How to Tune a Snowboard #1: Edge Work

Burrs and rust on your snowboard edges cause drag and slow you down on firm snow. Learn how to properly maintain your edges so you can enjoy a fast and fun day on the slopes. We’ll show you how to inspect the edges, remove burrs, polish rust and wipe the base clean. Shop REI’s selection of snowboard tuning equipment at rei.com/c/snowboard-tuning-and-tools.

Transcript:
Burrs and rust cause drag and slow you down on firm snow, so keeping your snowboard free of these abrasions can help it perform its best. Extensive edge work and sharpening should be done at a shop, but minor work can be done at home. You'll need a clean towel, a diamond stone, a gummy stone, and rubbing alcohol.
Start by setting your board on a vice and making sure your bindings are tucked out of the way. Inspect the edges for rust and burrs. To avoid cutting your finger, run your towel along the edge to feel smaller nicks. These nicks will snag fibers and show you where you need to work.
Any rust spots that you find need to be filed smooth without damaging your edge. This is done with a diamond stone, which removes less material than an actual file, so they're less likely to damage you edge if you slip. It's still important to go slow and be careful. Start by wetting the diamond stone and running it over the burrs, using the base as a guide. Make sure to keep pressure on the metal edge to avoid scratching the base material. Focus on areas that have more rust or burrs, but make sure to cover the entire length of the edge.
For minor rust, use a gummy stone. Gummy stones feel like hard, gritty erasers. They're less abrasive than diamond stones, so they're great for polishing. Next, repeat the process on the side edges. Make sure to keep the diamond stone flush with the edge. This is the trickier part, because you can't rest the diamond stone flat on the base, so pinch it and use your fingers against the base to guide you. Keep pressure light to avoid doing too much, and remember, tip to tail. When you're done, run the gummy stone lightly along the edges for a final polish. Finish by using your towel and rubbing alcohol to clean off any metal shavings.
To recap, start with a visual inspection to locate trouble areas. Use a diamond stone to clean off nicks and small burrs. Polish off rust with your gummy stone and clean off the base with rubbing alcohol. Once you're done with the edges, it's time to take a look at the base.