Inline Skates and Roller Blade Maintenance and Repair

Unlike ice skates, inline skates cover lot more groundThe boot area is your comfort zone. Use proper
and can get worn out easily. It would be wise togears to get a firm fit.
clean it up once a while as nothing on this Earth isThe bootliners can accumulate dirt, bacteria and
maintenance free. You care for it; it will care for youmoisture. Dust it properly or remove it after each
back. Like Karma!use to air dry to prevent bacteria and fungus build
Basic maintenanceup. This also prevents foul smell.
One thing to remember is not to spend too muchCheck the brake pads regularly. In fact you should
time either. Before you begin the cleaning process,check that every single day after use. This is one
inspect your skates for any external visually strikingpart that gets worn more quickly than the skates
damage however small it may seem.itself. The brake pad has a wear line. Once the wear
Cleaning the roller bladesline is reached after considerable use, it is time for
Cleaning and wiping the roller blades once in two daysyou to change the brake pad.
or once a week depending on the usage is moreA UV protector spray will help your skates from
than enough, air-blow the dirt. Use soft cloth to wipeharmful sun and keep it from wearing out and fading.
your skates. Small brushes can be used too toBut these sprays can be really expensive.
remove dirt from crevices.Repairing
Wipe and air dry. Do not use air drier to dry them. ItIf the wheels of the skates have worn out, remove
expands them unnecessarily. You might need to doit using a screw driver and blow dry the wheel hub
that for changing the bearings, but it is not an optionfor few seconds. This will result in the hub to expand
for drying.a bit. While it is still warm, insert the new wheels into
During rainy seasons, the bearings get jammed.the hub. Once it cools it will fit snuggly.
Lubricate that with graphite powder or whateverTo install new brake pads, hold the old pad firmly,
lubricant your skate has come with. This ensures aunscrew and remove. Put in the new pads just the
smooth functioning.same way and screw back tightly. Brake pads are
Use the bearing cleaning solution to protect thegenerally custom made for each brand. So keep an
bearings from moisture and will act as lubricants. Doextra pair of the same brand for replacement later.
not over use as too much oil can attract dirt as well.Proper maintenance lengthens the life span of your
Tighten the bolts when necessary.skates.
Cleaning the skates and boot fastener