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May, 2025

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Should I mount my own skis.

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ChronicBumpkin
Posts: 9 - Karma: 52
Good morning. I bought some skis and I need to get the bindings mounted. I am fairly handy and have done carpentry for a few years. It seems pretty straight forward or is there more to it than it seems? What have you guys done?
4 years ago
13 0
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lilnoid666
Posts: 379 - Karma: 738
No just go to a shop
4 years ago
10 18
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saskyskier71
Posts: 123 - Karma: 435
abso-fucking-lutely not. I remounted mine by myself last season because the shop screwed up and didn't mount them where I had asked. After remounting them and skiing them for half the season I ripped a binding out during a crash. It sucks because I have one toasted ski with a few sets of holes and one perfectly good ski and no one to blame except me. I've mounted probably 30 pairs of skis before and this was the first one that fucked up but why risk it? Get the shop to do it that way if it fucks up you have someone to blame other than yourself.
4 years ago
12 12
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Biffbarf
Posts: 7441 - Karma: 79,722
Don't listen to these nerds. Mounting skis isn't rocket surgery. You'll do a better job yourself than most mouth breathers who work in a retail shop. Measure twice cut once you know the drill. Ezpz.
4 years ago
27 4
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Notaskibum
Posts: 849 - Karma: 4,005
BiffbarfDon't listen to these nerds. Mounting skis isn't rocket surgery. You'll do a better job yourself than most mouth breathers who work in a retail shop. Measure twice cut once you know the drill. Ezpz.


It's not but when you inevitably fuck it up there's no manager to complain to
4 years ago
20 2
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Biffbarf
Posts: 7441 - Karma: 79,722
NotaskibumIt's not but when you inevitably fuck it up there's no manager to complain to


I would rather fuck up myself than deal with the nightmare that is holding a shop accountable. Plus, seriously as long as you check and double check where your holes should be you're not going to fuck it up.
4 years ago
18 0
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ho_chi_minh
Posts: 150 - Karma: 224
Using a paper jig works pretty well.
https://www.bindingfreedom.com/paper-tempaltes/

I'd also recommend getting a proper drill bit.
https://www.tognar.com/mounting-drill-bits-for-ski-bindings/

have fun, don't fuck up.
4 years ago
8 1
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_brrett
Posts: 1740 - Karma: 28,980
Mounting your own skis is easy the dudes that fuck it up either have the wrong tools or didn’t pay attention. If you print the paper out theres a chance it will be out a little just measure distance between holes and check with actual binding. Also don’t be afraid to do a test mount on a 2x4 to make sure. If you don’t plan on remounting them again use some epoxy I guarantee you the binding wont rip out but good luck getting those screws out after lol
4 years ago
8 0
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Notaskibum
Posts: 849 - Karma: 4,005
BiffbarfI would rather fuck up myself than deal with the nightmare that is holding a shop accountable. Plus, seriously as long as you check and double check where your holes should be you're not going to fuck it up.

There's a set of K2 silencers in my garage that have an extra set of holes in them that disagree
4 years ago
7 0
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BradFiAusNzCoCa
Posts: 7531 - Karma: 66,984
1) use the bit and a drill guide. 3.6x9mm for most skis. 4.1 for skis with metal.
2) don’t use binding freedom templates. They’re scaling sucks. Use these and keep scaling at 100% https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lpDx4-8PF44Pc08HHNyYY6Gg2a3Dd245

I never suggest people DON’T do it because it isn’t rocket science, but measure a million times and ask a lot of questions. Def helps if you’ve done it in a shop before too. TGR has a huge thread on it.
ho_chi_minhUsing a paper jig works pretty well.
https://www.bindingfreedom.com/paper-tempaltes/

I'd also recommend getting a proper drill bit.
https://www.tognar.com/mounting-drill-bits-for-ski-bindings/

have fun, don't fuck up.
4 years ago
8 0
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Biffbarf
Posts: 7441 - Karma: 79,722
NotaskibumThere's a set of K2 silencers in my garage that have an extra set of holes in them that disagree


You checked and double checked before you drilled and still messed up? Sounds like a personal problem fam.
4 years ago
13 0
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ChronicBumpkin
Posts: 9 - Karma: 52
Thanks for the response guys. I'll do some more research and then mount them on my old skis. If that goes well I'll put them on my new skis.
4 years ago
6 0
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 16,914
Not so much specific to skis but whenever I need to drill holes in something with precision I always start with the smallest drill bit and slowly work my way up to the proper size. Its much easier to be exact with a small bit then a large one that can 'walk' a little before biting into the material. If you have a drill press its not as much of a concern but with a hand drill it makes a big difference.
4 years ago
4 0
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HypeBeast
Posts: 10078 - Karma: 76,388
BiffbarfDon't listen to these nerds. Mounting skis isn't rocket surgery. You'll do a better job yourself than most mouth breathers who work in a retail shop. Measure twice cut once you know the drill. Ezpz.

Agree. The people mounting your skis aren't wizards.

If you have the tools or can get the tools then go for it op. It's not difficult at all. Use the proper bit and use the templates posted below. Quadruple check your scaling and check your measurements 1000x before drilling. Its actually a fun process to learn and is rewarding.

Only thing I would do after mounting is take em in for a binding release test ($15). This may give you some sort of peace of mind since if a shop signs off on the proper functioning of the binding then you got that going for you.
4 years ago
8 0
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5095 - Karma: 18,661
If you are detail oriented and really enjoy DIY or have more time than money yes mount your own.

If you have a decent job and do a cost benefit analysis it may or may not make sense. Depending on how far away your shop is, how quick you work, and how much your time is worth.

I'm just finishing my second mount this year. If I do another soon I'll try to do a write-up with a lot of pictures.
4 years ago
5 0
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tri_photo
Posts: 1530 - Karma: 7,195
ChronicBumkinGood morning. I bought some skis and I need to get the bindings mounted. I am fairly handy and have done carpentry for a few years. It seems pretty straight forward or is there more to it than it seems? What have you guys done?


If you know exactly how to layout your BSL on the skis, and also have a buddy who has mounted skis before, go for it. Do not try alone.
4 years ago
3 2
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pissnu_skis
Posts: 435 - Karma: 6,927
Mounting skis is easy as fuck. Ive mounted three pairs in the past week or so with like zero previous experience. Tgr paper jigs really help you out.
4 years ago
3 0
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5095 - Karma: 18,661
BradFiAusNzCoCa1) use the bit and a drill guide. 3.6x9mm for most skis. 4.1 for skis with metal.
2) don’t use binding freedom templates. They’re scaling sucks. Use these and keep scaling at 100% https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lpDx4-8PF44Pc08HHNyYY6Gg2a3Dd245

I never suggest people DON’T do it because it isn’t rocket science, but measure a million times and ask a lot of questions. Def helps if you’ve done it in a shop before too. TGR has a huge thread on it.


These are the templates to use. A big thanks to whoever created and refined these and to @BradFiAusNzCoCa for posting repeatedly in various threads.
4 years ago
5 0
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itzPebbs
Posts: 91 - Karma: 186
ChronicBumkinGood morning. I bought some skis and I need to get the bindings mounted. I am fairly handy and have done carpentry for a few years. It seems pretty straight forward or is there more to it than it seems? What have you guys done?


It’s not that hard if you know how to use tools and understand why stuff has to be square and in the right spot. Just don’t get high and don’t have a bunch of friends around while you do it.
4 years ago
5 0
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3344 - Karma: 32,211
Nope
4 years ago
2 2
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PimpChimpin
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 12,582
Everyone has different opinions so ima say this. If you feel confident and think you can do it, go for it. Especially if they are beater skis. If it’s a brand new setup and you have no experience I would probably take them to the shop. Just my thoughts tho
4 years ago
9 0
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Jabeboss
Posts: 16 - Karma: 442
Where do you live if you live in UT I work at a shop and will do for free
4 years ago
7 0
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ChronicBumpkin
Posts: 9 - Karma: 52
Thanks but I'm in Alberta so that's probably a nope.
JabebossWhere do you live if you live in UT I work at a shop and will do for free
4 years ago
3 0
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Way*Mo
Posts: 772 - Karma: 3,191
With my own two eyes, I’ve seen way more mounts messed up at a shop than hand mounted at home.

Use a properly scaled template. Mark the locations with a punch and drill with the proper bit.


Take your time and it’ll be fine. Just make sure to use the correct glue/epoxy to seal the holes
4 years ago
3 0
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ChronicBumpkin
Posts: 9 - Karma: 52
What is the proper glue? If I use epoxy will I be able to remove them I'd I need to replace it or something?
Way*MoWith my own two eyes, I’ve seen way more mounts messed up at a shop than hand mounted at home.

Use a properly scaled template. Mark the locations with a punch and drill with the proper bit.


Take your time and it’ll be fine. Just make sure to use the correct glue/epoxy to seal the holes
4 years ago
0 0
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5095 - Karma: 18,661
ChronicBumkinWhat is the proper glue? If I use epoxy will I be able to remove them I'd I need to replace it or something?


High quality waterproof/exterior wood glue is great. They also make specialty glue you can buy at Tognar when you buy the proper drill bit
4 years ago
1 0
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doubleblackjack
Posts: 627 - Karma: 6,723
Just did some mounting tonight. Pretty easy for the most part but you just have to take your time finding the correct spots for the holes and all.

just measure several times and drill once
4 years ago
2 0
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BradFiAusNzCoCa
Posts: 7531 - Karma: 66,984
Wood glue. Roo Glue is what Tognar sells it. I use Roo Glue. You can use epoxy but it’s just tougher to clear when you want to remount.
ChronicBumkinWhat is the proper glue? If I use epoxy will I be able to remove them I'd I need to replace it or something?


mystery3High quality waterproof/exterior wood glue is great. They also make specialty glue you can buy at Tognar when you buy the proper drill bit
4 years ago
1 0
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Spider-Man69
Posts: 6 - Karma: 48
BiffbarfDon't listen to these nerds. Mounting skis isn't rocket surgery. You'll do a better job yourself than most mouth breathers who work in a retail shop. Measure twice cut once you know the drill. Ezpz.


Fax bro fuck those ski shop assholes that mount 100 plus skis a year. They prolly have no fuckin idea what they are doing and you for sure know more than them.
4 years ago
1 3
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Biffbarf
Posts: 7441 - Karma: 79,722
Spider-Man69Fax bro fuck those ski shop assholes that mount 100 plus skis a year. They prolly have no fuckin idea what they are doing and you for sure know more than them.

My local shop tried to tell me my sth2 16's on my catamarans were 'race bindings'. I think it's fair to say I 'for sure know more than them'.
4 years ago
3 0
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Earl_Globz
Posts: 1556 - Karma: 823
Yes if you are precise on all 4 sides you can use a paper jig for sure. Alot of Kat's in my group, myself including, use look bindings so we have a look jig floating around in out crew. If you have specific binding company that you like, keep am eye out for. Jig online or ask around your shop. But yeah dude. You got it. Also, Armada makes a special bit for Mounting skis, it's dope.
ho_chi_minhUsing a paper jig works pretty well.
https://www.bindingfreedom.com/paper-tempaltes/

I'd also recommend getting a proper drill bit.
https://www.tognar.com/mounting-drill-bits-for-ski-bindings/

have fun, don't fuck up.
4 years ago
1 0
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Way*Mo
Posts: 772 - Karma: 3,191
A lot of them don’t. And even if they do, they are never going to care about your skis as much as you do.

Assuming that because someone works at a shop means they that they are going to do a good job is also silly.

Yes, there are lots of awesome, really good, techs out there. There are also as many blunted, dumbasses.

Mount your own sticks.
Spider-Man69Fax bro fuck those ski shop assholes that mount 100 plus skis a year. They prolly have no fuckin idea what they are doing and you for sure know more than them.
4 years ago
3 0
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OCoffey
Posts: 648 - Karma: 3,700
Do it yourself no balls
4 years ago
2 0
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RAcecARman
Posts: 200 - Karma: 1,800
BLandzMounting your own skis is easy the dudes that fuck it up either have the wrong tools or didn’t pay attention. If you print the paper out theres a chance it will be out a little just measure distance between holes and check with actual binding. Also don’t be afraid to do a test mount on a 2x4 to make sure. If you don’t plan on remounting them again use some epoxy I guarantee you the binding wont rip out but good luck getting those screws out after lol

Do NOT use epoxy for mounting! Wood glue, I get the idea of epoxy but it’s much thicker than wood glue and will corrode/ form a layer between the screw threads and core of your skis, doing the opposite of the desired effect.
4 years ago
0 0
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_brrett
Posts: 1740 - Karma: 28,980
RAcecARmanDo NOT use epoxy for mounting! Wood glue, I get the idea of epoxy but it’s much thicker than wood glue and will corrode/ form a layer between the screw threads and core of your skis, doing the opposite of the desired effect.

Damn dude thx for that I never knew !! It has worked for me so far tho I’ve had my skis mounted for 2 years w no problems
4 years ago
0 0
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dolanslebensraum
Posts: 5959 - Karma: -13,093
go to a shop that has the right jigs and a very professional guy mounting your skis. Mounting without a jig is failbait
4 years ago
0 3
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THEDICKBUTCHER
Posts: 3067 - Karma: 679
I mount my own all day every day
4 years ago
2 2
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