How to Quickly Fix Fencing Equipment

Intermittent off-target signals delay bouts, sometimes drastically. This guide provides quick solutions for fencers and directors. These solutions apply to all 3 weapons, excepting the absence of tips on sabers.

Prior to trying a fix, if the fencer has a back-up piece of equipment, that should be used. All of these solutions are quick-fixes, and at the first available opportunity, fencers should perform detailed repairs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Work from the tip of the weapon to the reel, in that exact order. This order goes from highest probability (tips are often problematic) to the lowest probability (reels rarely fail). Also, it will simplify diagnosis.

2. Continuous off-target signals indicate a complete failure. Start replacing equipment wholesale; weapon, body-cord, reel, box.

3. Intermittent off-targets follow the same order. Start with the tip. A loose tip and/or barrel can cause an off-target signal. Tighten the barrel by hand, then tap the middle of the weapon against your shoe (making sure not to nick the ground), or alternately, instruct the other fencer to parry the other weapon hard. If no off-target appears, the weapon will be fine. Continue to check the barrel every few touches.

4. If the off-target persists, move down to the body-cord. Holding the weapon still, shake the body-cord at the plug. If this triggers an off-target, that’s your problem. Wrap the body cord tightly around the fencer’s wrist and plug it again. This minimizes how much it can move in the socket, solving the problem.

5. If the off-target persists, the problem might be in the body-cord’s wires. Old body-cords (they look green) often have corroded wiring. Put the plug in your mouth for a second to improve the connection. It’ll taste gross, but it might hold for another touch. To replace the body-cord quickly, see the hint below.

6. If the off-target persists, check the back of the body-cord and the reel. Make sure they are plugged in firmly.

7. If the off-target persists, the trouble might be the reel. Pull the reel sharply. If that causes an off-target…there are no quick fixes for reels. Replace it.

8. If the off-target persists, make sure the floor-cords are plugged in tightly.

9. If the off-target persists, the problem is the box. Replace it.

Tips & Warnings

• To replace a body-cord without taking off a uniform, tie the plug of the new body-cord around the back of the old one. Have the fencer raise their arm straight above their head, and pull. This will pull the new body-cord through, though you may get briefly caught at the underarm protector.
• Technically speaking, only directors may handle weapons on the strip; this is to say, only the director can touch your weapon. This rule is meant to prevent cheating, and as such, fencers should at least ask, “may I try to fix this, sir/ma’am?” prior to doing so.