How to Stud a Snowmobile Track
If you need additional traction on your snowmobile when out riding, one way to do it is to attach studs to the snowmobile track. Studs are small metal spikes secured to the rubber part of the track. They dig into the snow or ice to maintain grip and prevent the track from slipping. Studs can be added to the track of a snowmobile by marking the spots for the studs using a template, then drilling holes into the track.
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Things You'll Need
- Stud template
- Track marker
- Power drill
- Track hole cutter
- Support Plate
- Lock nut
- Socket wrench
- Torque wrench
Instructions
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1
Lift the snowmobile off the ground by using a snowmobile lift hoist. The hoist will lift the back end of the snowmobile up and allow you to access the track. This will also slacken the track and allow it to move easily.
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2
Place the stud template over the snowmobile track. Mark the location of the studs on the track with the track marker.
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3
Drill a hole on the marks that you made in Step 2. Place the track hole cutter drill bit into the drill. Drill a hole into the track with a power drill using a track hole cutter drill bit. Drill holes where there is slack in the track to avoid damaging internal components.
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4
Insert the stud into one of the holes, from the inside of the track.
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5
Place the support plate over the stud. The rounded side of the plate should face the track to fit over the base of the stud.
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6
Thread the lock nut onto the stud and hand-tighten the nut. Use a socket wrench to finish securing the nut to the support plate.
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7
Torque the nut with the torque wrench to 15 foot-pounds.
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8
Repeat steps 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 for each additional stud that needs to be installed in the snowmobile track.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can purchase a template at the Woody's Trial Templates web page.
You can purchase a track hole cutter drill bit from the Snowmobile Track/Stud Tools website.
If you do not drill holes where there is slack in the track you can damage components, such as the idler wheels.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit snowmobile 2 image by Przemyslaw Moranski from Fotolia.com
