How to install the binding on skis. How to properly install bindings on skis? Installing bindings on cross-country skis

From how to put the mounts on cross-country skiing, as well as the quality of their execution, the performance characteristics of the skis depend. Skis presented in modern stores have a special platform that ensures reliable fixation of sports shoes. Even if you are perfect, improper installation can damage the structure of the skis, reducing the lifespan and strength.

What tools are needed to install the fasteners?

Everyone can handle installing cross-country ski mounts with their own hands. To do this you will need the following set of tools:

template for perfectly accurate drilling of holes;
ruler or corner to determine the center of the ski;
drill with drills 3.4-3.5 mm;
marker or pencil;
special glue or simple PVA;
screwdriver or screwdriver.

How to place the mount correctly?

For cross-country skiing today there are several most popular systems for attaching boots to cross-country skis:

SNS - produced by Salomon;
NNN - produced by Rottefella;
NIS - they are produced by Madshus and other companies.

The methods for installing different mounting systems on skis may be different, but there are certain requirements that are always the same:

ski boots must be securely attached to the skis;
the system should provide high maneuverability and ease of control when moving;
the fastening should increase the strength of the ski at the place of its installation.

Use a ruler to measure the center of the ski and mark it with a pencil. To mark the holes for screwing in the mounting bolts, use a template or a special jig - this is very convenient and quick. Install a conductor that matches the type of fastening you have chosen - SNS or NNN. The carefully measured and marked center of gravity must coincide with a special mark on the conductor.

If you don’t have a conductor, make a template from cardboard or thick paper (sometimes fasteners are sold with a ready-made template). If it is missing, attach the mount to the ski so that the center of gravity mark on the ski aligns with the mark on the template. The same applies to the axis of attachment of the boot bracket. The holes present on the template must be marked with a pencil or pressed with an awl. This marking option is not the most accurate, so it is better not to use it.

Modern mounts may have shifting elements, so the holes for the screws that hold the platform should be marked when the mount is assembled and closed. Otherwise, the holes will shift by about a centimeter.

Once the holes for the ski bindings are marked, we begin drilling them. You can make holes with a drill with adjustable speed and special drills of a suitable diameter and with a depth limiter. A special drill has an extension that centers it in the hole of the jig and stops when it reaches a certain depth.

Holes should be drilled at low speeds with light pressure. A hole with a diameter of 3.4 mm is required for installing the NNN mount, and 3.6 mm for the SNS. In both cases, the hole depth is exactly a centimeter.

Procedure for installing bindings on cross-country skis

If you're wondering how to install bindings on cross-country skis, keep the following information in mind. Before installation, you need to fill the holes with glue, which fills all the cracks, providing strength and protecting internal structure skis from the water. Without proper protection of the holes, moisture will seep into them and be absorbed into the cavity of the ski, causing rot from the inside. This usually happens with products that have a honeycomb structure or are made from natural materials.

You can buy a special branded glue, but regular PVA will also work. Epoxy resins cannot be used, as the solvent can damage the structure of the ski. The mount is screwed to the ski as efficiently as possible so that there is not the slightest play. After this, the glue should dry within 24 hours.

NIS ski bindings

Every skier should know how to install bindings on cross-country skis. The use of NIS bindings significantly simplifies the work process and allows you to adjust the position of the platform under the boots on the ski.

NIS bindings can only be installed on special skis that have a special platform. Similar models are produced by Madshus and some others. When installing, the ski mount should be guided along the guides until a characteristic click occurs. A thrust bearing is also installed along the guides, which is fixed in a suitable position with a special key from the kit.

Installing the footrest on inexpensive models of ski bindings does not require special tools. The NIS system makes it possible to select the correct location for the ski mount, taking into account the characteristics of the route and weather. You can change your position before each ski trip or workout.

Skiing is a favorite activity winter holiday. Even an inveterate lover of hot summer will not refuse to breathe fresh air in a snow-covered forest. What can we say about those who cannot imagine their life without skis!

It should be noted that skiing is currently actively developing in our country, and stores offer a wide range of equipment for different types.

Some people prefer ski race, and some, on the contrary, love leisurely walks. There are also those who find the flat terrain boring and ski from the mountains.

Mention should also be made of tourists who go on winter ski trips.

For all these activities you need different types skis, and the higher the level of the athlete, the more stringent his equipment requirements. The smallest nuances are taken into account, which beginners and amateurs may not even be aware of.

In the available variety of skis and related sports, everyone can choose the most suitable one for themselves, and ordinary cross-country skis will surely win the palm.

Still, fans of alpine skiing need to look for places where they can ski, and amateur ski tourism is not for everyone. But treadmills can be used in the nearest park or forest, and you can do it at least every weekend. Those who are especially adventurous can even take part in some local competitions!

So, to diversify your winter leisure time, it’s enough to buy the necessary clothes and equipment: skis, poles and bindings. It’s worth dwelling on them in more detail.

Fastenings are very important element ski design. They transmit forces from the leg to the ski and set the direction of sliding.

The older generation probably remembers grandfather’s models: a belt clamp was attached to the ski, which secured the leg at the back with an elastic band. The only advantage of such “inventions” is that they could be worn on any shoes, even felt boots.

And if we compare the described samples with modern ones, the importance of the role of fastenings will be completely obvious: they provide convenience and stability during any move.

Nordic Norm 75mm, or so-called welted ones. This is an outdated model that is gradually falling out of use. Connoisseurs of such antiques and the extremely low price prevent them from finally saying goodbye to it.

The NNN system from Roteffella appeared later and has two longitudinal guides that stabilize the boot. In terms of functionality, it is in no way inferior to the previous version.

SNS system from Salomon, with one longitudinal guide. This is a modern fastening standard high level. The soles of the boots for such bindings allow the foot to control the ski during any stroke.

The last two systems are now the most popular, but there are no obvious advantages or disadvantages compared to each other, so you can choose any.

In terms of price, they will cost more than NN75, but they are much more convenient and practical, and you can save on installing these mounts.

Skis and bindings;
Template for marking;
A screwdriver with a blunt Phillips bit and drill bits;

Ruler;
Marker;
PVA glue.
Awl;

For all types of bindings, you first need to find the center of gravity of the skis. On some models, the manufacturer has already marked this place, but usually it is advised not to trust the factory branding.

Such balancing is necessary for normal comfortable riding, when the ski does not “weigh” in any direction. Finding the center of gravity is very simple.

You need to place the ski on the edge of, for example, a ruler, and move it along it until the “scales” freeze parallel to the floor. The ruler in this case will indicate the center of gravity, which will need to be marked with a marker.

So, the desired point has been found.

If it is necessary to install Nordic Norm 75, then there should be two screws of the fastening bracket on the marked line. In other words, you need to place the device so that the edge of your big toe is on the balance line.

An important step is marking the holes. For him ideal option will use a special jig that allows you to accurately find the position of the fasteners. If such a conductor is not available, then a paper template, which is usually supplied with fastenings, will also do.

If this is not there, you will have to mark the ski with an awl through the holes in the mount attached to it. By the way, since the fastening consists of elements that move relative to each other, you should use it in assembled form for marking, so that later there will be no mismatch in size.

Check for self-control. A drilled ski cannot be restored back, so an extra check will not hurt. Having measured the distance between the holes on the mount, you need to compare them with similar parameters on the finished marking.

Drilling holes according to the marks made. Usually the instructions indicate to what depth the screws need to be drilled, and what length and diameter the drill should be. If there is no suitable length, you can take any and wrap it with electrical tape on top, leaving only the necessary millimeters. Using a drill at low speeds, you need to drill holes in the marked places.

Filling with glue. Blow the finished holes to remove dust and fill them with glue. Sometimes it may come complete with fasteners, but if it is not there, then simple PVA will do.

This will help fill the cracks formed during drilling, waterproof and provide more reliable fixation. Sometimes it is recommended to use epoxy for this purpose, but it is better not to do this, since the solvents in the resin can damage the ski.

Assembly of the structure. You need to attach the mount to the ski again and start tightening the screws, first not completely, to make sure that the installation is even, and only then finally, so that there are no backlashes.

For NN 75 you will have to first insert the boot and check its alignment on the ski. Wait for the glue to dry. After the fasteners are installed, you need to wait another 10-12 hours for the glue to completely dry.

This video explains in detail how to install the SNS mounts.

Installing ski bindings yourself is doable. The main thing is to have self-confidence and the right tools.

Today, as a rule, two competing fastening systems are used for cross-country skis of all categories - SNS (developed by SALOMON) and NNN (developed by ROTTEFELLA), as well as their modifications.

Methods for installing bindings of various designs on skis can vary significantly, but when installing any type of binding, the requirements remain unchanged: ensure control of the ski and maneuverability, ensure the reliability of the connection between the ski boot and the ski, and maintain the strength of the ski in the place where the binding is installed.

It is also necessary to take into account that the working properties of the ski depend on the position installed mount and on the quality and reliability of the installation of the ski mount.

Both of the above systems have a wide range of different models of bindings aimed at a wide variety of user groups - from Olympic-level ski racers to children, walkers and ski tourists. Depending on the purpose, the bindings differ in weight, strength, and rigidity of boot fixation. But for all types of fastenings the requirements remain unchanged - ensuring:

the necessary reliability of fixing the boot and ski,
maneuverability and ski control,
maintaining the strength and reliability of the ski.

Almost all modern cross-country and touring ski binding systems provide boot articulation and attachment via a shackle in the sole of the boot that is grabbed by the binding.

For traditional types of bindings of all systems - both Salomon SNS and Rottefella NNN, the standard is to install the fastening in such a way that the axis of fastening of the boot bracket coincides with the axis of the center of gravity of the ski. Ski manufacturers strive to ensure optimal ski properties specifically for the case of mounting the mount at the center of gravity.

This ensures maximum strength of the ski, optimal “work” - the ratio of the rigidity and elasticity of the ski, the best balancing and controllability of the ski. Unfortunately, with the continuous production of skis, especially when using natural materials, it is almost impossible to achieve absolute ski identity.

But inept actions when installing bindings can damage the internal structure of the ski, which will lead to a decrease in its strength and to unfortunate breakdowns. To install the ski mount, it is advisable to use a special tool that ensures convenient and reliable operation.

To install the fasteners you will need:

jig or template for marking holes on the ski;
ruler ,
drill (diameter 3.6mm or 3.4mm),
drill,
pencil or marker for marking,
glue,
screwdriver
a pair of skis and a pair of bindings.

Marking

Using a ruler, we find the center of gravity of the ski and mark it with a marker.

To mark holes, it is best to use a special “jig”, which allows you to accurately position the position of the drill.

We install the jig that corresponds to the type of fastening - Salomon SNS or Rottefella NNN, so that the marked center of gravity on the ski and the corresponding mark - SKI BALANCE on the jig coincide.

Ski bindings: main types

Skis presented in modern stores have a special platform that ensures reliable fixation of sports shoes.

Even if you choose your cross-country ski bindings perfectly, incorrectly installing them can damage the structure of your skis, reducing the life and strength of your skis.

Everyone can handle installing cross-country ski mounts with their own hands. To do this you will need the following set of tools:

template for perfectly accurate drilling of holes;
ruler or corner to determine the center of the ski;
drill with drills 3.4-3.5 mm;
marker or pencil;
special glue or simple PVA;
screwdriver or screwdriver.

For cross-country skiing today there are several most popular systems for attaching boots to cross-country skis:

SNS – produced by Salomon;
NNN – produced by Rottefella;
NIS - they are produced by Madshus and other companies.

The methods for installing different mounting systems on skis may be different, but there are certain requirements that are always the same:

ski boots must be securely attached to the skis;
the system should provide high maneuverability and ease of control when moving;
the fastening should increase the strength of the ski at the place of its installation.

Use a ruler to measure the center of the ski and mark it with a pencil. To mark the holes for screwing in the mounting bolts, use a template or a special jig - this is very convenient and quick. Install a conductor that matches the type of fastening you have chosen - SNS or NNN. The carefully measured and marked center of gravity must coincide with a special mark on the conductor.

If you don’t have a conductor, make a template from cardboard or thick paper (sometimes fasteners are sold with a ready-made template).

If it is missing, attach the mount to the ski so that the center of gravity mark on the ski aligns with the mark on the template. The same applies to the axis of attachment of the boot bracket.

The holes present on the template must be marked with a pencil or pressed with an awl. This marking option is not the most accurate, so it is better not to use it.

If you're wondering how to install bindings on cross-country skis, keep the following information in mind.

Before installation, you need to fill the holes with glue, which fills all the cracks, providing strength and protecting the internal structure of the skis from water.

Without proper protection of the holes, moisture will seep into them and be absorbed into the cavity of the ski, causing rot from the inside. This usually happens with products that have a honeycomb structure or are made from natural materials.

NIS ski bindings

The fastening is carried out on the skis themselves or on a separate platform. Some manufacturers can install and make holes on it themselves. Then you will have to purchase fasteners from a specific manufacturer. Any mounting installations can be installed on a flat, recess-free platform.

There are three fastening systems:

Nordic (welt) is an obsolete variety that is gradually going out of use. It is characterized by low cost;
NNN (with rails) have one fastening line;
SNS (with groove) has two connection strips.

The last two systems are divided into the following types:

automatic device latches on its own;
mechanical ones must be fastened by hand;
classic - have a soft elastic band;
Skate elastic is made of hard material, or there is another point of fixation of the shoe.

There are the following options:

installations that are fastened manually. They are distinguished by a fairly high price;
machine;
semi-automatic

The last two types can jam after water enters and subsequently freezes in them. Sometimes difficulties arise with opening them if the equipment does not have solid support (in deep snow).

There are such varieties:

soft - not suitable for tourism;
tough, special boots;
semi-rigid - reliable and comfortable.

Children's skis have the simplest fasteners, which consist of several thick fabric strips that secure the foot, and they can be ridden even in felt boots.

What does the mount consist of?

Running varieties consist of the following elements:

NNN − different attached to sports equipment a plate that has two longitudinal guides that secure the boot from lateral displacement. On the sole of the shoe there is a pair of longitudinal recesses for fastening guides. There is a cross snap bar built into the front of the boot.
SNS provides for fixing shoes using one longitudinal guide. The front part of the low shoe is secured with a rubber stop.

Touring ski bindings contain pins and a shackle that clamps onto the shoe welt.

How not to make a mistake when choosing

Correctly chosen fasteners fit the ski boots well, but can instantly come loose at a critical moment. For example, during a period of sudden fall during a sharp turn. Under enormous loads, the installation should hold the leg in one position, and not immediately unfasten.

Choosing the right mounting system should start with choosing your boots. Having purchased shoes of the right size that meet all the necessary characteristics, you should choose bindings specifically for this pair of shoes and existing skis.

Installation procedure

To figure out how to properly install the selected mount on your skis, you should start immediately after purchasing them by studying the instructions. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the prescribed points, which provide for the specifics of assembling ski fasteners, taking into account its variety.

Determining this parameter will be needed for normal movement, so that the ski does not have an “overweight” on one side or the other. Finding the center of gravity is quite simple. Here the equipment needs to be installed on the edge of a perpendicularly located ruler and moved along its surface until the ski is balanced like a scale and stops horizontally on the floor.

In this case, the stationery will indicate the correct position, and this coordinate must be marked with a marker. In modern types of sports equipment, the axis of the center of gravity corresponds to the fastening line of the boot bracket. Therefore, the front attachment area should be attached to the ski and its correct location highlighted in a different color.

Marking

The next step is to mark the holes. A good option will be the use of a jig, with which you can find the exact location of the fastening components. If this item is not found, then use a template made of paper. It can be found on the Internet, but mostly it is included in the mounting kit.

Drilling holes

At the beginning of drilling recesses, it is advisable to compare the gap between the holes located on the fasteners with the interval between the marks made during the marking process. As a rule, the instructions tell you how deep to screw the screws and what length of drill you need to use. If a tool of suitable length is not available, then you can use any drill, having previously wrapped it at the top with electrical tape, leaving the required millimeters protruding. Then, using a drill operating at low speed, holes should be drilled in the marking areas.

Assembly

The final stage is as follows:

To ensure reliable fixation and eliminate cracks that appeared during drilling of cracks, the recesses made should be cleaned of dust and filled with adhesive (supplied in complete or PVA).
You need to attach fasteners to the resulting holes and securely secure the screws. You should tighten them slightly first to make sure they are level, and then all the way to make sure they are secure.
Leave the skis to dry (10-12 hours).

You can store finished skis at home on a balcony or wall by installing a special stand using brackets.

How to remove bindings from skis

You need to start removing fasteners (using the example of SNS) from the rear of the installation. Using a screwdriver, carefully unscrew the plug, use a screwdriver to remove the screws, and then remove the strips. To remove the screw under the front cover, use a large screwdriver to press down on the latch and lift it up. After removing the cover, remove the last bolts and the fasteners can be easily removed.

Installing bindings on skis yourself is a doable process. To do this, you will need to study the attached instructions, have the necessary tools available and, most importantly, be sure that everything will work out.

2 What tools are needed to install ski bindings

First of all, you must have a tool called a conductor. This tool can be different and its cost has a large amplitude, however, without it it will be very difficult to find the right balance on skis. It will help you find the exact locations for drilling and installing fasteners.

You need a conductor.
A marker that can then be washed off with water.
Drill.
Electric drill.

Depending on the type of fastening, you may need 35 mm or 60 mm drills; check this point in advance in the instructions or in the store.

3 The process of installing bindings on skis

First, you should learn a little trick on how to find precise balance on your skis. You just need to take one of them in your hands and place it on some thin or sharp object, and then quietly move the ski until the tip and back are aligned and the ski begins to balance. Mark this location with a marker. The principle is similar to how a person tries to hold a pen on his finger, which constantly falls in one direction or the other.

Now place your skis on the floor, making a balance mark.
Attach a jig to one ski. Carefully align the balance lines on the jig and the ski.
Take a drill with an appropriate drill bit and make a hole for the fasteners, guided by the jig.
Screw the fasteners.
Repeat with the second ski.

If you still don’t have a jig, then you can use this value as a guide: the ski mounting hinge should be both at the point of balance and at the end of the big toe. This will give you an approximate location for your mounts.

More experienced runners know that sometimes the bindings can be moved a little forward, then such skis will already be called “skate”. Experiment with styles and you will find a more convenient way for yourself.

Both at a professional and amateur level, it is perhaps one of the most popular winter pastimes for a huge number of people. Some people prefer to actively relax at the nearest rental point for this sports equipment, while others purposefully go to famous ski resorts, basically, for the same thing.

What determines the choice of fastening?

Of course, one of the main roles in high-quality and enjoyable skating is played by the equipment itself. The range of skis today is very large, and they differ both in manufacturer brands and in their purpose (cross-country, mountain, jumping). The price range is also wide, so you should immediately decide on the amount planned for purchase.

Sometimes amateurs winter skiing are faced with a very serious problem. How to properly install bindings on skis? You can entrust the installation process to specialists, but if you want to save some money and simply gain additional experience, you should understand the technology of this work yourself.

What does a ski binding consist of?

The design of this element, which is designed to ensure safety, includes a heel and a front head, which must be adjusted in accordance with the parameters of a particular person (weight, shoe size, etc.).

On the mount itself there are special pins, the function of which is to fix the boot. There are also special brackets and bends that allow the leg to move freely inside, but prevent it from slipping. Usually these elements are shaped like the toe of a boot, which cannot but have a positive effect on the comfort of riding.

The heel of the mount is designed to provide the skier with safety during falls. In modern samples, this ability is called vertical elasticity. In addition, with the help of this part of the fastening the level of vibrations entering the boot is significantly reduced.

How to ensure installation of the retainer?

So, proper ski mounting is accomplished in part by proper drilling. This should not be done by eye or using marks. Often you can purchase a special conductor from the manufacturer, thanks to which a good result will be guaranteed.

For making holes, there is a large selection of drills, each of which is suitable for one or another type of ski: section 4.1x9.5 mm - for metal coatings, 3.5x9.5 - for wooden surfaces, and 3.5x7 mm will be a good solution for junior sports equipment whose thickness is less than that of adult models.

After drilling all the necessary holes in the ski surface, a small amount of glue is added to each of them, and then the mount itself is mounted. The screws should fit tightly, without moving.

This information may be useful when thinking about how to install a binding on your skis.

Cross-country skis: installing bindings

It is these elements that allow you to clearly transmit forces and set the direction of sliding when moving both in the classical style and in skating. It is very important to focus on how to properly install bindings on cross-country skis, since without this knowledge, even well-chosen equipment will not only not bring absolutely no joy from skiing, but can also expose the owner to serious danger.

Categories of cross-country ski holders

Currently, there are three types of fastenings for equipment of this type, so each one should be disassembled separately.

One of them is the outdated Nordic Norm 75mm, called “welt” by the masses. Its main advantage is its relatively low price, but otherwise its technical characteristics leave much to be desired. It does not fix the foot well and, despite the rigid fastening of the toe of the boot, the entire sole slides due to insufficient lateral and longitudinal stability. The skating style of running in this case is practically impossible, and the classic style comes out little better. Such installation of fasteners will not bring the owner pleasure from riding, so attention should be paid to the other two types of fasteners.

These samples belong to models of a new, innovative generation. These include the SNS system and the NNN system.

It will be quite difficult to compare these two mounts as each is an extremely high performance device.

The operation of these two systems is based on the technology of using flexors and guides, which greatly simplifies the task of how to install fasteners. On skis with such clamps, the sole of the boot fits firmly and comfortably, and the additional stabilization during classic skiing gives a feeling of confidence and greatly facilitates the process of movement.

Functional features of the SNS and NNN fastening systems

The level of fixation of each of these two samples is touring, sometimes even equipped with automatic fastening. This option is perfect for amateur skiers whose skiing skills are not yet very well developed.

The SNS system appeared a little earlier, and its main difference is that the fastening design includes only one longitudinal component, while the NNN type has two.

It's no secret that the main difference between cross-country and alpine skiing is the connection of the boots of the former with one or another type of binding. And since the differences between the two above-mentioned systems are quite insignificant, the emphasis here should be placed exclusively on the choice of shoes. Having decided how to properly install bindings on your skis, you should choose boots that will match your skiing style and have unique comfort and design, and only then figure out the standard of their fixation.

Alpine ski bindings

This type of sports equipment is suitable, as the name suggests, only for skiing on the slopes. Such skis are not suitable for running, since they have different length and width parameters, and also differ from other models in their technical characteristics. But, one way or another, it is extremely important to know how to install bindings on skis of this type, since descents from peaks require an increased level of safety, which can only be ensured by securely fixing the entire structure on the leg.

Installation procedure for mountain ski bindings

To avoid poor-quality work results, all actions for equipment of this type must be performed strictly according to the following instructions:

1. A line is drawn at the center of gravity of the ski, which you can find with your own hands.

2. The fastener is laid so that its front edge reaches exactly the drawn mark. The shoe is carefully inserted into the clamp, which is adjusted so that its entire base is located in the center, since only in this case the installation of fastenings on skiing will be correct.

3. Then the boot is removed, and at its location small holes are made through the holes in the latch, which can be made with an awl or a drill with a cross-section of 1.5-2 mm in diameter. Next, use a screwdriver or screwdriver to tighten the included screws.

4. The boot is tightly secured in the holes made. In this case, it is important to follow the entire algorithm of actions so that at the end of all the work the latch is moderately rigid, fits the leg comfortably and meets all the requirements of safety standards when skating.

This instruction will help you understand how to properly install bindings on skis intended for riding on mountains and steep slopes.

Bindings are metal brackets that attach to the skis and straps with buckles designed to hold the shoe in the bracket. This type of fastening is quite common, as they are reliable and suitable for any shoes, that is, special boots are not required. Semi-rigid mounts are less durable and comfortable than rigid mounts, and they are also heavier.

Rigid bindings are designed for special ski boots, but when adjusted, they can be suitable for different shoes. The location of the spikes and is standard.

How to properly install ski bindings

To install bindings on skis, first of all, you need to determine the center of gravity of the ski. To do this, you need to turn it over, place the middle on the sharp edge of a knife or ruler and move the object along the ski until it reaches an equilibrium position (the ski should be horizontal). Mark the one found on the outside.

Once the center of gravity is determined, we proceed to the next stage of installation. Usually included with the binding is a template that can be used to mark the position of each screw hole to install the binding on the skis. This is where the previously marked center of gravity line comes in handy: it is used to determine the correct location of the template on the ski.

Having marked the location of the screws, drill holes whose depth will be slightly less than the length of the screws. You need to pour a small amount of epoxy resin into them (sometimes special glue is included in the package). Now you can screw the mount.

Checking

It is always necessary to check whether the fasteners are installed correctly. To do this, grab the boot and lift it and the attached ski. If you did everything correctly, its front one will outweigh, and the cargo area will be pressed against the sole of the boot.

Abstract. Detailed description of installing bindings on cross-country skis. Video at the end of the note. You can download a markup template for installation.

It so happened that my old ski boots with 75 bindings broke. Naturally I wanted to switch to new level progress and install modern ski bindings. And then my son had some good extra Salomon boots for SNS bindings. I didn’t have to worry about choosing fasteners and they were purchased for 800 rubles. The exact name is Salomon SNS PROFIL AUTO MEN.
These bindings are marketed as: “Comfortable touring bindings with flex characteristics targeted at male skiers.” Just what the coach ordered.
Because I remembered that I had drills, a drill, an awl and a screwdriver at home, so I politely refused the offer to install the fasteners in the store. Moreover, the box contained instructions in 10 languages.

We install ski bindings ourselves.

At home, when I started studying the instructions, I discovered an interesting point:
Installation of fasteners.
“Your bindings must be properly installed on your skis by a certified professional at your Authorized Salomon Dealer shop or service center in accordance with the instructions and recommendations in the latest edition of the Salomon Cross Country Ski Technical Manual. Failure to follow this rule increases your risk of injury while riding.“.
That's it, not a word more about installation. I also read from this manual helpful advice that when fastening on uneven terrain, you should tie the ski to your right or left leg to avoid losing it. By the way, very wise.
The remaining points, as usual, are complete reinsurance of the manufacturer against various legal claims of a spoiled Western consumer.

Based on the lack of that same manual, I had to remember my carpentry and plumbing skills from labor lessons and install the fasteners myself. Who worked hard at school and then managed to consolidate the skills of marking, drilling and driving screws in Everyday life, he must cope.

Here is a set of tools that we will need. You can use a Phillips screwdriver to drive screws. But it’s much better to have a special PZ3 bit that costs 35-40 rubles. The bit has a blunt tip and fits tightly into the cross of the screw. When driving screws with a regular Phillips screwdriver, you need to press it firmly so that it does not slip.

The RZ3 bit will make it easier to drive screws

Tool kit for self-installation of fasteners

Our main task is to establish the axis of attaching the boot to the ski strictly at the center of gravity of the ski. Professionals can shift the fastenings to one side or another from the central point. Fans of Sunday ski trips have no need for such troubles.
First of all, I dismantled the old 75 mounts. There were three holes left from them, which did not interfere with the installation of SNS mounts.

Find the center of gravity of the ski. To do this, we use the thrust bearing from the fasteners themselves. After several unsuccessful attempts, this center will be found. We make a line with a felt-tip pen.

Using a square, we draw a perpendicular to the side edge of the ski.
Above this line there should be a rod that is on the sole of the shoe.

Draw a perpendicular through the center of gravity

We apply the mount so that the clamping point of the boot shaft is above the center of gravity of the ski and carefully use an awl to prick the center of the front hole. We do this maneuver very carefully. One day, I was installing a mount and drilling three holes at once. As a result of inaccurate drilling, the heel of the boot was slightly shifted from the center of gravity and nothing could be corrected.

So now, I decided to drill the front hole in the center first. Screw the mount onto one screw, try on the thrust bearing and then mark the other two holes.

The front hole should be located strictly along the centerline of the ski and at a distance of 35 mm from the center of gravity. I found this out later, having found this markup template from Salamon on the Internet.

We select a drill. We take the screw from the kit and use a caliper to measure the diameter of the screw shaft.

This is the drill you need to use to drill the hole. There are tips to drill with a 3.6 mm drill. http://www.skiline.ru/sport-technology/169-ski-binding-mounting. But it's somehow risky. Too much tension in the hole can lead to cracking of the ski. According to classical carpentry canons, the diameter of the hole should be equal to the diameter of the screw shaft. I decided to go 50/50 and drilled with a 3.8 mm drill. In order not to drill through the ski, we place an emphasis on the drill using insulating tape.

You should first make sure that the length of the screw is not too long and it will not come out from the sliding side of the ski.
We drill a hole, trying very hard to keep the drill perpendicular to the ski. Here a screwdriver or electric drill is preferable to a hand drill.
When drilling, do not press too hard on the drill. We remember that a ski is a layer cake and its filling is not very strong.
We place the mount on the first screw. We apply a thrust bearing. Carefully align the mount. Holding the front part, remove the thrust bearing and mark two other holes.

Do not snap the front mounting bracket. The front screw is located under it. The fasteners are in the box with the bracket not latched. As a rule, everyone starts turning the mount and snaps the bracket.

If the bracket is accidentally snapped, then we do this. We insert one screwdriver with a rod diameter of 4 mm into the groove where the boot rod is inserted, and with the second screwdriver we carefully pry the bracket up. It is better to remove it and put it aside until the end of installation.

I install the screws without glue. The tension in the hole is very good and in my opinion there is no need for glue.

We do the same with the second ski.

The process of installing the ski binding is shown in more detail and in dynamics in the video. Here I installed the SALOMON SNS SKATE skating bindings on new skis.