How to Make Edge Benders for Ski or Snowboard Construction

Making and Using Edge Benders for Ski Building

When building skis or snowboards, one of the trickiest parts of prep is bending steel edges to follow the ski’s sidecut. Because edges are long, narrow, and springy, they’re awkward to handle. Having the right tool makes the job much easier.

This post isn’t about the bending process itself as much as it is about why I recommend modified end nippers, how to make a set yourself, and what other options exist.

Tool Options for Bending Edges

There are a few different approaches DIY ski builders use:

  • Modified End Nippers (Recommended)
    This is the method I use. They’re easy to make, inexpensive, and work great. I lay the edges flat on a template (in my case the core) and bend away. This method can be slow and frustrating at first, but it gets easier and faster with practice. After a few pairs maybe you’ll write off the rest of the options as I did.
Using modified end nippers to bend the steel edges of a snowboard into the shape of the snowboard.
  • Pipe Benders
    Some builders bend their edges using a tubing bender like the one pictured below. They would still need to be modified by grinding a groove for the edge’s tabs into the rounded base of the bender. You would sit the base into the groove and press down on the top portion until you’ve achieved the radius you’re looking for. I haven’t tried this method so I can’t speak to how well it works. The reason I don’t like this option is because you have to lift the edge up, bend it, put it back down to check, and repeat until it’s right, as opposed to leaving it flat on the template as I do with the end nippers.
Klien Tools Tubing Bender (image source: lowes.com)
  • Ring Rollers & Modified Vice
    Similar to a pipe bender, a ring roller or modified vise can curve steel, and you will need to make a groove for the tabs, but again, handling long continuous strips of edge stock is clumsy compared to working with a hand tool while the edge stays flat on the template.
Central Machinery Ring Roller (image source: harborfreight.com)
Modified Ski Edge Bending Vise I Made. It’s been collecting dust since.

How to Make Your Own Edge Benders (Modified End Nippers)

  1. Start with a pair of end nippers.
    These are normally used for cutting nails or pulling staples, and they have jaws that meet flat at the end.
  2. Grind the jaws to shape.
    Using an angle grinder, carefully grind the inside edges of the jaws into a rounded profile. Instead of biting flat and cutting, they’ll now pinch the steel and gently curve it. Tip: Go slowly and wear gloves and safety glasses, they will get very hot and sparks will be flying.
  3. Smooth the edges.
    Round off any sharp corners left by the grinder.
  4. Test on scrap.
    Try bending a piece of scrap steel edge to confirm the tool leaves a clean curve without crimping. Adjust the grind if needed.
Closeup of the Curvature that I Ground into my End Nippers
Closeup of Using the Curvature in the End Nippers to Edgebend.