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>Getting more from a new heel brake

By Gavin Thulien and Charles (Carl) Britney

This information is provided by Carl Britney. Have you noticed that a new heel brake does not work as well as the one just replaced? There are two possible reasons for this: The skate angle is too shallow The stopping surface may be reduced

Both of these problems can occur with a new pad. And they are more pronounced with larger wheels and longer frames. In Figures A and B, the braking angle of a new brake is reduced and only the back of the pad is touching. The main reason for this may be that a brake pad is designed to fit various wheel combinations rather than be customized for the exact wheel size that your skate may be equipped with.

There are basically two solutions to the problem:

1. Keep using the brake as is and eventually it will wear down to the point where the angle and surface become proper. This may be OK for many skaters.
2. Remove a section of the new pad to increase the angle and area to a better range. This is what I do to maintain braking performance.

Figures C and D show the second option and the immediate impact on the area and angle.

My approach to this is simple:

1. I mount the brake pad and measure a 20-25º angle from the horizontal and ensure that this line is lined up with the last wheel circumference.
2. I remove the pad then, securely clamped in a vise, use a hacksaw to cut off the pie shaped sector (gray checked area in Figure C) using the line measured in step 1.
3. Then I remount the pad and try it out. Usually the 20- 25º set is OK – even for my 5- wheel frames.

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