Tutorial for putting metal inserts into skis

[Patches]

Originally I sealed the inserts both to keep them from getting glue in them during installation and also to seal them. Later I decided to use the set screws as a second layer, and also to protect the unused holes. They are very easy to pre-seal, don't let the long description dissuade you.

In Altis' first link, Zeno did test ez-locks with metric external threads. I'm guessing his results are comparable to these yardley inserts. In his first test they were quite a bit weaker than ski screws, but in his second test the ski screws didn't do as well as in the first. Seems like the ski core is a big variable too. My conclusion is that the inserts are probably weaker than ski screws but in the same ballpark.

I'm biased though because I already stuck these in two pairs of nice skis and made a big post here saying how awesome it was.

[hitmanbob]

I'm getting a pair of junk skis and I'll hopefully be able to test this out, atleast for binding pullout/retention. If it works well I'm hoping to put these on my bros so I can switch from naxos to tele. I'll send you that envelope in a few days, patches

also, for a wood only ski, did you drill the hole to the right size and then put in the insert? would using a tap be a better idea?

[lobstahmeatwad]

yeah atlis I followed you all over the web last year before I started this stupidness and got the nutserts and they were completely uneffective on that metal topped karhu I had. I just could not get then to mushroom inside the ski.
The karhus were fir or something and I realize now that I missed that you microdremmeled small amounts of wood from behind the topsheet. What a pain in the ass.
I think if you have a metal topsheet that is pretty hard to drill then inserts are kinda out of the question.
I also used m6 inserts so I could use a #3 bit to drive them, just like you said atlis.
Just making the initial giant holes in the metal topped skis was very difficult with out a drill press. I gave up on those karhus.

[krp8128]

... or even better if someone has a way to test I can mail you some inserts and a 17/64" bit.

patches,

If you send me a few I can put together some samples (wood "core" w/ glass, core with glass and metal) and then put them through the tensile tester in the lab on campus. I've got the bit already, but don't have any normal binding screws for comparison.

[WyoWill]

Damn this is sweet. Gonna have to give it a try at some point.

[Patches]

patches,

If you send me a few I can put together some samples (wood "core" w/ glass, core with glass and metal) and then put them through the tensile tester in the lab on campus. I've got the bit already, but don't have any normal binding screws for comparison.

Great, shoot me a pm with your address and what you need and I'll have it out monday.