How to Glue a Binding Strip to a Water Ski

Water ski bindings are traditionally mounted to a ski simply by driving a screw through the binding plate and into a threaded insert that has been set into the ski. Some new binding systems incorporate a single plate that mounts directly to the ski by using a Velcro-like strip glued to both the binding plate and the ski that allows bindings to adhere to the ski. These strips have an extremely durable adhesive that attach to the binding plate and the ski, and the mushroom-shaped arms interlock to fasten the plate to the ski.

Things You'll Need

  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Clean cloth
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • 3M 250 Inter-Loc
  • Rubber mallet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the top of the skis with Isopropyl alcohol.

    • 2

      Place the binding plate on your ski. The exact location of the plate will depend on your personal preference and the length of the ski. The distance measurement is defined as the length from the tail end of the ski to the heel of the front boot.

    • 3

      Trace the outline of the binding plate onto the ski with a pencil.

    • 4

      Measure the length of the binding plate, and add an inch and a half. Cut two strips of 3M 250 Inter-Loc adhesive with a utility knife.

    • 5

      Separate the interlocking strips, and remove the adhesive backing from one of the strips. Carefully place it along the edge of the tracing so that the outside edge of the strip is along the outside edge of the tracing. The extra inch and a half should extend beyond the rear end of the tracing. Place the second strip along the other side. Allow the adhesive to dry for at least one minute.

    • 6

      Place the other two halves of interlocking strips along the bottom edges of the binding plate, and allow the adhesive to dry for a minute.

    • 7

      Align the binding plate against the two strips and press down. Tap the plate in place with a rubber mallet. The rubber stems of the Inter-loc will hold the binding plate to the ski with a force of 35 pounds per square inch.