Understanding how your snowboarding equipment functions is a fun aspect of the sport.
Not everyone will have a DIY attitude when it comes to their on-snow gear, but if you learn some basic skills, you can save money and get things customized exactly to your liking.
One easy skill that all boarders can learn how to do is put bindings on their board. Though it might sound rough, all you need are a few common tools and some general knowledge and you’re good to go.
My name is Lorraine, I’m a certified snowboard instructor. In this article, I will teach you how to put bindings on a snowboard so you can easily mount your new board or change bindings whenever you’d like.
Contents
Why Install Bindings Yourself?
I personally love learning new skills. It’s fun to be able to fix things up on your own.
When it comes to boarding, learning how to mount your own bindings is a quick and easy process.
However, any snowsports shop will be able to help you mount your bindings. Some boards even come with them installed. That then begs the question, why install bindings yourself?
First, the process can save you some money.
While shops don’t usually charge that much to mount bindings, learning how to do it yourself is an easy way to save some cash. If you have multiple boards, the skill becomes even more valuable.
Another reason to learn the process is that the shops aren’t always open and it helps you not get caught off guard.
Sometimes your equipment breaks. That’s unfortunate, but it is a common occurrence due to snowboarding’s tough nature.
If you know how to complete some quick fixes on your own and have a good understanding of how to fix things up, you’ll be able to spend more time riding and less time waiting for things to get fixed.
How to Mount Snowboard Bindings?
Tools You’ll Needed
- Phillips head screwdriver
- A small wrench
- Note: A single multi-tool should have both of the above items and allow you to repair/install on the mountain
Initial Considerations
Before you actually attach your bindings onto your board, there are some important considerations to be aware of that help you decide where to place them.
Be sure to pay attention to the following before securing your bindings to your board.
- Make sure your bindings fit properly with your boots. There are a lot of universal options, but you don’t want to end up with bindings that are way too small or way too large for your footwear.
- Make sure your board and bindings work with one another. There are different mounting systems (hole positioning, etc) on different boards. Make sure the board you have will work with your desired bindings.
- Pick your lead foot. If you’re an experienced rider you know if you are regular or goofy-footed. This will help you decide your mounting angle. Make sure you put the proper binding in front. They are like shoes and have a distinct left/right option.
- Decide your stance and desired angles. These are the exact mounting locations on the board and the right angle at each binding point. There will usually be markings on your board to help with this, but the exact position of your bindings comes down to personal preference.
Installation Guide
Step 1: Position the bindings and secure the first screws.
Put your bindings where you want them to be installed on the board.
You want to position each binding so that they are equally placed within the width of the board for a balanced ride. Make sure your angles are right.
Then, you can place a screw or two in each binding over the screw holes to hold it in position.
Do not tighten these screws all the way down just yet. You are simply putting them in place to make sure everything is lined up and just how you want them.
Step 2: Double-check position and secure screws.
After you have a few screws in the bindings, double-check that they are the correct width and angle.
If they are not, you can loosen the screws and get the adjustments to your liking.
If everything looks in order, go ahead and screw in the remaining screws. You don’t want to go crazy on the tightness, however. Too much torque can cause damage to your board.
Just screw them down firmly enough so that the bindings do not move or slide.
Step 3: Time for a test run.
Once you’ve firmly secured the bindings to the board by attaching the proper screws in place, it’s time to take your board for a test run to see if the bindings are in the proper location. Strap in and take a test ride to see how things feel.
If you need to make any adjustments after the first test run, you can easily do so with a multi-tool. Most resorts have tool stations set up at the bottom base area or scattered across the mountain to help riders fix or adjust things on the fly.
If you need to make major adjustments, you might want to head inside so your hands and fingers don’t get too cold.
Additional Tips
If you have never tried different stances and angles with your mounting position, once you learn how to put your bindings on, it will allow you to easily experiment with different positions.
Most beginner riders simply take whatever stance they’re given and never explore other options. You might find that by changing your stance or angle ever so slightly, you get more comfort or better performance.
Always check the screws every once in a while to make sure they are tight and secure. A loose binding can cause potential injury or damage to your board – both situations you obviously want to avoid.
A simple visual inspection or quick shake of your bindings before you head to the mountains should show you any screws that need to be retightened.
Also Read:
- What are the Different Types of Snowboard Bindings?
- What Snowboard Binding Angles Should I Use?
- How to Find the Best Snowboard Stance Setup
Final Thoughts
There’s something rewarding about putting on your own bindings. While you can always have someone else do it, learning the skill makes you much more capable and ready for whatever you might face out on the mountain.
Plus, it can also be quite fun. As long as you follow the above directions, you’ll be fine.
About Lorraine