Getting new skis can be challenging, especially for beginners. There are so many things that you should know before hitting the ski track, and ski bindings are just one of them. And speaking of ski bindings, what many skiers want to know about them is whether it is possible to remount ski bindings in the same holes.
Yes, you can remount ski bindings in the same holes but with caution. Just make sure that the holes aren’t stripped out after remounting and you’re good to go.
Carefully drill the plugs out and re-tap them to clean them from any potential debris. Mount the bindings, but if the holes are stripped out it is time to heli-coil them. After you do that, just mount old bindings as you regularly would.
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Mounting Skis – The Definition for Beginners
Start by understanding the terminology and meaning. When mounting skis it means that the bindings are attached to your skies. The binding is a device that holds your ski boots. Logically, remounting ski bindings refers to moving or replacing ski bindings on your skis.
Changing the position of your feet on the skis means that you either want them more back or forward. This is a good time to consider remounting. It can be done a few times, but each remounting point should be at least 8mm from the last hole. This way it can provide the screws with the necessary strength to keep everything together.
Why Should I Remount My Skis?
There are a few reasons you might want your skis remounted. You may have bought second-hand equipment, have a growing boot size, want to change the position of your skis, or simply improve performance. Whatever it may be, it is important to know-how, and where you should remount them.
Here is a short tip list on why and how you should consider remounting.
You should move the binding forward when:
- The skis are not responsive enough or are too stable and hard to control when turning.
- More flotation is harder to achieve on those beautiful deep snow days.
You should move your bindings backward when:
- Lack of stability and want to reduce the responsiveness of the skiing.
- Children are getting used to the skis, as they have a growing foot.
Fitting the skies forward or backward when:
- You buy used skies it is necessary to remount them to match your boot size for safety and easier maneuvering.
Is It Bad to Remount Ski Bindings?
Professionals will tell you that you can remount a ski bind, but only a few times. After the second or third remounting it is time to consider new ones. Also, remounted skis should sit fat enough away, so that the drilled holes are at least 8mm apart from the previous holes. Overall, each time you remount your skis, you reduce their integrity.
Amateur skiers and handy-dandy DIY lovers might even suggest drilling the hole up and then use binding freedom or quiver killer inserts (in case the holes are stripped). There have been people who took this piece of advice and landed up in an ambulance.
What can happen is, if you remount the skis in the same position, going off for a jump can make your binding get loose, and break. This can jeopardize your safety and cause a really bad landing, with potential back injuries, or even bone breaking.
Every time your skies get mounted there is less room to put on bindings. So technically there is an upper limit for remounting skis, and it depends on the length and size of the bindings. The more this is done, the integrity gets reduced. Once or twice is alright, but more can create real problems.
Can I Remount Ski Bindings on My Own?
As already discussed, remounting on your own takes experience. Unexperienced handy people might destroy new skies accidentally, and put themselves (or the person they are doing it for) in real danger.
It is highly advisable to take the skis to a shop where the bindings get professionally fitted. This is a secure way to have them on point and reduce the chance of getting bad injuries on the slopes. On the off chance that you are confident enough to risk your health and skis, we prepared a list of steps on how to mount your ski bindings.
DIY Mounting Ski Bindings
There are some cases where local ski shops are not as precise as you want them when it comes to ski fitting. In that case, you can either find another shop or do it yourself (but only if you have some previous experience!).
The binding location is the place where you want the foot in the ski. Manufacturers recommend making the boot center mark for the boot and ski. For passionate powder skiing, it is recommended to consider moving the binding forward, and up to 3cm from the center.
Make sure you are certain about the location of the new mount of the binding, then get a jig to mount. If you don’t have one at hand, keep in mind that you should always measure twice and cut once. This old carpenter’s rule will prevent you from making the mistake, and damaging your skis irreversibly.
The tools you require without a jig are: a drill, the stepped drill bit 3.5x9mm, 4.1×9 mm, glue (epoxy is even better, #3 posi-drive screwdriver/drill bit, center punch, compass, pencil, and masking tape.
The masking tape template is a great way to avoid any errors. Use a paper jig to give the critical dimensions (such as the mount holes relative to the ski boot center). Keep in mind that the ski boot center, the ski centerline, and perpendicular lines at hole centers need to be exact to the nanometer if possible.
Make sure you know where the ski boot center is located (either by looking it up on the ski, or online). The process is lengthy and can easily be misplaced. To learn more on how to do this, watch tutorials on the step-by-step process.
Let a Professional Do It!
It is all great if you are an experienced ski master, however, when people have doubts and are first-timers in something, it is advisable to call in an expert. There are different ways old holes can be filed:
- Epoxy filling
- Wooden plugs
- Plastic plugs
Epoxy resing and careful tech are the types of services you want to be on the lookout for. Read reviews of the actual process and knowledge of the people who are serving and maintaining your equipment. Old holes are easily filled with resin as it keeps the threads in place.
On the other hand, the old technique where plugs are used to fill in the holes is not as safe. Smashing pieces of wood in old holes can get warn off. It is advisable to have them helicoiled. Plastic plugs, however, will not wreck the threads of the holes. It is important not to have them stripped out.
Never spare on cash while maintaining your gear, but research if you are not acquainted with the average cost of good service.
Is It Costly to Remount Skis?
Moving bindings and remounting is quite common. Especially when the skis are used for children, or adults changing their skates to fit them better.
When done correctly they do not damage the sky, and will always be covered with a smooth finish to protect it from the damp snow. On the downside, if this is done unprofessionally, the plugs can cause the skis to rot from the core, where the wood or foam core is water clogged.
The precise budget for remounting skis is hard to determine, as it varies from country, area, and shop. But keep in mind that many ski shops where you buy the skis will provide a discount, and sometimes do the service free of charge. During winter, and at resorts, ski shops offer discounts to people with seasonal passes. If you don’t happen to have one, either get it or be smart and find someone who already does.
Know Your DIN Release Value
After mounting the bindings you will need to adjust the DIN value. This way the skis release the right amount of pressure from the skis release. Otherwise, there is a high chance that you will break your leg during a fall. The exact value has several variables like boot size, weight, and skiing level.
Again, for beginners to understand: The DIN setting is the release fore setting of a ski binding. It is the value of the amount of force needed to release the boot from the sky, and prevent any injuries.
There are many online informative calculators to help you determine the exact value.
Is It Possible to Remount Ski Bindings in the Same Holes?
Usually, ski bindings are universal, as long as the type of skiing matches the boots and the type of bindings.
The bindings will match the type of boots and skis that are meant for a specific type of skiing. However, there are a few categories for alpine and backcountry skiing.
As we already said, remounting can be done and is quite common. You are most likely to be offered this service at virtually any ski shop or servicing department. Talk to an expert and get their opinion on whether or not you should consider this before doing it.
