How to Cut Skate Guards
Instructions for cutting guards for figure skates
These assembly instructions will show you how to cut the traditional blade guards to the proper length and how to assemble the blade guards.
You will need:
- Fineliner (non-permanent)
- Ruler
- A knife or a garden shear
- Cross-head screwdriver
Step 1: Determine how much needs to be cut off
Place one piece of the guard on the blade and mark the end on the guard with the fineliner.
Repeat with the second piece of guard from the other side.
Measure the distance between these two markings.
The length of how much needs to be cut off each piece of guard is calculated as follows: Add 2 millimetres to the measured distance. Halve the total and round up to one decimal place if necessary.
For example: The distance between the markings is 2.1 centimetres. We add 2 millimetres, resulting in 2.3 centimetres. Divided by 2, the result is 1.15 centimetres, rounded up to 1.2 centimetres.
Step 2: Cutting the guards
Use the fineliner to mark the determined length on each piece of guard.
For a straight cut, we recommend marking the cut at the top and on both sides.
Use a sturdy knife with a smooth blade or larger garden shear to cut through the guards at the marked point.
Step 3: Assemble the guards
Screw the first screw of the spring into the third hole in front of the cutting point. Make sure that the eyelet lies directly against the inside of the guard.
Screw two guards together to form a complete set - in the second or third hole, depending on the specific situation. Again, make sure that the eyelet lies directly on the inside of the guard, which means that the spring must be turned a little.
When the guards have been placed on the blade, a gap of 2 to 4 millimetres is normal and necessary so that the guards have sufficient tension and hold tightly to the blade.
Ready! :-)