ski bindings

Question
QUESTION: I need to move the binding toe piece of an Marker M27v binding about a cm towards the ski tip, but can't figure out how the get to the screws!  I could also use info on how to set these bindings correctly for the size, weight, and ability of the skier.  Thank you in advance for your help!

PS I am an engineer and VERY handy and understand the risks involved in doing work of this sort.

ANSWER: Hi and thanx for the question.

Are you sure they need to move ABOUT 1cm forward? You would need that if you are shorter than the previous owner or ski firmer/icier conditions. Moving the binding forward isnt a good way to compensate for poor stance either.

Look on the side of the binding there should be a small marker that indicates where the binding should sit & should be lined up with the marking on the ski. If not then yes, you will need to move the binding.  Will the binding move forward without redrilling? Have a play perhaps?

If you do decide to move it, heres some info to help.
* The screws should be easily visible - there are usually 6 screws per binding. If not easily visible - there will be a 'plate' covering them. Fiddle with the bindingn and the plate should lift [unfortunately i can't remember how your particular bindings pull apart - but you may find some info ont he marker website for technicians]
* the screws would have been fixed in with glue to ensure they didnt come out - so you will need an electric screwdriver to get them out. Fill the holes with an appropriate 'cement' as water into them will damage and wreck your ski in about a months time.
* Usually when we drill skis we use a jig that has the holes we need in the appropriate places - you will have to place the binding in the position you want and mark the ski. Remove the binding then drill. Be careful as you dont want to take off too much toplayer around the site - again you will get water damage.  Measure twice - drill once. I suggest you refit the binding over the ski after each hole is drilled to ensure it is still lining up. 1mm out is huge in terms of drilling skis
* Squirt a good amount of adhesive glue into each hole before you place the screws. You will also need some plugs for the screws to sit into so they hold better. Screws loose in a binding will not hold.

Setting the DIN [number at front of binding] is a calculation between boot sole length, your body weight, your height and the type of skier you are [beg,intermed, advanced]. I cannot work that out from here, so either leave as is if you were skiing them last season- or once you've re-drilled them get a shop to do a pre-season binding check for you [you should have this done anyway]

Fitting boots into binding is a matter of either moving the base [some bases move on the binding mount without re-mounting the ski]. The boot will also have a marking that will line up with a marker on your biniding. All these markers ensure the boot and binding are in the "centre of the ski" that has been pre-determined by the manufacturer when designing the ski. Hence it would be interesting to see you ski as i question your overall stance.

Really if you want to learn to do this the proper way - go make friends with the guys at your local ski shop - tell themn your interested in learning about the tech side of the equipment and ask if they will show you. Most are quite friendly - and if it turns out your good at drilling - you could get yourself a bit of parttime work in there and a new pair of skis for your trouble.

Good luck and be careful - if your not sure, take your equipment to someone who can have a look at it for you.

lisa
NOTE: I take no responsibility for your actions if you choose to re-mount your skis without seeking more information. Skiing is dangerous especially with incorrect equipment set-up. I strongly urge you to use your loccal ski shop to ensure this is done safely.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank, Lisa!

I forgot to mention these are second hand skis and boots we picked up at our local ski shop's annual swap meet!  They make sure the gear is not 'condemned' and also get 10% of all sales, which is substantial!

So, the boots are a bit too big for the current mounts.  I had to move the rear binding ALL the way back via  a 'preloading' screw and that set the center of the boot a bit behind the center of the ski.  That's why the toe needs to move a bit forward.

Anyway, what type sealant for the 'old' screw holes, and glue for the new screws do you recommend?

Thanks again for your help,
Lou

Answer
hi and thanks for the followup,

The glue used needs to be waterproof and compatible with the ski material. Off the top of my head i couldnt tell you the brand of sealer we use.  Most skis are carbon and either foam or wood core.

The glue is usually a type of white heavy strength hobby glue [this may even work for filling in the hole??

And one last thing - when you set the binding up for drilling - place boot in binding so that you have all three ski-binding-boot centre markers lined up.  The boot needs to sit in the middle of the rear binding - there is an indicator at the rear of the binding that will indicate if it is in the right spot - i guess if you remind yourself centre of the centre you should get pretty spot on.

goodluck

lisa