DIY ice scratchers

[tippmannator]

Saw the following video on youtube a while back so figured I would give it a go.

I went to the local tractor supply store and picked up two sets of hay bailer teeth

I then cut off one coil leaving a whoop on one end...the whoop willwill fit over the frame of the ski for tension...

Then had some stainless bushings machined to fit the coil

The bushings were tapped with a 5/16 hole for a bolt to fit through.

My nytro xtx has the tuner skis so I just drilled a hole to fit the bolt just behind the a-arm and voila...I was worried about bumps and what not working the nut loose....I went with lock washers, lock nuts, and blue lock tight...might sound like overkill...but I thought it was cheap insurance.

When it comes to storing them away when not needed.... I scratched the ski with the end of the scratcher to get a reference....then drilles a small hole that the scratcher sits into....

Just around the yard they seem to do what they r supposed to....and storage holds are rugged...did some large wheelies and let the front end kinda slam down and they stayed stored.... ill post updates when I have a chance to use them on the trails.

 

[icebreaker]

I did this also this season and they lasted 1600 miles then broke. I might try something different next.

 

[tippmannator]

Well I figure if I get that much out of em I will more then get my money back.... I only have $10-15 in to the whole project.

 

[BOUNTYHUNTER]

SWEET.....Nice Job

 

[tippmannator]

^^^thanks!

 

[tippmannator]

**********UPDATE************

pro:

was out riding just the other day with these scratchers and when I had them down, they seemed to help with cooling....trail conditions were somewhat icy spring trails...temps were low 30s. so they seem effective...

con:

storage location is finicky....the left scratcher kept popping out of storage on its own. further more, when attempting to store the scratcher, it snapped right at the spring. I think the issue is that when storing, im pulling at an angle that the sping is not ment to go (right to left) causing material fatigue

 

[icebreaker]

**********UPDATE************

pro:

was out riding just the other day with these scratchers and when I had them down, they seemed to help with cooling....trail conditions were somewhat icy spring trails...temps were low 30s. so they seem effective...

con:

storage location is finicky....the left scratcher kept popping out of storage on its own. further more, when attempting to store the scratcher, it snapped right at the spring. I think the issue is that when storing, im pulling at an angle that the sping is not ment to go (right to left) causing material fatigue

Same here but will try again next season.

 

[Cubby]

These are the ones I used - I bought them at Home of Economy in Grand Forks ND. I think they were around the $2.00 mark.