Blade screws

tstop4me said:

More info needed.

(1) In another thread, you said you have the new Aura boots. You first need to check whether Aura boots require special screws. Most traditional boots use the same type of traditional screws (self-tapping sheet metal screws). Edea has much thinner soles than traditional boots and require custom screws supplied by Edea. New blades typically come with traditional screws supplied by the blade manufacturer. For Edea boots, you need to be careful not to use the traditional screws that come with the blades. So, first verify whether Aura boots are compatible with traditional screws, or whether they require custom screws (like Edea). [By the way, I've found that the traditional screws supplied by blade manufacturers these days, even for high-end blades, are often junk. But this affects their longevity (mushroomed heads and rusting, e.g.) rather than initial grip. I purchase good grade stainless steel screws instead.]

(2) Who mounted the blades? If they were mounted by Aura, presumably they know the proper screws, drill-hole diameter, and screw torque to use. If they were mounted by some other tech, presumably this was the first or one of the first pairs of Aura boots he's worked on, and he may not have used the screws, drill-hole diameter, or screw torque appropriate for the Aura.

(3) How many screws have been inserted (sole plate and heel plate)? Are you still on the "temporary mount" (only 2 screws in the elongated slots in the sole plate, only 2 screws in the elongated slots in the heel plate)? Screws on a temporary mount are susceptible to loosening. Or are you now on a "permanent mount" (additional screws inserted in the round holes in the sole plate and heel plate)? Do all the screws come loose, or just particular ones?

(4) How long have you been skating on these boots [approximately how many sessions/how many hours of ice time/what level (e.g., jumps)]? Typically, with a new mount, screws need to be tightened more frequently, as the boot conforms to the blade. Do you have to stop and tighten the screws during a session? Are the screws in fact tightening, or do they rotate freely (indicating that the screw hole is stripped)?

I can better advise you once you've answered the above.

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djkaye said:

1) I don’t know what screws were used as I wasn’t present during blade mounting. On the trial boots the screws had to be cut down to size by the mounter yet he stated that these news ones made sure screws could fit perfectly.
2) I’m in UK so Aura technicians doesn’t really exist. The retired blade mounter was one of the best in the country though.
3) three screws in heel plate, 6 on front.
4) about a month or two skating in them without problems before this. I only have to tighten them after sessions. I’ve tightened them twice so far, both in same week. I am not certain but maybe the screw is loosing its thread. I might try some of the screws from another boot on it to confirm if it’s a problem.
I’m training triples.

It’s only on my landing boot that this is happening.

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djkaye said:

Thanks for your help .
My coach had checked and thinks that the hole appears fine, as when he tries to pull at the screw before loosening it it stays in fine. He thinks that perhaps the wrong sort of screws may have been used so I’ll try a different type tomorrow or maybe Monday. I’ll Contact aura if that doesn’t work

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tstop4me said:

The "pull test" only shows that the holes aren't grossly enlarged or stripped, not less severely damaged (but sufficiently damaged not to secure the screws properly). A different type of screw entails either a larger diameter, a different thread, or both. You might gain temporary relief, but since the material about the screw holes have already been threaded to accept screws of a certain diameter and thread (and most likely damaged to some degree), the new screws most likely will loosen again; and you will end up with more severely damaged holes. As Mr. Spock would say, logic dictates that you contact Aura first to determine what the correct screws should be. And I agree with the other poster: landing jumps on a blade with an unreliable mount is a dangerous proposition.

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