Blade Mounting

Blade mounting is the process of attaching your figure skating blades to your boots. It sounds straightforward, but the precision required makes it one of the most critical services in figure skating. A blade mounted even slightly off-center will affect every edge, spin, and jump you do. The difference between good and bad mounting can mean the difference between comfortable skating and chronic pain.

Temporary vs. Permanent Mounting

Professional blade mounting is a two-stage process. The first stage uses temporary screws so the skater can test the blade position on the ice. Once the alignment is confirmed, the blade is secured permanently.

The Mounting Process

Step 1: Boot and blade assessment.
We examine the boot sole for any irregularities and inspect the blade to ensure it is straight and undamaged. We also discuss your skating discipline, any known alignment preferences, and whether you are coming from a previous setup that worked well or one that caused problems.

Step 2: Alignment marking on sole.
Using the boot's guide markings and your foot anatomy as reference points, we mark the precise position where the blade will sit. The blade must be aligned with the center line of your foot — not the center of the boot — which is why professional placement is essential.

Step 3: Pilot holes drilled.
Small pilot holes are drilled into the sole using the correct drill bit size — typically 2.0mm for the sole area and 2.5mm for the heel on EDEA boots. Drilling must be straight and at the correct depth to avoid damaging the boot structure.

Step 4: Temporary mount with pan head screws.
Pan head screws are installed in a subset of the blade's mounting holes — enough to hold the blade securely for skating, but using only the holes needed so adjustments remain possible. The raised profile of pan head screws makes them easy to remove.

Step 5: Skater tests on ice.
You take the skates out for one or more sessions to test how the blade position feels. Pay attention to how edges feel, whether spins center naturally, and whether anything feels unbalanced or off. This feedback is essential for fine-tuning.

Step 6: Adjustments if needed.
If the alignment needs correction, the temporary screws are removed, the blade is repositioned, and new pilot holes are drilled. This is exactly why the temporary stage exists — adjustments are easy and the boot is not compromised.

Step 7: Permanent mount with counter sunk screws.
Once you and the technician are satisfied with the alignment, counter sunk screws are installed in all mounting holes. These sit flush with the blade plate, creating a smooth, secure connection that is designed to stay put.

Step 8: Fill unused holes with carbon filler plugs.
Any pilot holes from the temporary stage that are no longer in use are filled with EDEA Carbon Filler Plugs. These lightweight carbon fiber plugs are secured with adhesive and restore the structural integrity of the sole. Leaving holes open weakens the sole and allows moisture to penetrate.

Why Professional Mounting Matters

If a blade is mounted too far inside or outside, every edge you skate will be off. Spins will not center. Jumps will feel unbalanced. Over time, poor alignment causes compensatory patterns that lead to chronic pain in the ankles, knees, and hips. A trained technician accounts for your individual foot anatomy — not just the boot shape — and understands how small shifts affect different skating elements.

When You Need Remounting

Remounting is necessary when:

• New blades. Upgrading to a higher-level blade requires a fresh mount, since different blade models may have different plate dimensions and hole patterns.
• Repositioning. If your skating has evolved or you are experiencing alignment-related issues, your blades may need to be repositioned on the same boots.
• Boot replacement. New boots always require a new mount — blade position cannot be transferred directly from one pair of boots to another.

When remounting, old holes are filled with carbon filler plugs before new holes are drilled. For a deeper understanding of the screw types and technical details, visit our Understanding Mounting Screws guide.

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