How To Convert Ice Skates Into Roller Skates: Step By Step

Do you own ice skates? Do you want to convert them to roller skates for whatever reason? Here are a few ways you can do it.

Roller skating is a great way to get exercise and have fun almost anywhere at any time, while ice skates have limitations. As a result, many people are now looking forward to converting their ice skates into roller skates.

Well, in this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to convert ice skates into roller skates without putting in any extra effort.

Let’s start with the benefits.

Benefits Of Converting Ice Skates To Roller Skates

However, you might not be sure about the benefits of converting your ice skates into roller skates, even though you have decided to do that. So, let’s take a moment to look at the benefits of your plan:

1. You’ll get more exercise – Roller skating is an excellent way to get your heart rate up and burn calories. As a bonus, you’ll be able to improve your balance and coordination as well!

2. You’ll have more fun – Roller skating is a lot of fun, whether you’re by yourself or with friends. It doesn’t matter what season it is, whether you have a nearby skating rink or not, skating on roller skates is a great way to keep your skating skills sharp, anywhere including the street, playgrounds like basketball courts, garage, and parking lot.

3. You’ll be more confident – Converting your ice skates into roller skates will give you more confidence when you’re skating on the street or in other public places. Due to the four stable wheels, you will be able to move more easily and won’t have to worry about falling.

4. You’ll be more agile – Converting your ice skates into roller skates will help you improve your agility, balance, and coordination.

5. You’ll look cooler – Converting your ice skates into roller skates will make you look sleeker while skating on the street or in other public places.

6. Roller Skates are a Cheaper option – Roller skates are generally less expensive than ice skates. Therefore, if you’re on a budget, roller skates may be a better option for you. You can see here how much do roller skates cost.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start to convert ice skates into roller skates now!

What Is The Difference Between Ice Skates And Roller Skates?

The main difference between ice skates and roller skates is that roller skates have four stable wheels, whereas ice skates have a metallic blade. A change like this has a huge impact on moving on the ground. Ice skates can be used only on the ice, whereas roller skates can be used on both ice and pavement.

On roller skates, there are trucks, whereas, on ice skates, there are only blades without trucks. As you skate, the trucks help you to distribute your weight evenly so that there is less friction on the ground. You can also check what is the difference between roller skates and rollerblades.

All You Need To Change Ice Skates Into Roller Skates

Before you start converting ice skating into roller skating, collect all the following items in one place to make your work easy:

• Your existing ice skates
• Quad plate
• Heel
• Set of roller skate trucks
• 32 Bearings
• 8 Wheels
• Spacers
• Locking nut
• Washers
• Axle nuts (Allen key)
• Tools to perform work: Screwdriver, Hex key, hammer, drill machine, rivet remover, and wrench.

If you don’t have all these things, you can’t change ice skates to roller skates. All these parts are available from online stores like Amazon as well as from offline stores.

Here is a step by step guide to performing the task.

How To Convert Ice Skates Into Roller Skates: step by step

Let’s get started with the actual conversion process once you’ve gathered all the above listed parts and tools.

Step 1: Remove Blade from Ice skates

The first step is to remove the blade from your ice skates. You need to unscrew the blade from the skate using a screwdriver, Hammer, or Rivet remover to remove it. Usually, two screws are holding the blade in place.

Make sure that your ice skate boots have their insoles removed first. When you remove the insole, remove the laces as well for better adjustment when removing the blade. Further, to remove the blade, you will need to use a Hex key to unscrew it from the skate and apply little force.

Step 2: Drill Holes on Each Side of Quad Plate And Attach

The quad plate is a material used to attach trucks to boots. It’s attached at the bottom of boots and at the top of trucks.

Therefore, you need to drill two holes on each side of the quad plate. The holes should be about one inch from the edge of the quad plate and at a 90-degree angle to each other. In this way, you can attach the blade to the quad plate by using axle nuts.

This is one of the most challenging steps because the blade quickly falls off if the hole is not made correctly, and if the hole is made in the wrong place, it cannot be converted into roller skates.

To perform this, first flip the boot, such as its bottom part facing towards you. Now drill the first hole on the bottom side of the boot. With the Hex key, unscrew the axle nut from the blade and place it in the first hole you drilled. Screw it back on with a hex key and tighten it with a wrench. Repeat this process and attach the quad plate to your ice skates on the other side of the boot.

Step 4: Attach the trucks

The trucks are the two metal t-shaped parts that attach to the roller skates below the quad plate. To attach the trucks to skates, you will need two axle nuts, a hex key, and a wrench.

First, remove the axle nut from the blade and insert it into the first hole you drilled. Put it back on with a hex key and tighten it with a wrench. Continue this step on the other side of the boot and attach the quad plate to your ice skates. Now, attach the trucks to the quad plate using two axle nuts. Make sure they are attached at a 90-degree angle. Once done, reattach the blade to the quad plate using axle nuts and screws.

Step 5: Place the wheels

To install the wheels on your skates, you need 8 wheels, 16 bearings, 8 spacers, 8 axle nuts, and a torque wrench.

Make sure that the spacers are inserted between each bearing as you put the bearings into the wheels. Next, put the axle nuts on and tighten them using a torque wrench. Lastly, attach the wheels to the bearings at a 90-degree angle on the skates.

Step 6: Attach toe stops

Allen keys are required to attach toe stops, so make sure you have them on hand.

In order to attach toe stops, the first step is to insert the toe stop into the hole of the quad plate, which already has such a hole. After this, you can adjust it to fit your foot size. Last but not least, tighten it with the Allen wrench. Toe stops are used to stop on roller skates.

Step 7: Final touche & You’re done

Now you’re done! But before you start riding, make sure you replace the insole in the boots and reapply the lace which you removed initially.

You can test your new roller skates by skating around the house to identify any problems. You’re ready to go out and have a good time if everything goes according to plan!

Once your roller skate is ready, you can start reading our guide on how to roller skate for beginners.

FAQs

Q. Can you make ice skates roller skates?

Answer: Yes, you can convert ice skates into roller skates with a few simple steps. It is important to note that this process should not be attempted if you are not familiar with tools and are comfortable taking apart a shoe.

Q. Can you put roller blades on ice skates?

Answer: It’s possible to put roller blades on ice skates but not recommended. The roller blades will not be able to attach securely and there is a risk that the blade may come loose while skating, which could lead to injury.

Q. Are ice skates and roller skates the same?

Answer: No, ice skates and roller skates are different. Ice skates are designed for use on the ice, while roller skates are designed for use on a smooth surface such as a roller rink or street.

Q. Can you put arch supports in ice skates?

Answer: Yes, you can put arch supports in ice skates if needed. Arch supports provide additional support and comfort for your feet while skating.

Q. Which one is harder ice skating or roller skating?

Answer: Considering factors such as balance, agility, and control of speed, ice skating is generally considered to be more difficult than roller skating.

Q. Can you turn roller skates into ice skates?

Answer: It is possible to turn roller skates into ice skates, but it involves replacing several parts that are not designed for use on ice.

Conclusion

If you follow a step-by-step method like this, you can never search again how to convert ice skates into roller skates. Simply follow these steps, and you’ll be roller skating on your ice skates in no time. Have fun skating!

Additional Questions

Can you turn ice skates into rollerblades?

Primarily, the prospect of converting your ice hockey skates to inline skates is absolutely reasonable, providing that your boots are in a respectable condition and free from substantial wear or damage. Ice skates and rollerblades share a close design parallel, which makes this conversion not only possible but reasonably straightforward.

Expanding upon this further, nicely conditioned boots are essential in this transition as the integrity and overall structure of the boot contributing to your balance and support while on wheels. Therefore, a boot that is heavily worn or has sustained damage may not provide the necessary support required. An important observation to note from my years of expertise in rollerblading is that a good inline skate boot should be snug yet comfortable, providing support for your ankle and foot. So it's essential to ensure your ice skates are in good condition before considering the conversion.

How do you roller skate step by step?

In order to help start your roller skating journey, there are some basic, starting steps that can set you off in the right direction – This is what you need to learn:

How do you roller skate with inline skates?

Skating with inline skates is a different experience from traditional roller skates. On inline skates, the wheels are positioned in a single straight line, similar to a blade on ice skates. This design change impacts how you balance, turn, and stop, thus requiring a set of techniques distinct from traditional roller skating.

How do you transition on roller skates?

Transitions in roller skating refer to the skill of changing direction without losing balance or momentum. This may involve a change in footing, stance, or direction. This is a key skill for any roller skater and one that can greatly enhance your enjoyment and fluency on wheels. I would emphasize the importance of practice when it comes to transitions, it requires patience and continuity. You will eventually excel in the art of roller skating transitions.