Binding Inserts – Installation How-To
There are a couple of solutions available for skiers looking to swap between two sets of bindings on a single pair of skis or use one set of bindings on two pairs of skis: Binding Freedom and Quiver Killers. I recently installed a set of Binding Freedom inserts to accommodate Marker Tour and Dynafit Radical bindings on a set of skis. Originally a plate-based system that mounted a machined plate to your ski for binding swaps, Binding Freedom has evolved into a binding-insert-based system. This means you install threaded inserts in your ski to match the bindings you wish to swap. Once installed, it’s like the inserts on a snowboard. It’s a cleaner and lighter system than using plates, though it does require a fair number of holes to be drilled if you’re setting up one ski for two bindings. Of course, you could have a qualified shop do it, but by its very nature, it seems like it’s gonna appeal to the DIY crowd.
I chose a pair of skis that had already had Marker and Dynafit bindings installed at some point in their life, so all I needed to do was redrill the two different binding patterns with the special insert-sized bit (6.5mm) and then follow the straightforward insert installation process. Binding Freedom is now part of Sun Valley Ski Tools (SVST), and you get all of the tools and parts required for the process through SVST. The inserts themselves are all the same, but you must specify your binding models, so you get the proper length and head style on the screws that thread into the inserts. The helpful folks at SVST have it all lined out for ya. They also have an impressive variety of paper jigs for just about every ski binding available for download on their website. These paper-binding jigs are key if you need to drill the ski for the first time with one or both bindings.
Here’s the big picture process:
1. Drill the ski for the appropriate binding mounting patterns. This is done with the special insert bit that drills a hole to accommodate the insert. If your ski is already drilled for one binding, you can simply re-drill the existing holes with the insert bit – that’s what I did and it worked great.
2. Clean and deburr each hole – this helps reduce volcanoing around the hole and helps keep the inserts easy to flush mount.I recommend spending the extra $19 on the deburring tool if you don’t have one. But you can also do it with a sharp utility knife.
3. Tap each hole by hand – the basic tap handle works great for this, but take your time and make sure you run it straight.
4. Dry-fit each insert to test the depth and fit – sounds tedious, but it makes a difference and only adds five minutes per ski to the process.
5. Install each insert with epoxy (24-hour cure – not 5-minute) using the special insert installation tool, being sure to run the inserts down flush with the ski’s topsheet.
6. Let cure, sand any excess epoxy on the top sheet, and mount bindings using new machine screws and a threadlock compound like Vibratite.
Overall, the project went well. I’ve mounted a lot of skis over the years, but have never installed inserts before. There’s definitely a learning curve, but the tips for dry-fitting, cleaning, and deburring the holes will help keep the install smooth. A countersink bit is helpful for deburring, too.
I’ll emphasize, though, that if you’re not a tinkerer or a DIY binding person, you should think twice about doing this yourself. It’s not rocket science, but it does require careful, methodical work and experience with tools. The project gets a little bigger if you are drilling the skis for the first time and are using paper jigs. It can certainly be done, but paper jigs require another degree of measure-twice-cut-once attention for good results.
Offpistemag.com is your source for independent and authentic backcountry ski and adventure cycling gear reviews, avalanche safety information, backcountry skills, mountain culture, ski films, relevant news and more!
Support us! Offpistemag may earn a small commission from affiliate links when you shop through our links and banners.
Off-Piste Mag is an AI-free zone. All content is created by experienced skiers and riders. If you find a mistake on offpistemag.com, rest assured it was made by a human being.
