Bolt through Ski as Ice Scratcher?

[rockdog2112]

I found a series of posts on Snow and Mud.com about using a bolt through the ski by the spindle as an ice scratcher. I'm new at this so I was curious what you guys thought. Does this make sense or is it totally retarded? It kind of seems that it could go either way. It seems this would eliminate some of the problems associated with spring wire type scratchers, like backing up or getting caught on stuff. Below are three of the posts that I have cut and pasted here:

I use a 1 3/4 inch bolt on the inside back corner of the ski. The bottom of the bolt is about 3/4 inch above the ground when on something hard like the trailer deck. When you go down the trail and the ski drops into an old skeg track then it contacts the snow and sends up a spray of ice chips to lubricate. They don't seem to affect steering probably because they aren't in constant contact with the snow. I never remove them (except to replace them when they get too short) and have never caught them on anything in 8 years.

yup............ what Summiteer said!!!! put a 3/8" bolt in the inside back corner of each ski & away you go........... no worries about lack of lubrication or over-heating anymore. don't have to worry about reverse either. just remember to take them out at the end of the day.

Got ours drilled behind spindle on ski before it curves upward.... Works awesome giving alot of spray. Just use a couple of washers & double nut the bolts.

 

[JET FUEL]

slp use to sell an ice scratcher that used the spindle bolt on your ski as a mounting location. As far as putting a bolt through the ski that sounds completely retarded and gay.

 

[Sledneck26]

I used to to it back in the day, never had a problem, but that was when i first started sledding. I never broke one and mine were like 1-2" into the snow. sure does kick up alot of snow. I think u'd break the ski though if you were crossing a rock bed or a bare road trek. but you can backup..

if i were to do it again id use poor quality bolts so they break off when/if you snag a good rock or tree, or even a a trailer edge.

 

[adrenaline junkey]

Ive seen it before but i think thats there is a better way and just about as cheap take a look at this http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=61579&highlight=

 

[rockdog2112]

Ive seen it before but i think thats there is a better way and just about as cheap take a look at this http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=61579&highlight=

I saw this earlier today. The link originated from the same site where I read about the bolt idea(snow and mud.com). Like I said in the thread, I'm new at this so what is the benefit of the ski mount as opposed to the rail mount. Wouldn't you still have to retract it to back up?

 

[spring snow hero]

Ive seen it before but i think thats there is a better way and just about as cheap take a look at this http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=61579&highlight=

you must have seen my mt max.............lol, I have been building scratchers from big r for years.

 

[Polarisrider1]

Shadetree sells ski scratchers. Ive seen people using a track stud at the back of their ski as a scratcher.

 

[adrenaline junkey]

I saw this earlier today. The link originated from the same site where I read about the bolt idea(snow and mud.com). Like I said in the thread, I'm new at this so what is the benefit of the ski mount as opposed to the rail mount. Wouldn't you still have to retract it to back up?

well rumor has it that the ski scratchers keep the whole hyfax lubed where rail mounted ones only do the last half or what part of the rails that's behind the scratcher. The bolt idea works good too but i can see it hanging up on something and riping out of the ski causing damage. the spring mount will flip up and over the object and will not bend or break if you forget there down when using reverse. plus they can be put up when not needed. but there not 100 percent break proof if on ice. just an idea why maybe not better in everyones eyes they seem to work pretty good for me

you must have seen my mt max.............lol, I have been building scratchers from big r for years.

no but post up a pic always loking for other ideas

 

[Wade]

Ive seen it before but i think thats there is a better way and just about as cheap take a look at this http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=61579&highlight=

That's a damn fine idea there AJ.

D&B, here I come.

 

[adrenaline junkey]

That's a damn fine idea there AJ.

D&B, here I come.

Thanks but why it wasn't my idea just made it a little cheaper and better

 

[theultrarider]

I remembered this thread from last winter and did a little search. Here it is check it out.
http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62293&highlight=ski+scratcher

 

[jofi800]

have seen a couple old school turbo guys runnin a little bit of angle stock and a couple bolts drilled in the inside of the skis angled toward the skid to load tons of snow in the skid...

 

[rockdog2112]

Thanks guys. I am pretty sure my new M8 will need something when riding trails with my wife. I have not been on it yet but I guess I'll find out.

 

[spunderson]

Check out this tip at sledshot.com. http://www.sledshot.com/tech_tips.php
If you go to this link and then scroll through to "scratchers" then you will see the bolt through type. I have ridden with those guys at Sledshot and they know what they're doing. The bolt scratcher works really well, imo.

 

[muttrmk]

well rumor has it that the ski scratchers keep the whole hyfax lubed where rail mounted ones only do the last half or what part of the rails that's behind the scratcher. ;

The rail mounted Ice scratchers spray all over the place, not just behind them. I thought the same way u did until i had them on. Wow. These are some great ideas though.

Mutt.

 

[longtrack156]

I have an 06 M7 and I have found that it will overheat when there is 2" of fresh snow on the hard trail, scratchers, while they worked on the hardpack, didn't work in the 2" of fresh. Seemed like the snow stopped the spray. I had to build some ski scratchers with wings to take care of this situation. The sled is not accessable right now otherwise I would post pics.

 

[05snopro440]

I have an 06 M7 and I have found that it will overheat when there is 2" of fresh snow on the hard trail, scratchers, while they worked on the hardpack, didn't work in the 2" of fresh. Seemed like the snow stopped the spray. I had to build some ski scratchers with wings to take care of this situation. The sled is not accessable right now otherwise I would post pics.

This would make sense, since scratchers are intended for use in low snow conditions, I.E. hardpacked trails.

Also with what muttrmk said, the rail type scratchers spray all over, and also get spray to your heat exchanger, where it is needed to keep your sled cool on the trail.

 

[slednw]

I run a 900 rmk 166" have never had a problem but we don't usually have hard snow. Last two rides I ran hot even with my scratchers so I will be trying the bolt trick untill we get some more snow! If a use a low grade cariage bolt it should snap off if it snags something. Then I can just change it out.

 

[rockdog2112]

Update

I now have 350 or so miles on the M8 and have added a new M6 for my wife. I have yet had the need for any type of "scratcher" device. We ride almost exclusively in the Snowy Range in WY and we never seem to have the type of hard ice conditions that require them. Atleast not yet. I guess if it's not broke, don't fix it. Thanks for everyone's input on this matter. There are some great ideas here.

 

[Wolfrun]

Just last week I was helping a guy who was stuck with an RMK 144. He had dug it down to the dirt and then backed up with his rail mounted spring scratchers down. They were both folded up and sticking straight down under the track. What a circus! I finally hooked the snowbunje on the corner of the back bumper, tipped it over and pulled it out on it's side. After making fish habitat out of the scratchers we went on our way. The ski bolts are cheap, simple and work.