How to Repair a Fencing Sword

Your sword may be rugged, but it definitely takes a beating during combat. Most fencing sword problems come from improper wiring, including the inability to score touches and wires popping out of the blade. Learning to correctly wire your foil, epee or saber is key to making sure you get the best results in competition. It's possible to repair most problems--even if you need to fight another bout later in the day.

Things You'll Need

  • Flat-head screwdriver or nail
  • Cyanoacrylate glue or other wire glue
  • Pliers
  • Vise or locking pliers
  • Tape or padded clip
  • Acetone (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the old wire from the foil and clean out the blade groove. This is best done by hand rather than with a solvent. Use an old screwdriver, a nail or another disposable piece of metal to scrape the old glue out of the groove. When all glue is gone, you should hear a loud scraping sound--your metal scraper is in contact with the blade groove itself.

    • 2

      Clean any remaining glue with acetone. This will dissolve cyanoacrylate glues. Avoid use of acetone unless required--it can leave a residue that prevents the new glue from bonding.

    • 3

      Prepare the wire for insertion. Run it through your fingers to smooth out any bends or kinks that might push the wire out of the blade groove before the glue has set.

    • 4

      Apply glue to the wire threads to help the barrel stay in place. You don't need much--just a drop on the threads and another on the first inch of your sword blade.

    • 5

      Slide the wire most of the way through the barrel. Make sure the glue on the threads is still wet and thread the barrel onto the blade. This can be difficult. Hold the wire in the groove with one thumb to prevent it from being damaged by the threads.

    • 6

      Use your hands to tighten the barrel. Then place the blade in a vise, or hold it in a pair of regular pliers or locking pliers. Use a second pair of pliers to turn the barrel, tightening it completely.

    • 7

      Run the wire through your fingers again to remove any new kinks. Avoid putting too much pressure on the wire, since it breaks easily. The blade should still be in the vice.

    • 8

      Apply glue to the length of the blade. Use tape or a padded clip to attach the wire to the tang. Keep the wire straight, but don't pull it too tight. Guide the wire into the blade groove, beginning at the point and working your way down to the tang.

    • 9

      Put a temporary bend in the blade to pull the wire to the bottom of the groove. You can do this by leaning it against the wall under a desk or table that's around 30 inches high. Let the glue dry for a few minutes.

    • 10

      Check the wire to make sure it hasn't popped out of the groove. Carefully press this back into the groove, where the thickening glue will hold it more effectively. Allow the blade to dry completely.