How to Fix a Cracked Ski Edge

Dings, dents and cracks on your ski edges are normal, especially if you're an avid skier or if you perform aerial acrobatics on the park-and-pipe terrain. Assess the damage carefully before doing at-home repairs. Shallow cracks and mid-depth gouges are suitable as do-it-yourself projects, but deep cracks that touch the ski core should be taken to the repair shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Razor blade
  • Metal scraper
  • Base cleaner
  • Small wire brush
  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Propane torch or butane lighter
  • P-Tex candle
  • C-clamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe off any surface dirt or debris. Remove any loose strands around the crack or hole with a razor blade. Use the metal scraper to scrape off any excess wax.

    • 2

      Clean the crack thoroughly with a base cleaner and a small wire brush. Allow the base cleaner to dry completely for an hour.

    • 3

      Pound the edge flat if it's out of shape. Carefully apply pressure on the edge using the hammer and a chisel. Set the ski flat and position the chisel on an angle facing toward the edge. Slowly pound the chisel lightly with the hammer until the edge is flat again.

    • 4

      Light the tip of a P-Tex candle with the propane torch or butane lighter. Wait for a couple of minutes until black-carbon flakes appear in the burning tip. Roll the candle slowly while letting it drip onto the metal scraper. Stop when the tip is clear and the black-carbon flakes are gone.

    • 5

      Move the P-Tex candle close to the damaged area on your ski. Starting at the far edge of the crack, let the candle drip and flow to the center. Allow the drips to overflow because the candle will shrink as it cools.

    • 6

      Extinguish the flame and allow the candle to cool for 15 minutes.

    • 7

      Hold the metal scraper at a 45-degree angle and make short, overlapping strokes to remove excess candle material that sticks up above the edge and surface.

    • 8

      Rub the area with sandpaper to even out completely. Reinforce the edge by pressing down with a C-clamp overnight.