How to Repair Sculling Oars

Sculling oars are strong and powerful tools designed to propel your boat through the water with speed and precision. However, these oars are not indestructible. Because contact with other oars -- or with the boat and dock -- can cause damage, you may have to make repairs to your sculling oars from time to time. Some oars will have to be replaced entirely, if the damage is extensive. But you can repair an oar when the blade starts to loosen from the shaft, or when it needs other minor fixes.

Things You'll Need

  • Epoxy
  • Replacement blade
  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Knife
  • Vise
  • Rubber gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the sleeve from the blade. Do this by setting the sleeve in a vise and securing it. Then pull and twist the blade until it comes off -- even though it's already somewhat loose because of the old and cracked epoxy. Clean the excess epoxy off the sleeve by using a hammer and a chisel to get rid of the hardened substance. Scrape the remainder away with a knife.

    • 2

      Prepare new epoxy per the product's label, so that it is about the consistency of peanut butter. Put on your rubber gloves, and place 1 tablespoon of the epoxy on the inside of the sleeve. Spread it evenly with your gloved fingers. Add 1 more tablespoon and repeat the process, and then wipe away any excess.

    • 3

      Reseat the blade into the sleeve. There are ridges on both the blade and the sleeve. Make sure you hear them click as you slide the blade back into the proper position.

    • 4

      Look for small cracks in the blade. If they are small splits that do not go all the way through, you can fill them with epoxy -- smoothing it into the cracks with your fingers. Do the same with small cracks on the sleeve. If you have major cracks where you can see daylight through the blade or the sleeve has lost any of its strength, you will have to replace the parts.

    • 5

      Set the oar in a horizontal position, with the curve of the blade facing upward. Allow the epoxy to cure for 24 hours. You can then use your oar once again.