Check out this brake that sparks! The video below captures how it looks in the daytime and at night, including instructions on how to make one yourself.
If you are unable to view the video, here’s what you’ll need to make your brake spark:
- A flint rod a little over 1″ long and about as thick as a pencil (the one seen in the video is a 1/4″ in diameter)
- A drill bit with a slightly larger diameter than your flint (5/16″ in this case)
- Strong glue or adhesive (We used Liquid Nails)
- Hacksaw – To trim down your flint if necessary
First, drill a hole in your brake then measure how far the flint will go into it. Second, saw the flint down to the correct length. Third, cover the flint with glue and slide it into the hold you drilled in your brake. Last, let it sit overnight. The next day you should be ready to rock.
I remember actually seeing something like this at a small skate shop on Skidmore Street in Portland—I’m almost positive doesn’t exist anymore—not far from where I grew up. I was actually reminded of the idea when I was getting a cavity filled last week. (Anything to keep my mind of the drilling, right?) So far the brake hasn’t encountered any problems, and proves to be holding up well. Truth be told, I kinda prefer to play roller hockey without brakes, but this sparking brake almost makes sporting a brake worth it. Just make sure you don’t have to stop in a puddle of oil.
Bonus: I still have the other half of my flint that I never ended up using. If you would like to try this project yourself, be the first to comment on this post and I will send it to you FREE! (provided you reside in the continental U.S.) Otherwise you should be able to pick one up for around $5.
Hey that's pretty sick! And i guess i'm the first one to comment.. You still giving that leftover flint away?
Yep! Congrats. Please send your mailing address to keegan at hockeymail dot com.