Dynafit Inserts Tech Tip — What To Do When Glue Filled

Cutting skin over insert using sharp utility knife.

Let’s hear it for honesty. I like Dynafit’s factory installed ski binding screw inserts. But nothing is perfect. Word from Dynafit is they’re using more glue when installing the inserts so they’re more reliable, but sometimes the glue fills the insert partially or fully and it thus needs to be drilled out (you can’t just force a screw in in that situation.) Here is the procedure.

3.6 x 9 mm specialized ski drill bit with integrated stop.

1. Identify your insert pattern according to boot sole length (see Dynafit insert sticker on top sheet of ski, or just evaluate by placing binding and boot on ski in a dry run).

2. Cut rounded insert surface area “skin” over insert with sharp utility knife.

3. If there is strong resistance (cutting is not possible), the insert is probably filled with resin (glue). In this case, the insert must be opened by drilling with a common drill bit (drill diameter 3.6mm x 9mm long) before inserting binding screws while mounting binding. If you don’t have a ski drill bit, you can use a 9/64 inch bit with stop collar, or a #28 machine bit with stop collar.

4. Likewise, if you are able to knife open the “skin” over the insert, probe with a small sharp object and make sure insert bore is not partially blocked. If it is, again, clear with drill bit. Remember that you only need to clear to 9 mm, no farther, so when probing keep that in mind.

5. Attach the binding.

6. Insert and tighten screws by hand, not a driver-drill (insert can be damaged if turning force is higher than 5 Nm, 3.7 foot pounds).

Here at Wildsnow we recommend using a small amount of low grade hardware store epoxy to install screws in Dynafit inserts. This lubricates the screws as they go in, thus preventing insert damage. To remove, warm screws with soldering iron to release the epoxy. Be aware that lubricated screws may require even less force during insertion, and by the same token be easier to strip.