How to Install Downhill Ski Bindings

As with so many sports, one of the things that separates a serious devotee from someone more casual is an interest in making, caring for, and owning your own gear. For downhill (or Alpine) skiers, one of the easiest parts of this is custom-mounting bindings to skis. This creates a pair of skis that are sized perfectly for your feet and gear. The process is not much more complicated than mounting a heavy picture on the wall.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pencil or marker
Tape measure
Drill
Cardboard
Epoxy kit
Screwdriver

Step 1

Check your skis to see if they have a sidewall marking to indicate their center. If not, measure and mark the center of your skis with a tape measure and a pencil or marker that will wipe off later.

Step 2

Snap onto a ski boot the toe part of the ski bindings. Then place your boot down on the ski, using the mark you have made at the center of the ski, lining up the middle of your boot at the mark. Mark guidelines around the front and back of your boot. Repeat for the other ski.

Step 3

Take the toe binding off the boot, and place it on a ski with the heel binding. Mark where to drill the ski through the screw holes of the bindings. Repeat for the other ski.

Step 4

Drill the screw holes, aiming for a depth of halfway through the skis. Err on the side of caution here, because under no circumstances should you drill all the way through the skis.

Step 5

Mix together a batch of epoxy adhesive from the tubes of resin and hardener on a piece of cardboard. Fill the screw holes to at most halfway.

Step 6

Screw the toe and heel bindings onto the skis.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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