How to Change a Tapered Hockey Blade

Hockey stick blades can break easily when slashed by an opponent, jammed against the boards awkwardly or during a slap shot. If you use a two-piece composite hockey stick, it's important to be familiar with the process of replacing your blade when it breaks or when you wish to try one with a different curve. All blades are tapered so that they fit snugly into your shaft; the act of replacing one is simple as long as you have access to a hydro outlet.

Things You'll Need

  • Heat gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plug in a heat gun and turn it on, keeping it aimed away from your body.

    • 2

      Hold your stick, butt end down, with one hand and hold the heat gun with the other. Aim the barrel of the heat gun directly at the end of the shaft in which the blade fits.

    • 3

      Turn the stick slowly, keeping the hot air from the heat gun aiming at the joint between the stick and blade. Turn the stick for approximately 1 minute, then turn off the heat gun and set it aside.

    • 4

      Pull the blade directly away from the shaft. If you've heated the area enough, the blade will slide free. If it doesn't come free, apply more heat and try again.

    • 5

      Slide the new hockey stick blade into the shaft. Because you've already heated the shaft, the glue along the tapered area of the stick will melt and allow the blade to slide into position.