Binding Freedom Mounting Tools Update

I'm fighting it with every fiber of my being but the ski season is slipping away as the long days of the Alaskan summer arrive. I was back in Seward last weekend for a solo rematch on Mt. Ascension with a mountain bike and race gear. I rode from Lowell Point this time and was able to do nearly the whole trail approach on wheels. But fog and an isothermic snowpack shut me down. The whiteout was vertigenous and I was fearing some sort of epic if I continued. Of course, it cleared later but....

So, instead of writing about that kind of fun, I'll give a shout out to Binding Freedom and some tools they make to allow a more precise and easy installation of their cool binding inserts. There are other sources for some of the mounting tools for inserts but Binding Freedom has all of them. I recommend them all and you'll see why below.

First, over drilling existing holes needs to be as precise as possible. As I've stated previously, there's considerably less tolerance in the machine screw mounts of inserts compared to wood screw mounting hardware. The original mount needs to be accurate and you simply don't want to be adding error on the second drilling. The self-centering drill guide does a fine job on making this so. I'm particularly fond of the no-slip backing on the guide that makes clamping the guide to the ski less fussy.

Before applying the self-centering guide, I recommend cleaning up the holes with razor blade or base planer and then using a standard counter sink to get all the crap from the hole edge. Next, simply drop the centering pin through the hole, pin it down with your finger to keep it in place and apply a clamp to the guide. You're now ready to drill.

I refined the next step - drilling - by using Binding Freedom's step drill specifically designed for their drill guide. Now, allegedly, you can simply "feel" the step catch on the top sheet and stop the drilling at that point. Maybe. But I didn't trust myself so I added a drill stop on the bit just to be sure. The last thing I need is to miss the step and rip through my bases. No bueno.

The next little goodie they have is a dedicated insert hole deburring tool made for cleaning up the holes after the step drill application. This thing is sweeter than a standard countersink as the tip is sized for the insert hole diameter.

Before

After. Super cleanVery nice. After that, I tap as usual and proceed as indicated in my previous post.

Look, mounting inserts on your quiver is an awesome thing to do for a variety of reason I've previously discussed. But it's also a bit nerve racking, depending upon how OCD you are. By getting all the right tools for the job, you can reduce the stress and make a cleaner mount. Have at it. 

Comments

[Dave]

Brian, thanks again for the mounting the inserts and tuning the edges of my skis.
I tried to go back to the Bomber Traverse a few weeks ago with them and see if I could knock a few minutes off my time. Considering the many miles of snowless trail in store for me I didn't even bother to get out of the car. But the skis preformed great on the roof rack and got up to 105mph in places with no vibration. Can't wait to ski them next year, thanks.

[Brian]

That's funny as shit, Dave! My skis have never been faster than about 65, but then I don't own a sexy Mini.

[The Mayor]

Randoman is a boss ski tune. Best in town. Hands down. Now, about time for an adventure post...