforward process you can do at home with common tools.
Replacing Hockey Skate Blades
Step 1
Remove the footbed from the skate. This cushioned insert may be wedged snugly into the bottom of the skate boot, but it should not be attached. You should be able to remove it with firm but careful tugging.
Step 2
Pry off the cap covering the blade nut, which runs through the heel of the boot and holds the back of the blade in place.
Step 3
Remove the blade nut with a socket wrench. Use the correct size socket to avoid grinding down the blade nut. If the nut is difficult to loosen, try turning the boot upside down and gripping it beneath the blade for leverage.
Step 4
Pull down on the skate blade to remove it from the blade guard. Save the bolt that secured the blade to the nut, which you will reuse.
Step 5
Insert the replacement blade. Tilt the front of the blade into the blade guard first. Then place the bolt into the notch at the back of the blade, and press the bolt and the back of the blade into place.
Step 6
Reverse steps 1 through 3 to replace the blade nut, cap and footbed.
Replacing Figure Skate Blades
Step 1
Remove the old skate blade by loosening the screws connecting the heel and toe plates to the bottom of the skate boot.
Step 2
Align the new blade on the bottom of the boot. According to MK Blades, skate blades should be centered on the boot heel and toe and should match the boot length to within a 1/4-inch. Use a tape measure and square to ensure the blade is centered and straight.
Step 3
Attach the heel and toe plates to the boot. If available, use the slotted holes provided for blade mounting, which will allow you to adjust the blade placement precisely. Start with one side of the heel plate, secure the toe plate on the opposite side and then place the remaining two screws in the toe and heel plates. Before placing each screw, use a tape measure and square to check the alignment of the blade.
Step 4
Test the skates to confirm that the blades are placed properly and work well for you on the ice.
Step 5
Make any necessary adjustments to the blades, and then use the remaining screws to attach the heel and toe plates securely to the boot.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult your owner's manual, the manufacturer website or a trusted skate technician for guidance on installing replacement blades for your specific skates---the replacement process may vary by manufacturer and model. To protect figure skate screws and base plates from water and dirt, insert a drop of clear epoxy into each screw hole before placing the screws in step 5.
Things You'll Need
- Long-handled socket wrench
- Socket set
- Tape measure
- Square
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Clear epoxy
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