Rivets On Vector Pros

[Zamboni 6]

At least one black rivet on my kids Vector Pro Jr's needs to be replaced, so loose it dropped down. Took out insole and was suprised how flimsy these rivets are, very thin metal flared out. Is this a common problem, never had this type trouble before. The copper rivets seem solid but another black one seems to be pulling loose also. Ten year old kids skates, 300 bucks-think you would get more than 3 months problem free use.

Can any shop easily change these rivets or is it something that can be screwed up? Is there a better rivet I should get all these changed to...don't want to bother with this again.

What bothers me most is my son loves fit/performance of Vectors-going to want another pair next fall. Are others having this trouble with Vectors, I can't see how an 80 lb child would rip out rivets that hold up for adults? Kids skates made flimsier?

[DEATHTRON 19]

Ya....thats typically how the steel rivets are, a common problem is them rusting out. If you want to avoid this problem, have your favorite LHS just put a copper rivet in there, but be forewarned, the other steel rivets will eventually do the same thing. Its not a big deal, it happens, dont worry about it. If your kid likes the skates, keep him in them, rivets are easy to replace.

Zach

[Chadd 916]

It happens all the time on skates and no, kids skates are not made to the same standards as adult skates.

Take them in to your local shop and have them replace the lost rivet, as well as any other loose rivets. It shouldn't cost more than $1-$2 per rivet.

[jimmy 194]

The steel rivets used now in skates are not the same tough quality of years past. Virtually all skates use the lighter steel rivets and they will rust quick. Best prevention, pull out foot bed after every skate and use a boot dryer.

[Zamboni 6]

Thanks for the replies, search also shows its a common enough problem. Rust wasn't a factor, just appears to be very thin metal rivet used- but its not corroded away....not a sign of discolouration under the footbed.

There's a really good skate sharpener in Oshawa-I'll see if he has or can get a heavier gauge metal rivet in this size and swap them all. My kid works as a 'puck farmer' at hockey school-does some demo's....gets 10 plus hours of ice a week but nobody cares for their skates better. Granted his skates get above normal use but this should not have happened. How much more would a stainless steel or higher alloy quality rivet be....cents per rivet? Sorry for the rant guys, its dissapointing that manufacturers would use low end parts that will surely fail in their products.

[DEATHTRON 19]

Get yourself a copper. You wont be replacing that baby anytime soon if the guy knows what hes doing.

Zach

[Zamboni 6]

Update, as others will probably run into this.

Skate sharpener was knowledgable/well equipped-he thought it best to use steel rivet. "Copper rivets won't corrode but are softer metal"....then he laughed at how thin-soft the loose rivets were. He popped a few black rivets in with some "meat on them"....alls well. When he gets more rivets I'll change out the others-suggest everyone with Vectors looks at the rivets. Corrosion did not cause this, the rivets used are paper thin.

[DEATHTRON 19]

I wouldnt really reccomend replacing rivets if they dont need it. Just if you see one pop out, have it replaced when they go in for sharpening. But glad to hear it worked out for you.

Zach

[jimmy 194]

Copper rivets are strong, but should not be used in areas where steel rivets are used. Steel holds the holder in position better.

The black rivets are industry standard, thin steel. There is no way getting around it, rivets are just not like they use to be.