So you got yourself a pair of hockey skates, with that smooth, new-car smell. Your friends and family may ask you how much they cost, or whether you wore them for a winter sport or just as an everyday pair. Whatever the case, you will soon learn that hockey skates are not built for daily use. More specifically, the metal blade on the front will start to rust after about a month of regular wear. The good news is that there is a way to fix these problems. In this article, we will tell you of several solutions to remove rust from hockey skates so you can continue playing the game you love.
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Wash And Dry Cycle
Since rust is a corrosion product, you can use basic cleaning products and techniques to remove it. The key is in preventing further corrosion before the rust even starts to appear. The simplest way would be to thoroughly clean the areas where the metal meets the ice surface when you are done playing. Use a cloth or brush to wipe away all the ice and snow around the metal parts, and make sure to clean the top of the boot and the front of the skate. Using a mixture of salt and water as an abrasive may also help remove rust from the ice surface. Before you know it, that dirty, wet cloth will be looking like new again.
Use Duct Tape
Some players use duct tape to mask the rust on their hockey skates. While this is not a permanent fix, it can be very effective at preventing the metal from freezing in winter. Simply peel off a small piece of tape and place it over the rust-containing area when the temperature dips below freezing. Rewriting the phrase “duck tape”, this type of tape has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s. Today’s versions are stronger and more flexible, making it easier to apply. Just be sure not to confuse it with electrical tape, which is not designed to be removable without damaging the circuitry.
Apply Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, or petroleum rub, is a waterproofing agent and lubricant that is used in many industries. One of its best-known uses is as a protective coating for the skin. However, petroleum jelly is also a great choice for rust removal, as it is both waterproof and resistant to extreme temperatures. While there is no scientific evidence proving that petroleum jelly can be used to remove rust from hockey skates, studies have shown that it is very helpful in preventing the problem in the first place. Just apply a thin coat to the top of the boot and the area around the metal parts, and allow it to dry before wearing the skate again.
Wax On Wax Off
Waxing is the process of applying a layer of wax to an area or object to improve its appearance. When used on wood, metals, and plastics, waxing can be a great way to protect them from the elements. However, like many other substances, wax has the potential to become brittle as it ages. This makes it a potential source of breakage. Since rust is a product of oxygen and iron, it is particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon. When this happens, it becomes nearly impossible to remove without resorting to dangerous chemicals and processes. Fortunately, there are alternative techniques that do not require you to remove any of the substance, leaving behind a beautiful sheen that makes the object or area look like it has been through an entire waxing session.
Use Stear Clear Of Gas Station Work Gloves
When you go to the gas station to fill up your vehicle, you will inevitably come across a variety of gloves, hand sanitizers, and the like. One thing you should avoid, however, is gas station wash and dry gloves. While designed to be waterproof and odor-resistant, these types of gloves are not built to handle the extreme temperatures that arise from exposure to the elements. When this happens, the gloves will likely become stiff and break down, leaving you with a very wet and uncomfortable feeling as you play.
Do Your Research
If you are looking to permanently fix the rust problem on your hockey skates, you have two options. The first is to remove all of the ice and snow around the metal parts, which we discussed above, and let it air dry. The second option is to find a solution that will dissolve the rust away. Since iron is a common component in rust, you can use some type of acid to remove it. Certain types of wood can also be restored to their original luster using chemical solvents. Just make sure that you do not get any of these chemicals near any of the pipes or hoses located in your home, as they can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled in sufficient doses. With any luck, your skate will not rust, and you will be able to enjoy the game you love for many more years.
Whether your passion is for skating or skiing, you must have known at least one person who had to give up on the game because of the constant rusting of their equipment. Thanks to modern technology and innovative thinking, we now have products and solutions to help us work around this issue. While rust is an unavoidable fact of life, it is important to keep in mind that it is not necessarily the end of the world. With a little bit of research, planning, and execution, you will be able to keep playing the game you love for many more years. So don’t be afraid to try out some of these rust prevention tips, as they may just make the game that much more enjoyable.