How to Customize an Ice Hockey Stick

A hockey stick is among the most essential equipment for hockey. Having your stick just the way you want it will help improve your game play. Here's how to prepare your stick.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Measure the stick to your height. It should come to around your nose if you are in sneakers or your chin on skates.

2. Cut the stick to the chosen length. A fine-toothed hack saw will be best, since it leaves the least amount of splinters and burrs at the top of the stick.

3. Pick off any splinters that do result from the sawing. Don't worry about sanding it really smooth.

4. Check the curve of the stick to see if it is the way you want it. A really big curve will give you a lot of movement on your shot, but your accuracy might be hurt. It is a matter of opinion.

5. Using a blow torch, gently warm the blade of your stick from a distance. Be careful not to scorch the surface of the stick. Keep the flame far enough away so as not to damage your stick. It doesn't need to be well done, rare is good enough.

6. After the blade is warm, you can use your hand to bend the curve the desired amount.

7. Make sure you don't bend it too much, as a blade curved more than the width of a hockey puck will be illegal.

Tips & Warnings

• Try playing with your new stick without augmenting the curve. Many players find it is not necessary to use a torch to add extra curve.
• Be very careful when using a torch. It can be very dangerous if used improperly.
• Use gloves when touching a stick that has been heated to protect your hands.
• If you make a mistake with the torch you can damage your stick. Be careful.

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on 3/28/2006 I you desire to have a grip on your stick, but do not want to pay the bucks for a grip stick, you should take a stick of wood about 6 inches long and a roll of tape. Wrap the tape around the top of the stick, then twist the tape so the sticky side is up. Now continue down the stick, and at the end; twist it back around to finish off. Take your hockey stick and rub the stick against it up and down.

on 3/15/2006 Figure out what your preferences are, such as where you want the bend or the length of the blade. Then, find a website that gives you the dimensions of a professionals stick. Most sticks come in a wide variety.

on 2/6/2006 I found the best way to heat and curve a stick is to use the top of the stove. The heat source is nice and big, and heats the entire blade evenly.

on 12/28/2005 If possible, use a heat gun, or, if it's the only thing available, a hairdryer. You can ruin a composite shaft if too much heat is applied, as it causes the shaft to split on the corners.