With the weather typically wet and windy I decided it was a good time to pull out some of our ski kit and get it ready for this winter. Hopefully I’m up for 3 ski trips this winter, with 2 touring trips, so I had a look at our climbing skins. Last time we used them the glue was just wearing out, causing the skins to flap off a bit and get some ice between the ski and skin. So it was time to re-glue…………….
This is a lot harder than you might think; the glue is thick and gloooopy, so I spread it on with a metal fiiling knife. I also took the precaution of masking up the nylon/mohair side.
Leaving them hanging up to dry, they looked liked 4 giant fly papers, although probably big and sticky enough to trap a small bird. They are of course stored folded, glue to glue. I hope I can get them apart somewhere on the Mont Blanc Massif.
Next came the skis. Mine are quite old, but only had one bad hole, close to the edge.
With a hole like this a thorough clean was neccessary and the wax has to be melted at a high temperature. Using a lighter or match isn’t really hot enough and causes too much carbon residue giving a weak bond, so it was out with the blowtorch……….
Following an iron (you’re right; this is the only time you’ll see me with one of these), wax, scrape, polish and edge, I’m ready for the first snows of the season.
Thanks for the explanation on skins. They appear to offer much comedy potential 😳
The first picture looks like a bed. At what point did you move from the bed to the shed?
That is the bench in the garage… its done out as a bed for when I get into troube with Anna!! 😯 😥 😥
well perhaps you should put the electric drill somewhere else then?
Oooh, can’t wait for the snow and some good ski touring. Must check out those flights again.