How to Maintain Cross-Country Bindings

Cross-country skiing is a modestly priced method of getting out and sliding over snow. In addition to the more modest costs when compared to downhill ski setups, cross-country skis are much less intensive when it comes to maintenance and upkeep. As simple as the cross-country ski gear is, though, it does require some care. The bindings, where the boot is locked onto the ski, are the most susceptible parts to loosening or to gathering crud that inhibits top performance. Taking the time after each ski session to give the bindings a quick once over will keep them going for years to come.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel or chamois cloth
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdriver
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Dry the bindings with a towel or chamois cloth. Pay particular attention to metal parts such as the lock-bar, screws and base plate sides. Look for any rust. If rust is present, dip a chamois cloth edge into some lubricant and gently rub the rusted areas.

    • 2

      Push the binding back and forth, lateral to the ski, to see if any screws are loose. If loose, tighten them with a screwdriver.

    • 3

      Clean the lock-bar or pins locks -- crossbars are used with NNN and NNNBC boots while three-pin bindings are used with old style flat-toed boots -- and remove any debris in or around the pins and bars. Push gunk and debris out from the bindings with a flathead screwdriver.

    • 4

      Push the lock bar if your bindings are NNN or NNNBC. Make sure the bar is solid and tight in the housing. If not, tighten the screws locking it into the binding.