How to Install Inserts in a Snowboard

Snowboard inserts are typically made of non-corrosive high-density alloy such as stainless steel. The quarter-sized inserts are placed in the base of your board as a repository for binding screws, an alternative to drilling screws directly into the board fibers. Inserts are capable of withstanding more torque than the screw and wood combination reducing the possibility of ripping the screws out of the wood. Before beginning installation of your inserts, it's important to ensure that the size you are using matches the thread on your binding screws.

Things You'll Need

  • Pencil
  • Tape measure
  • Snowboard insert pattern
  • Tape
  • Hammer
  • Medium nail
  • Heli-coil snowboard insert kit
  • Spade bit
  • Packing tape
  • Epoxy
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Use the tape measure to locate the center of the board and draw a pencil line along that location. Draw the center line across the width and length of the board. This helps in positioning the insert pattern.

    • 2

      Place the insert pattern on top of the board according to the instructions. Use the center line as a guide. Tape the insert pattern template to the board so it doesn't move.

    • 3

      Mark the insert pattern holes by puncturing the insert pattern guide with the tip of a nail. Drive the nail into the center of the insert patter hole with a few taps of the hammer and then remove the nail and paper guide. This gives you accurate positioning for drilling.

    • 4

      Insert the pilot drill bit into the hand drill press tool in the snowboard insert kit. This is the smallest thread in the kit. Use it to drill holes into the small holes left by the nail. The tool guide should take you to the correct depth. Turn the board over and tap out wood filings.

    • 5

      Flip the board over to locate the pilot holes on the bottom of the board. This gives you appropriate locations to create a space for the insert flange. Calculate the depth necessary by subtracting the height of the insert stem from the height of the board.

    • 6

      Attach a spade bit to the snowboard kit tool and counterbore in the underside of the board until you reach the depth determined in Step 5.

    • 7

      Switch the bit on the kit tool with the bit intended for the insert width. Flip the board to the top side and drill the holes in the appropriate locations. Put the inserts in the holes you made for a fitting test. Ensure the flanges do not stick out the bottom of the board. They must be flush with the board plane, especially at the bottom. Make adjustments, as necessary.

    • 8

      Remove the inserts. Place packing tape on the top side of the board and then apply epoxy according to the manufacturer's label. Put the epoxy into each hole on the bottom side of the board. Flip the board back to the top side and the tape keeps epoxy from spilling about. Carefully remove the tape and place epoxy on the top of the holes in places it did not reach.

    • 9

      Place the inserts in the holes. Use a hammer to drive them through, if necessary, as the epoxy makes the fit more snug. Look for gaps and looseness in the insert fittings and fill them with epoxy. Allow it to harden per the label instructions.