Two-piece composite hockey sticks consist of a shaft and a blade. Replacing the blade is a relatively easy process that can be done at home with a few inexpensive tools. Composite blades are made from materials that are stronger and lighter than wood, including graphite, Kevlar or carbon fiber. Bauer's 2011 line of hockey shafts and blades include the Supreme and Vapor lineup of one-piece and two-piece sticks. Be sure that the new Bauer blade is compatible with the stick shaft. Blades are either tapered or nontapered, and this determines whether or not the blade will fit properly inside the shaft; be sure the two match up.
Step 1
Place the stick blade in the table vise and secure it tightly just below where the blade connects to the shaft.
Step 2
Turn on the heat gun and turn it up to the 1,000-degree setting. Heat up the area of the shaft where the blade is inserted -- you'll see a faint seam a few inches above the heel of the blade where the two are connected. Heat around the entire perimeter of the shaft to loosen all the adhesive and prevent burning the shaft of the stick.
Step 3
Tug gently on the shaft while you continue to heat it. The adhesive will only take about 30 seconds to begin loosening up. The old blade will then slide out from inside the shaft.
Step 4
Remove the old stick blade from the table vise, making sure to be careful not to touch the heated end of the blade.
Step 5
Secure the new Bauer composite blade into the table vise just above the heel of the stick. Heat the end of the blade where the dried glue is located; this is the part of the blade that will slide into the shaft.
Step 6
Insert the blade into the shaft once the glue is wet. This will take anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds using a 1,000-degree heat gun. Make sure the tapered/nontapered end of the blade is completely inserted all the way into the shaft. The glue will dry within seconds.
Step 7
Remove the blade from the table vise and the stick is ready to be used.
Tips and Warnings
- Replace old Bauer blades with the same type of blade to ensure compatibility. Buy Bauer composite blades in bulk to save money
- Don't heat up the stick shaft when inserting the new blade; only heat the glue/adhesive on the new blade. Never touch any part of the stick shaft or blade that has just been heated up, including the wet adhesive.
Things You'll Need
- Table vise
- Handheld heat gun
- New composite blade
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