Mounting Alpine Ski Bindings

Mount your own ski bindings.

Mounting ski bindings is a task that intimidates many skiers, even experienced ones. A reason for this is that many pro ski shops charge around $50 for this service, giving the impression that it is overly complicated. But with a few common household tools and the right professional quality ski equipment, you can quickly and easily mount your own Alpine bindings at home.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• New skis
• New bindings
• Ski boots
• Ruler
• Fine-tip marker
• Power drill
• Drill bits
• Water soluble glue
• Punch to make hole

1. Snap the toe piece of one of the bindings onto a ski boot. Using the midpoint markings on one of the skis as your guide, center the boot on the ski's surface in the location where it would normally be installed. Use a ruler to center the boot along the width of the ski.

2. Mark a small dot through the center of each screw hole on the toe piece using a fine-tip marker. Make sure that the boot and binding don't slide around before you make the marks. Remove the toe piece of the binding from the boot when you're finished.

3. Compare the screws that came with the bindings to your drill bits. Choose a bit that is slightly smaller than the screws and install it on your electric drill.

4. Drill into each marked spot, taking care to only drill the proper length for your particular set of skis. If you are unsure how far to drill into the ski contact a professional or the ski manufacturer.

5. Squirt a dab of water soluble glue into each hole, but do not fill any hole all the way to the top. Lay the toe piece over the holes. Insert the screws and screw the entire piece down. Allow the glue to dry completely. Check to make sure that the screws are secure and tight.

6. Snap the toe of the boot into the installed binding. Make a small mark with the marker at the base of the heel.

7. Align the back of the heel piece of the binding with the mark you made. Use a ruler to center the heel piece along the width of the ski. When the heel piece is in place, make a small mark through the center of each screw hole using the marker.

8. Drill holes into these marks just as you did in Step 4. Then, as described in Step 5, fill the holes will water soluble glue and screw the heel piece into place. Let the glue dry completely. Repeat Steps 1 through 8 on the opposite ski.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're having trouble centering the bindings precisely, take the skis and bindings to a pro shop for installation.

• Improperly installed bindings can result in falling injuries on the slopes. If you have any doubts about your ability to install them properly, leave it up to the professionals.

• Improper installation may also void the manufacturer's warranty.