getting skates streched or punched?

[hocckey77 0]

So I need to get my Grafs punched out in the heel-like area on my right skate, so I bring them into one of my lhs and asks to get that spot punched out, but the guy was like, "you want them to get them streched there?".

my question: Is there a difference between getting them streched or punched out?

[dix0r 0]

So I need to get my Grafs punched out in the heel-like area on my right skate, so I bring them into one of my lhs and asks to get that spot punched out, but the guy was like, "you want them to get them streched there?".

my question: Is there a difference between getting them streched or punched out?

punching is more localized - and would be better for just the heel

he might just be using different terminology though?

if he tries to put it on a machine that has little feet, it's definitely the wrong thing.

[dix0r 0]

oh and here's quite possibly the worst thing i've ever heard of a LHS employee doing:

a coworkers mom brought her skates in to get sharpened and they were still wet from the last time she skated. he decided to "help" her by drying her skates...by punching them out. i guess the idea was that using the punch would wring them out like a cloth or something. so he ruined her skates...what a bastard.

[mew1838 0]

If its too short then you stretch it, too tight, you punch it

[Hidious 0]

If its too short then you stretch it, too tight, you punch it

That makes sense but i have no idea...

[Fredrik 0]

Punching is a term used to describe the process for expanding a localized portion of the boot. This method can help with the fit by eliminating hot spots in a boot. If you have a bone spur or a toe that is a bit too tight, punching your boots can eliminate these problems. Punching is done on a manually operated machine. It basically entails a small ball or finger shaped piece inserted into the boot with a cup on the outside of it. By pulling a lever, the skate tech applies pressure and loosens up the localized area. Due to the nature of the equipment used, not all areas of the boot are addressable with punching. Most notably, areas that are right on the edge of the boot (i.e. the eye stays and the cuff), and the top and ends of the toecap are difficult or impossible to fix. Also, the heel of the boot is a very critical part of the skate and great care has to be taken to not over do punching in this area. Punch jobs usually range from $5 to $10 a session and are done while the player waits. It is very important for the player to be available during punching sessions as they will have to try the skates on and it might take several tries to get the punch just right.

Power-stretching entails heating up the boots as for a heat-fit and putting them on a device similar to a professional shoe stretcher. This process can deliver remarkable results, and is often the best-case scenario for people with different sized feet. Power-stretching can easily increase a quality boot by a full size in length, sometimes more. While power-stretching of a boot can also add a full width or more to a skate, it only adds width to the middle and front portion of the boot. The nature of the equipment does not widen the heel. This process usually cost $20 to $35 and takes about 12 hours.

[hocckey77 0]

I'll just go to another place and get them punched. The guy said I had to leave them overnight for streching and by what you guys said, getting them punched would be the best thing.

thanks

[Fredrik 0]

Yes, punching or stretching are two different things!

Maybe you have another LHS in your area to help you out.

Good luck!

[Jimmy_Wolf 0]

Here's what a punch looks like...

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/redmadmax/DSCN3257.jpg

If it's a boot stretcher, that's not what you need for just the heel area, but here's what it looks like...

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b31/redmadmax/5.jpg