Snowboard bindings coming loose can be frustrating and even dangerous. As someone with years of experience on the slopes, I’ve learned that understanding why this happens is the first step in preventing it. This guide will explore the common causes of loose snowboard bindings and provide actionable tips to keep them secure, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable ride.
The most common reasons for bindings loosening are a combination of user error, natural factors, and the physics of riding. It’s important to address each potential cause to maintain optimal board performance and safety.
Here are the primary reasons why your snowboard bindings might be coming loose:
- Screws are cross-threaded.
- Screws are not tightened correctly.
- Temperature changes cause expansion and contraction.
- Hardware needs replacement.
Close up of a person tightening snowboard bindings with a screwdriver
The Science Behind Loose Bindings
It might seem like your bindings are magically loosening, but there’s actually a lot of science behind it. Two main factors contribute to the problem: thermal contraction/expansion and vibration.
Thermal Contraction and Expansion: When materials get cold, they shrink, and when they get warm, they expand. Snowboards and their bindings endure constant temperature fluctuations on the mountain. This constant cycle of expansion and contraction creates subtle shifts in the binding screw’s fit, eventually loosening them over time. The friction between the screw threads and the board changes, and screws can begin to work their way out.
Vibration: Snowboarding exposes the board to constant vibrations. These vibrations act like small, continuous nudges that can gradually loosen screws over time. It’s not just big bumps either – even consistent riding on groomed slopes generates these small vibrations. Combine this with the thermal expansion/contraction, and you have a recipe for loosening bindings.
Addressing Loose Bindings: Practical Solutions
While these physical factors contribute to the problem, you can certainly take steps to reduce how frequently your bindings come loose. Here’s what you can do:
1. Check for Cross-Threaded Screws
Cross-threading occurs when a screw is forced into its hole at an angle, misaligning the threads. This damages both the screw and the hole, preventing a tight, secure connection. Cross-threading can result from overtightening or forcing the screw in incorrectly.
How to Identify Cross-Threading: Remove all the screws from your bindings. If the screws are difficult to remove, this is a potential sign. Examine the threads on the screw closely. If you notice any missing bits of metal or the threads look damaged, it’s likely cross-threaded. If a screw is damaged, the tapped hole might also be damaged. In this case, you can try using a new screw, and if it doesn’t work, you can adjust your stance to use a different hole.
Close-up view of a hand holding a snowboard screw, showing the thread pattern
2. Ensure Proper Tightening Techniques
Proper tightening technique is essential to maintain secure bindings. It’s crucial to use the right tools and methods.
Use the Right Screwdriver: Snowboard binding screws typically use a #3 Pozidrive or a #3 Phillips head screwdriver. A Pozidrive is best because it offers more torque and is less likely to strip the screw head. Avoid using anything smaller than a #3 because it won’t be able to tighten the screw properly and might damage the screw head.
The Correct Tightening Method:
- Place a screw through the binding plate into the tapped hole.
- Turn the screw counterclockwise slowly until you feel a slight bump, indicating the threads are aligned.
- Turn the screw clockwise one full turn. Do not tighten fully yet.
- Repeat this process for all screws.
- Tighten one screw to approximately 90% of its full tightness.
- Tighten the opposite screw to 90% as well.
- Continue this pattern for the remaining screws until all are 90% tight, and then fully tighten the last screw.
- Finish tightening the remaining screws fully, do not over tighten.
This method works for all types of bindings, including the ones with 3 screws (Burton 3D) or 2 screws (channel boards). Ensuring each screw is lined up correctly before fully tightening reduces the likelihood of cross-threading.
3. Utilize Thread Locker or Plumber’s Tape
If your bindings tend to loosen quickly, despite using the proper techniques, it’s time to use a thread locker or plumber’s tape for added security.
Thread Locker: You’ve probably seen the blue tips on the screws that come with new bindings. This is thread locker. It adds friction between the screw and the hole, and it helps keep the screw in place for longer. After repeatedly screwing and unscrewing, the thread locker will wear away, which is normal. When buying thread locker, choose a blue or “temporary” type, not the red or “permanent” version. The most well-known brand is Loctite, and it can be found in any hardware store or online.
Plumber’s Tape: Plumber’s tape, also called pipe thread sealant tape or Teflon tape, works on the same principle as thread locker. It provides extra friction between the screw and the board, and it also creates a water-tight seal, though that is not helpful in this application. Follow the instructions on the packaging for correct application.
4. Consider New Hardware
Sometimes, old or damaged screws and washers are simply the problem. If you suspect any part of your binding hardware is worn, cross-threaded, or missing, it’s worth investing in new parts. The best option is to buy replacement parts from your binding manufacturer. If this isn’t possible, your local snowboard shop or a trusted online retailer can help.
Conclusion and Bonus Tip
Even with these precautions, it’s wise to check your bindings before each session. This leads to my bonus tip: always carry a multi-tool or skate tool while riding.
While most resorts will have tools for you to use, they might not be the proper sizes, or the resort may not have any at all. If you have your own tool, you will be able to adjust your gear on the go. There are various types available, so find one you like and keep it with you. It can come in handy in many unexpected situations.
By understanding why your snowboard bindings come loose and taking the proper steps to prevent it, you’ll have safer, more enjoyable experiences on the mountain.
