Parameterized ski ties

2025 Update: improved shape with more rounded corners.

It's so much easier to carry a pair of skis when they are attached together… Plus, I prefer to avoid rubbing the edges against one another. Those small, lightweight ties achieve that.

Quick instructions

This model needs to be customized for each pair of skis using OpenScad. The STL file is provided just as an example.

1. Locate the position of the ties: you should put it where the skis touch each other, so that the ties separate them
2. For each tie position, measure the width and thickness of the ski (ignore the rounding on the sides). The thickness measure is the most important
3. Set the values d_carres (width) and e_ski (thickness) accordingly in attache_ski.scad. The stext value is the engraved text (to identify the front and rear tie)
4. Generate the STL file using OpenScad (you need the included library thread_profile.scad), and print

For me, the dimensions for the two ties are very close, I could almost use the same.

Printing

I used ABS as it's less likely to break. The curve radius may need to be adjusted if using another material. Warping may be an issue, use a raft if necessary. Printed with 0.15mm layer, 3 perimeters (infill doesn't really matter). Use support for the hooks (easy to remove).

Design

The design is done in OpenScad. I include the thread_profile library that I used since I've lost track of its origin.

The shapes are rounded, chamfered, and I have avoided sharp edges at the base of the hooks to make them stronger, and avoid layer separation in particular. The center strip has a tip which retain the skis' edges, so that they don't push and accidentally unlock the hooks.