How to Wire Brush an Alpine Ski Base

At some point, advanced skiers realize all skis are rock skis, meaning they are meant to be used in all conditions, and sooner or later, you will ski over a rock and ding the base. Depending on the level of damage done, you may be able to do a simple P-Tex repair at home. Part of doing the base repair includes preparing the base for the P-Tex with a wire brush.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Work bench with ski vice grips
Wire brush
Plastic scraper
Sandpaper

Step 1

Mount the skis in the your ski vice clamps with the ski base facing up. If you have the three clamp system, use the middle clamp to hold the binding. A two-clamp system usually has a strap to hold the binding down.

Step 2

Scrape away old wax on the base with the plastic scraper, using long strokes and moving from tip to tail.

Step 3

Cut away any P-Tex that has curled up from the ski base using a knife.

Step 4

Take the wire brush and, while holding it rigidly so the bristles don't rotate, brush gently in the direction of tip to tail over the damaged area to remove any debris from the area and prepare it for P-Tex repair.

Step 5

Gently sand the area with sandpaper to finish the preparation.

Tips & Warnings

A steel wire brush can be used on the entire ski base to texture it when the snow temperature is warmer. Use the wire brush in even strokes, moving tip to tail.

Article Written By Candace Horgan

Candace Horgan has worked as a freelance journalist for more than 12 years. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including the "Denver Post" and "Mix." Horgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and history.

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