How to Adjust Snowboard Bindings on the Ankle

Snowboarding requires finely tuned equipment that fits just right. When it comes to bindings, they need to be snug but comfortable. If your ankle straps are too loose or are digging into your foot, you'll need to make an adjustment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Ankle Strap Won't Secure

Step 1

Adjust your binding normally. Use the ratchet to tighten down each ankle strap by pushing down. Pull up on the release to loosen the strap. If the strap tightens as much as possible and your boot still is loose, you'll need to shorten it. Also make sure the strap padding is centered on your boot and not pushed to one side or the other.

Step 2

Check your hardware. There should be an adjustment on your padded strap so you can make it shorter (tighter) or longer (looser). The plastic part of the strap should have a series of holes used to attach the padding. This can be secured by a screw, simple twist-off knob or other hardware.

Step 3

Unscrew the bolt with the necessary tool.

Step 4

Put your boot in the binding and find the correct length of the strap that will properly secure your boot. You want the strap to be capable of fully tightening down so it's centered on the boot when tight. It should take at least three or four ratchets to fully secure and shouldn't be so snug that you don't even need to ratchet.

Step 5

When you have found the correct strap length, resecure the bolt to the right notch in the strap and tighten it down. Repeat the process for the other binding.

Awkward Position of Strap

Step 1

Check the strap position. The ankle strap should be centered in the indent of your boot where the top of the boot meets the foot. It should wrap securely around this spot and sit flush with the boot. If there are gaps between the boot and the ankle strap or if the strap is situated uncomfortably, you should be able to move the strap position.

Step 2

Check your hardware again. You should have some form of ankle strap adjustment located on the base of the binding where the strap meets. It might be a screw, hex bolt or other adjustment. Determine the tool you need to loosen it and unscrew.

Step 3

Unscrew the other side of the strap connection. You want both sides to be in the same position so the strap isn't lopsided. There will be another bolt or screw on the other side of the binding base.

Step 4

Reposition the ankle strap by realigning it with another set of holes on the base.

Step 5

Reinsert both bolts and tighten them down.

Tips & Warnings

On new bindings, make the aforementioned adjustments along with other adjustments such as toe pedal position and high back lean before riding on them for the first time. Check the binding screws and adjustments regularly to be sure they're tight.

On new bindings, make the aforementioned adjustments along with other adjustments such as toe pedal position and high back lean before riding on them for the first time.

Check the binding screws and adjustments regularly to be sure they're tight.

Don't forget to adjust the toe strap position. This might need to be done before you mount the binding so remember to fit it with your boot before mounting to the board to determine the correct position.

Article Written By Joe Fletcher

Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.

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