What to Do About a Damaged Snowboard

Figure out how intense the issue is. The base of the snowboard takes a lot of abuse. If it's a real deep gash down to the core, don't even think twice; take it to a shop for professional repair. If it's just an average scratch or small hole, you can fix it yourself. Other common issues that you can repair yourself are rough edges and loose bindings. Things you might want to seek professional help for are separated edges, delamination, body damage and stripped mounting holes. Also check your warranty for any issues that might be covered.

Check for loose binding, which is the simplest, most common issue you may encounter with your snowboard. This is something that you can repair in minutes, even on the slopes. All you need to do is tighten up the mounting screws (or strap screws) with a large Phillips screwdriver (or possibly an Allen wrench for strap screws). If the problem is reoccurring, make sure that the screw hole on the board isn't stripped, in which case the screw will not secure properly no matter how much you turn. If it is, consider moving the bindings by having it redrilled; go to the shop for this. If it's intact, try using Loctite to secure the screws.

Look for another common issue--scratching up the base. If you go over a rock, rail, sharp ice or other object, you may cut a sizable scratch in your base. This requires some P-Tex. Before using P-Tex, clean the base and remove any strands or fragments from the damaged area.

Heat the P-Tex with a torch or a candle so that it melts onto the snowboard and fills in any scratches or smaller holes. You can drip it onto the board or heat it and rub it in. Allow it to cool, and scrape it smooth with a metal scraper. It should be all smoothed out before you proceed to wax the board.

Tune your edges. Edges are more of a common tune than a repair, and you need to check and attend to them often. If edges are rough with nicks and burrs, you'll need to deburr and sharpen them.

Take out the burrs with a deburring stone. Run it up and down the front and heel-side edges, both on the bottom and on the sides.

Use a file guide or edge tool to sharpen the edges. Set the tool to the desired bevel (angle) for the bottom edges and run it up and down in long, smooth glides. Reset the bevel on the tool for the side edges and repeat. Bevel is a matter of preference and depends on your riding style. Consider a 1-degree bevel and 1-degree side bevel for a basic setup, or fine-tune as needed.

Touch up the edges with the deburring stone to make sure that they are smooth. Run your finger up and down each edge, making sure it is free of nicks and sharp.