How to Put Ski Bindings on Skis

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Positioning the Bindings

Skis have a default ski binding centerline marked on the top side just behind the actual center point. This is the default spot recommended to mount your bindings based for the best all-around performance. Mount your bindings here if you don’t want to optimize your skis for a certain type of riding or if you want to ride on all types of terrain.^{[1] X Research source}
The manufacturer’s recommended centerline is in slightly different places on different types of skis. For example, on all-mountain skis the mark is usually 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) behind the true center of the skis.

Find the true center of your skis by measuring your skis from the tip to the tail and making a mark at the exact middle point. Mounting your ski bindings exactly in the middle of your skis helps you to do things that are common in park and pipe riding like skiing switch-style and balancing on rails.^{[2] X Research source}

Keep in mind that since the true mounting point is a few centimeters forward of the factory-recommended centerline, the skis will feel shorter and won’t be as responsive and stable at high speeds. However, they will be easier to maneuver at lower speeds, which is very helpful for park riding.

Many skis have other lines pre-marked on them in addition to the manufacturer’s recommended centerline, so you might not have to measure your skis to find the true center mark. For park and pipe riding, there might be a line that says something like “freestyle.”

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Measure 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) back from the manufacturer’s recommended centerline and make a mark. Use this as your mounting point if you plan to mostly ski fresh powder or wet and slushy snow.^{[3] X Research source}

Mounting your bindings further back shifts your weight back and makes your skis more stable, which helps you “float” on top of fresh powder or deep, wet snow.

For powder riding, your skis might have a line marked behind the recommended centerline that says something like “freeride.” You can use this for powder skiing instead of measuring yourself.

Be careful not to confuse the freeride line with the freestyle line, as they are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Mounting the Bindings

Use a tape measure to measure the length of your ski boots in centimeters from the tip of the toe to the back of your heels. This will allow you to drill the holes for the bindings the exact right distance apart.^{[4] X Research source}
If you have an old pair of boots and are mounting bindings on a new pair of skis, try your boots on first to make sure they still fit you and that you don’t need new boots as well.

Slide the jig’s screw hole guides closer together or further apart until they match the length of your boot. Position the jig onto one of your skis over your chosen mounting point guideline.^{[5] X Research source}

A ski binding jig locks securely onto your skis and has holes that you drill through to ensure you drill in the proper places to screw your bindings into the skis. You can purchase a jig online for about $250 USD.

If you don’t have the proper tools for mounting your bindings on skis, including the jig and ski mounting drill bits, it’s best not to do it yourself. You could accidentally drill the holes in the wrong places or drill all the way through your skis and ruin them.

You can get your bindings mounted at a ski shop for about $20-$30 USD or maybe even for free with a purchase.

Note that you must do this whole process 1 time per ski.

Use a 3.5 mm by 9.5 mm bit for wood or composite core skis. Opt for a 4.1 mm by 9.5 mm bit if your skis have a metal core.^{[6] X Research source}

Ski binding mounting drill bits are special drill bits that only let you drill down to the proper depth. They prevent you from accidentally drilling all the way through your skis.

You can buy a ski binding mounting drill bit online for about $20 USD.

Insert your chosen ski binding mounting drill bit into a power drill and tighten the chuck to secure it. Drill straight down through each hole in the jig into the ski.^{[7] X Research source}
The jig will guide your drill bit and the bit itself will assure you drill down to the right depth. This is why it’s essential to use the proper tools for installing your ski bindings.

Blow or knock out any wood chips from the holes in your skis. Squeeze a small dab of wood glue into each hole to help secure the bindings’ screws in the holes.^{[8] X Research source}
The glue will also prevent water from getting into the cores of your skis.

Line up the screw holes in the bindings with the holes you drilled in your skis. Fit a screwdriver bit into your power drill and fix the bindings to the skis using the screws that are provided with them.^{[9] X Research source}
You can also use a hand-held screwdriver to screw the bindings onto your skis.

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