A mass of snowmobile and body accessories are available : helmets, gloves, boot warmer, wheels, trailers, skis… it goes on and on. Each item is interesting, some more than others, but everybody agrees with the idea that safety improvement is a serious matter !
So, I am here today to announce that I am going to test the Woody’s Snowmobile Studs. The subject of this first article is how to install the studs. In a second article, I will present you the first impressions I had during my first rides with the Woody’s studs. Finally, at the end of the season, I will give you the results of this test.
How to install the studs :
I consider myself to be quite a handyman, so I did not fear the studs installation. I have seen worse! But even so, it was the first time I installed studs.
We need at least the following tools : a drill, a stud hex tool and a ratchet wrench with deep well sucket (or a torque wrench, depending on your patience level !).
The necessary nuts and support plates are provided with the studs. Also, written instructions are provided to guide you step by step with the installation. It gives explanations on the way to use the pattern, the marker and the track drill.
What you have to do now :
If you can, lift up the rear end of the snowmobile so that it will be easier for you to work. I had to take off the rear pannel to change the heat exchanger protectors. This way, I could easily reach the track. You should get information about the heat exchanger protectors on your snowmobile. If protection is not sufficient, studs may cause some damage.
Gabarit de marquage
Marquage
The next steps are quite simple. First, use a marker to draw on the track the pattern you have chosen, then drill holes. All is left to do is to push the studs through the holes, to put support plates and nuts in place and to hand tighten the nuts.
I also installed new runners as recommended by Woody’s. Easy to understand why : as we have an increased traction on ice, the snowmobile needs more aggressive runners at front to be able to turn.
The installation is now completed. In my next article, I will share with you my first impressions on this new accessory on my snowmobile. And since snow is not abundant this winter… studs will sure have work to do !
