binding drill bit size question 3.5 vs 3.6 mm

[njfreeskier]

I have a quick question about drill bit sizing. What is the difference between a 3.5, 9 drill bit and a 3.6, 9 drill bit, and please don't say .1mm. I was about to drill a pair of sickbirds I just bought and noticed the recommended bit size listed on the ski was 3.5mm not 3.6. I thought 3.6 was the standard bit for non metal topsheets. Will I he fine using the 3.6 or will I need to track down a 3.5? Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer.

[Eluder]

3.5mm is standard, but you shouldn't have any issues using that 3.6mm

[F#*k you cat]

Follow the recommendations of the
ski manufacturer for drilling and
tapping. In their absence, Salomon
suggests that you use the Salomon
Drill Bit Selection Guide. When in
doubt about the ski’s core composition,
select a 3.6 mm diameter bit
and drill one hole. If the bit comes
in contact with any metal, re-drill
with a 4.1 mm bit to ensure proper
screw retention.

[flipsRscary]

Are you sure it doesn't say 3.5mm by 7mm? That's a pretty standard size for kids skis. A far from complete search suggests that sickbirds should fall into adult, but double check before you drill. That 2mm depth will hurt more than the .1mm diameter.

Edit: Look like most adult Rossignol skis this year are printed with 3.5x9.5.

However I wouldn't stress over the .1mm unless you were planning on using a mill instead of a drill press or hand-holding the drill.

[DropCliffsNotBombs]

3.5 and 3.6 are essentially interchangeable.

[Conundrum]

.1mm. There are bigger things to be anal retentive about.

[DropCliffsNotBombs]

.1mm. There are bigger things to be anal retentive about.

Yeah. The motor bearings (and the chuck mechanism) on your drill are not precise within .1mm anyway.

[L7]

I always thought 3.5 mm was the standard. Recently lacking a long enough bit for Xcountry skis I discovered 9/64 was a close match to 3.5 mm. Looking at it again I see 3.6 is even a closer match (slightly bigger instead of slightly smaller). At any rate it's not enough of a difference to worry about for any of the 3 sizes.

[Conundrum]

^^^^

3.5/6 vs 4.1 might be something to raise an eyebrow over. Unless you mean 9/64 vs 3.5 vs. 3.6 In that case, fire away in my opinion. 9/64 seems to be right in the middle.

[Ted Striker]

Recently lacking a long enough bit for Xcountry skis I discovered 9/64 was a close match to 3.5 mm. Looking at it again I see 3.6 is even a closer match (slightly bigger instead of slightly smaller). At any rate it's not enough of a difference to worry about for any of the 3 sizes.

Yeah, 9/64 = 3.57 mm

I have a box on my bench labeled "ski drill bits". It contains 3.5, 9/64, 4.0, and a #20 (which is 4.089 mm). I bought all of them at the local hardware store for less than the price of one wintersteiger bit.

[adrenalated]

Yer gonna die!

[L7]

Yeah, 9/64 = 3.57 mm

I have a box on my bench labeled "ski drill bits". It contains 3.5, 9/64, 4.0, and a #20 (which is 4.089 mm). I bought all of them at the local hardware store for less than the price of one wintersteiger bit.

Do they have the shoulders for countersinking or do you have to put a shim on to stop the bit?

[F#*k you cat]

Maggots

anyone have a spare ski drill bit they are willing to sell? 3.5mm 3.6mm ?

help a maggot out
pm me

Peace

CAT

[Conundrum]

Maggots

anyone have a spare ski drill bit they are willing to sell? 3.5mm 3.6mm ?

help a maggot out
pm me

Peace

CAT

Check out tognar.com

[Ted Striker]

Do they have the shoulders for countersinking or do you have to put a shim on to stop the bit?

They are just regular drill bits. For a depth guide I wrap a piece of brightly colored tape around the bit. I don't really like bit collars. They obscure your view, hinder sawdust clearing, and they can slip if you don't put them on right. Once I drill the holes, I use a countersink bit (the type without the pilot drill) to chamfer the topsheet.

All of this is for "freehand" mounts without a jig, using a drill press.

[AlpiNord]

Maggots

anyone have a spare ski drill bit they are willing to sell? 3.5mm 3.6mm ?

help a maggot out
pm me

Peace

CAT

I've got a used (a couple times) 3.5 x 9.5 for $5.

Or of course new drill bits.

[mtskier]

3.5 and 3.6 are the same as far mounting bindings. we use 3.6mm at the shop.

[skimaxpower]

3.5 and 3.6 are the same as far mounting bindings. we use 3.6mm at the shop.

Agreed. Same at my shop.

[axebiker]

Yer gonna die!

The lulz...