How to Repair a Hockey Helmet

The hockey helmet is the most important piece of protective equipment that any player can wear. The helmet provides the sole piece of protection when it comes to head injuries such as concussions. The helmet must be checked constantly for flaws, because a damaged helmet will not provide the protection the hockey player needs. Most hard hits occur when the player is body-checked and falls to the ice or when he is checked into the glass that surrounds the hockey rink. Those hits can damage the helmet.

Things You'll Need

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Hex wrench
  • Screws
  • Pads
  • Chin strap
  • Ear loop
  • Visor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Replace the visor on the front of the helmet after the first chip or crack. The visor can be unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver or a hex wrench. Take the old visor off and throw it away. Do not be tempted to put it back in if the crack or chip doesn't look too bad to you. Once you have observed any flaw in the hard plastic visor, its structural integrity has been compromised. The new visor will fit in the same spot. Screw in the new visor tightly. There cannot be any give or wobble.

    • 2

      Check the pads on the insides of the helmet that provide the bulk of the protection when the hockey player takes a hit to the head. These supportive pads usually have three levels of protection and they tend to get worn out over the course of the season. Peel off the worn-out pad and replace it with a new one at the start of every season.

    • 3

      Change the ear loops at the start of every season and whenever you notice damage. Many people don't even realize they have ear loops on their helmet when they get ready to play. However, the ear loops protect your ears if you fall on the ice or take a hard hit into the boards. The loops attach to the side of the helmet just above the ear and connect to the chin strap. It's easy for the top loop to come loose. You must reattach it or replace it immediately. It should snap into place as long as it is not broken. If the back of the ear loop is broken, it must be replaced.

    • 4

      Replace the chin strap on an annual basis. The chin strap must fit securely or the protection the helmet provides will be compromised. The snap that fits into the side of the helmet can get worn or broken. This needs to be replaced immediately or the player could suffer a serious head injury. The chin strap is attached to the ear loops and can be adjusted easily.