Maintaining your snowboard is crucial for optimal performance on the slopes. Just like a finely tuned instrument, your snowboard needs regular care, including sharpening the edges. Neglecting this can lead to rust, reduced carving ability, and difficulty holding your line on hard-packed snow. This guide will walk you through the process of sharpening your snowboard edges at home, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
Even with diligent drying after each use, your snowboard edges will inevitably dull, round, or develop nicks and burrs. A sharp edge will shave a bit of fingernail when scraped, while a dull edge allows your finger to pass without any resistance, aside from any nicks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, keeping your edges sharp is crucial for optimal performance.
Close up of damaged snowboard edge
Why Sharp Snowboard Edges Matter
Sharp snowboard edges are essential for maintaining control and precision while riding. Dull edges make it harder to grip the snow, especially on icy or hard-packed surfaces. This loss of grip can hinder your ability to carve effectively and maintain your desired line. The sharper the slope or the icier the conditions, the more you rely on those edges to dig in and provide stability. Even if you take great care of your board, regular use will inevitably dull the edges, and you might encounter hidden rocks or other debris that cause minor damage.
Improper storage can also wreak havoc on your edges. Avoid placing your wet snowboard directly on its base or side to prevent moisture from being trapped and causing rust. Also, storing your snowboard in a bag while it’s wet or standing it on its end can lead to water running down and causing rust. Instead, always dry your snowboard thoroughly and set it on its bindings so excess moisture can run off and air can circulate.
Essential Tools for Snowboard Tuning
Before you start sharpening your edges, gather the necessary tools. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
- Screwdriver: For removing your snowboard bindings.
- Snowboard edging tool: A specialized tool designed to maintain a consistent angle while sharpening.
- Worksurface: A stable surface to work on.
- Vice (optional): To hold the snowboard in place for greater stability, although this isn’t essential.
While a file and file guide can be used in place of a snowboard edging tool, an all-in-one edger is highly recommended, particularly if you are new to edge sharpening. It simplifies the process and helps you maintain consistent angles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sharpening Your Snowboard Edges
Sharpening your edges is just one part of the complete snowboard tuning process. Ideally, you should address any base damage and wax your board properly, especially if you’re already taking the time to remove your bindings. However, edge sharpening should be done prior to waxing.
Step 1: Remove the Snowboard Bindings
Before you start sharpening, remove your snowboard bindings using a screwdriver. This will prevent them from getting in the way or being accidentally damaged during the process. Furthermore, keeping bindings away from heat during a hot wax treatment is ideal.
Step 2: Sharpening the Edges
With the bindings removed, you can now proceed with sharpening the edges. There are many edge tools available, but for beginners, an all-in-one snowboard edger is easiest to use. This will help you maintain a consistent angle. Two popular options are available at this link and this link. These affiliate links to Amazon can provide you with a suitable edge tool. While tuning kits are available, the file provided often requires more expertise to use correctly.
Setting the Edge Angle
The first step to sharpening is to set the angle on your chosen device. An all-in-one device simplifies this process. If using a separate file and guide, you need to ensure that the guide is set to maintain the desired angle.
The angle should be selected based on your experience level. A 90-degree angle is the least aggressive and suitable for beginners and low-level intermediates. As your riding ability progresses, you should consider reducing the angle from 90. Angles typically range between 90-85 degrees.
Some people find it helpful to mark the desired angle with a marker down the entire length of the edge, creating a visual guide. When the mark is filed away, you’ll know the edge is sharp.
Sharpening the Base Edge
Start with your board lying flat and begin with the base edge. Start at the wide point of the nose and work your way down to the wide point at the tail. Use light and consistent pressure as you move the tool. You’ll need to repeat this motion several times. Keep in mind:
- The board should remain flat.
- Always move the edging tool in one direction.
- Apply light pressure, allowing the tool to do its job.
- Don’t attempt to sharpen the rounded areas of the nose and tail.
- If you encounter any spots that the tool snags on, these are called “burrs” and will require a little extra attention with the file.
- The edge is sharp when you can run your fingernail along it and a thin layer of the nail is shaved away.
Sharpening the Side Edge
Once the base edges are sharpened, adjust the tool to the desired angle for the side edge. The side edges are generally sharpened at 90 degrees, but advanced riders or those riding on very hard snow might opt for 89 degrees. As with the base edge, move in one direction, applying light and consistent pressure and taking care to smooth out any burrs.
Repairing Damaged Snowboard Edges
Sometimes, snowboard edges have damage that sharpening won’t fix, such as large gouges or deep cracks. In these situations, “surgery” is required. This involves removing part of the base, extracting the damaged section, inserting a new piece, ensuring it’s flush with the base, and then filling any gaps.
Although you can repair snowboard edges yourself, incorrect methods can cause damage to the base or result in a rough edge. It’s best to leave these more complex repairs to professionals if you are new to DIY snowboard maintenance.
Conclusion: Keep Your Edges Sharp for Optimal Performance
Sharpening snowboard edges is a critical part of snowboard maintenance that requires a patient approach, setting the correct angle, and using consistent, light pressure. Marking the angle can help you maintain the correct line, and the fingernail test will let you know when your edges are sharp enough. For significant damage to your edges that a file cannot fix, seek professional help to prevent further damage. By taking the time to regularly sharpen your snowboard edges, you will improve your control, enhance your carving, and maximize your enjoyment on the slopes.
