How to Replace Ski Pole Ferrules

Ski poles are used by downhill, roller and nordic skiers to help balance, timing and to propel the skier forward. They also can come in handy if hiking upward or getting up from a fall. If the season is changing from roller skiing to nordic skiing, the conditions you ski in are changing or you have a damaged or broken ski pole ferrule, it is time to replace your ferrules. Replacement ferrules can be found at ski shops or purchased online. Replacing ferrules can be done at home using only a few supplies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Ferrules
Ski poles
Heat source (blow dryer, stove or heat gun)
Water
Pot
Ferrule glue or water-soluble glue

Step 1

Turn on your heat gun and allow it to warm up to a medium heat; a blow dryer nees to be turned on high. If a stove is your source of heat, put water into a pot and let it heat to a boil.

Step 2

Guide your heat source to the attachment point of the ferrule to your ski pole. If using the stove, place your pole directly into the steam above the boiling water.

Step 3

Keep your heat source at the attachment point of your ferrule for two to three minutes to allow the glue to soften. If you are using the stove as your heat source, keep it on for four to five minutes to achieve desired softening.

Step 4

Slowly remove the ferrule that needs replacing, by peeling it off. Continue to heat the glue to soften any remaining glue, then remove with a scraper.

Step 5

Remove the ski pole from the heat source and allow the pole to cool for at least five minutes or when cool to the touch.

Step 6

Place water-soluble or manufacturer ferrule glue onto the shaft of your pole.

Step 7

While the glue still is hot, press the new ferrule onto the pole as far as it will go, making sure it is straight.

Step 8

Wait for the glue to dry for at least an hour before using your poles.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid using super glue or an epoxy glue to replace your ferrules. These glues do not soften when heated and make ferrule replacement or removal difficult.

Resources

Article Written By Courtney Johnson

Courtney Johnson is a freelance sports writer and photographer based in California. Her articles and photos appear regularly in newspapers and magazines such as "Triathlete" and "Cross Country Skier." Johnson graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in media production and minor in writing. She is studying for her copy editing certificate at the University of San Diego.

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