When it comes to winter, the combination of snow and skis brings up feelings of joy, excitement, and … rust? That’s right!
While snow might seem like the enemy when it comes to keeping your skis in tip-top shape, it can be your best friend when it comes to dealing with rust on ski edges.
If you haven’t yet encountered this problem yourself, don’t fret! Rust on ski edges happens to every skier and snowboarder eventually!
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Is it Normal for Ski Edges to Rust?
Ski edges rust. It is pretty normal just like ski bindings ripping off.
Ski edges act as the middleman between ski and the snow and are normally made from steel. And steel is likely to rust, in fact almost all metal oxidizes rusts when it’s exposed to oxygen and water.
The good news is that you can still ski and the rust doesn’t affect the performance of your skis. Many ski shops will tell you that a little bit of rust can help grip the snow better.
But with time the rusting will increase and eventually make the ski unusable. So you need to do something about it soon!
Why Did My Skis Rust?
Many people are puzzled as to why their skis rust. Some plausible explanations include the following:
- Your ski edges were not properly cleaned and waxed with right wax type before being stored for the season.
- You stored your skis in a humid or wet environment.
- You stored your skis in an area where they were exposed to salt air or salt water.
- You stored your skis in an area where they were exposed to chemicals such as chlorine or pool water.
- Your ski edges came into contact with metal objects while they were stored.
- Your ski edges were damaged during the season and the metal was exposed to the elements, like when skiing in the rain.
How Do You Remove Rust From Ski Edges?
Wondering how to remove rust on ski edges? Don’t worry! the following step-by-step guide will help remove the rust:
1. Gather your supplies.
You’ll need a pair of gloves, a wire brush, and some WD-40.
2. Put on your gloves and use the wire brush to scrub away the rust.
3. Apply WD-40 to a clean cloth and wipe down the ski edges.
4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the rust is gone.
5. Rinse the both the left and right ski edges with water and dry them off with a clean cloth.
6. Enjoy your rust-free ski edges!
How Do I Keep My Ski Board Edges From Rusting?
A common mistake is to think that rust on a ski is a problem of the past.
It doesn’t matter whether you bought your skis new or used – if they’re still in good condition, and you maintain them properly, then there’s a chance that they’ll stay that way for many years to come.
You can lessen the likelihood of rust developing on your skis by taking some of the following preventative measures:
- Keep your ski edges clean and dry. After every ski session, wipe down your edges with a clean cloth.
- Store your skis in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid climate, consider investing in a dehumidifier for your ski storage area.
- Inspect your skis regularly for any signs of rust. If you see any rust, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove it.
- Apply wax or rust-inhibiting solution to your ski edges regularly. This will help create a barrier against moisture and oxygen, which can cause rusting.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on your ski edges.
Verdict
It is normal for ski edges to rust and it happens to the best of us. But you can always follow these steps to remove it from your skis.
While there is no easy way to prevent rust, skiers can reduce the risk by keeping their skis clean and dry. If you know of any great tips to prevent rust on ski edges please let us know in the comments!
What Are Ski Edges Made Of?
Most ski edges are made of either stainless steel or carbon steel. Carbon steel is more prone to rusting than stainless steel, but both types can develop rust if they’re not properly cared for.
Can You Replace Ski Edges?
Yes, it is possible to replace ski edges. However, depending on the severity of the damage, it may be more cost-effective to simply have them repaired.
