Below are a few suggestions I have picked up over the years to fix the holes. Remember, these are just suggestions. They may not all work for you. Before you try anything I encourage you take your water ski or wakeboard to a pro shop and see what they suggest.
Do you have tips not listed below on how to repair the holes? If so, post them on the forum.
Here's How:
- What Not to Do
Don't just move the plate up or down a tad on the board or ski and drill new holes. That is not always the best way to approach it. If you drill new holes you will eventually have a ski or board that looks like it has been used for target practice. Another reason you do not want to drill new holes is because it can split the piece of equipment. And who wants their plate moved all around the ski anyway? Moved plates can affect the way you handle the ski/board, or better yet, affect the way it handles you.
Instead, use the below suggestions.
- Plugs
Get Tommy's will send you some plugs in the mail. Just hammer them in.
- Inserts
Install brass or stainless threaded inserts into the stripped holes. Try Barn Bolt Co., Inc. or Groove-Pin Corp.
- Epoxy
Twist epoxy and knead the it until it is one color. Insert immediately and remove the excess before it has time to harden.
- Lead Solder
Insert lead solder in the stripped hole. Remove excess so that it is flush with the surface. Lightly tap it with a hammer if needed. Lightly tapping is the key here. No reason to bang.
- Household Remedies
Fishing line or weed eater string. Sound strange? Some of my college buddies would put a couple of strands in the holes and twist the screws in.
I have also seen toothpicks used to fill the holes. Break them off so they are flush with the ski surface, and then insert the screws. Maybe that is the stranger one.
These quick fixes seem to work for a while, though they are not the most practical and long-lasting way to fix the holes.