Binding Inserts

[freeheelbillie]

Who's running them and what brand are you using?

Thinking about these https://quiverkiller.com/products/starter-kits

[MSU Alum]

I prefer "Binding Freedom" inserts. I've used both. The BF inserts have notches on the top so that you can use a special screwdriver bit to get them in (and out, before the epoxy dries) and the screws that they provide are much better quality and are posidrive (pozidriv #3).

https://www.bindingfreedom.com/

Take a look at the installation tool here for QK:
https://quiverkiller.com/products/pro-tool-kit

You can make your own using a screw and two nuts. It's nice to have on hand if you cross thread the BF or QK inserts and they get stuck. You can pretty much power the insert in with this if need be.

Even if you go with QK inserts and their tools - which are fine - I'd be inclined to get the screws from BF.

Pz screwdrivers can be pricey, but Walmart has a decent 65 piece set that includes Pz1, 2 and 3 bits that is only about $13.
I used Vibra-Tite VC-3 instead of Locktite, as I've read that Locktite can cause damage to plastic. VC-3 is plastic safe.

I've pulled bindings out before, but never with inserts epoxied in.

[freeheelbillie]

Right on! This is the info I needed, thanks man!

Pozi Low Head or the Smallhead? I assume Low Head but what size?

[MSU Alum]

The sizes will vary considerably, depending on the binding being used. They are all M5 screws. Both sites, QK and BF, will have length information.

"Hover over the "Screw Lengths" tab and select your bindings manufacturer from the list."

https://www.bindingfreedom.com/screw-lengths/

For example, for the Meidjo 2.1 it would be 14 - 10mm flat heads and 12 - 16mm flat heads for the pair.


What are you mounting? You can also contact the folks at Freeheellife and I'm sure they can help.

[freeheelbillie]

Mounting 22 Designs, Vice.

[MSU Alum]

Looks like 16 - 10mm low head, according to BF.

[freeheelbillie]

Thanks, I would not have noticed that had you not said something.
So do you think it's worth the fuss and cost if I don't plan on swapping bindings from ski to ski?
Typically, I prefer to make all gear bombproof regardless of the end-use...for an extra 80.00 bucks it seems like its worth it for the extra strength.
No?

[Andy M]

Do you have a history of ripping tele bindings out of skis? If not, I don't think it's worth the added effort and expense, especially with the six-screw mount of the Vice.

[MSU Alum]

It's not at all unreasonable to pass on it if you don't have a history of pulling bindings. I've pushed my sons toward using them, as they go on multi-day hundred milers. A pulled binding would be catastrophic. I've pulled bindings and it sucks. So, I just don't take the chance.

You could also just put in a couple, in critical spots, as they're a couple of bucks each or so. Once you have the tools, they're not too pricey.

You don't want to pull a binding out here!

[freeheelbillie]

Great shot, where was that taken?
I agree...and there's no good time or place to pull a binding. I figure for less than 100 bucks I can bombproof my set up. In the grand scheme of things that's less than 10% added cost...or lunch at Vail.