Drifting Cuff Alignment

[Bill R]

I have a pair of Atomic Hawx Ultra 120 S boots and one of the cuff alignment spinners/adjusters, on the outside of the left boot, moves during a day of skiing. It starts off aligned with the mark for the straight position and then ends up turning 20 to 30 degrees.

I took it in to a local shop and their response was that since it was only on one side of the boot and it wasn't turning much it wouldn't make much difference. Is this a common problem or non-problem? Is there a way to lock this down?

 

[KingGrump]

Is it a problem? Well, that depends on you.

Mamie had that issue with her Atomic Hawk Ultra 110 few seasons back. It's due to wear and tear at the hinge. Get the boot tech to tighten (pinch) the rivet a bit. Just tight enough so the adjustment would hold. If it is too tight, the boot will not flex properly.
If that doesn't resolve the issue, you can have your shop order a new progressive cuff alignment replacement set. Installation is pretty easy.

 

[Scrundy]

It’s very possible that where it wants to be, and over time due to stress while skiing moves to natural position your body needs it. Just a thought, especially if it ends up in the same place every time.

 

[onenerdykid]

@Bill R - like KingGrump said, the compression rivet as most likely loosened a bit, but it can be compressed & tightened up. I would position it where you & your boot-fitter want it and have said boot-fitter compress it that position. Should be good to go then.

 

[Delicious]

I have a pair of Atomic Hawx Ultra 120 S boots and one of the cuff alignment spinners/adjusters, on the outside of the left boot, moves during a day of skiing. It starts off aligned with the mark for the straight position and then ends up turning 20 to 30 degrees.

View attachment 131155

I took it in to a local shop and their response was that since it was only on one side of the boot and it wasn't turning much it wouldn't make much difference. Is this a common problem or non-problem? Is there a way to lock this down?

Ooooh! This would drive me MAD! Hopefully a simple fix, as suggested by the comment above.

 

[Bill R]

Mamie had that issue with her Atomic Hawk Ultra 110 few seasons back. It's due to wear and tear at the hinge. Get the boot tech to tighten (pinch) the rivet a bit. Just tight enough so the adjustment would hold. If it is too tight, the boot will not flex properly.
If that doesn't resolve the issue, you can have your shop order a new progressive cuff alignment replacement set. Installation is pretty easy.

Thanks for the responses!

Hopefully this is a simple fix. If it does need a new progressive cuff alignment replacement set are these brand specific? Do I need to go to someone that stocks Atomic or can any boot fitter get the parts?

 

[KingGrump]

Thanks for the responses!

Hopefully this is a simple fix. If it does need a new progressive cuff alignment replacement set are these brand specific? Do I need to go to someone that stocks Atomic or can any boot fitter get the parts?

This is the progressive cuff alignment replacement set I had the shop ordered for me to replace the hinge pivot on Mamie's boots. That one looks like the right replacement for your boot. Atomic makes several different ones.
The replacement parts I referenced above is not only brand specific but also boot specific. Most Atomic boot dealer should be able to order them for you. Have them check for proper application. I am sure they can install it for you also.

 

[oldschoolskier]

Before damaging the small threads by crimping (Hail Mary approach).

Green Loctite (wick grade), just a drop to stop to movement, but will break free when twisted (ie adjusted, re-apply after adjustment).

If that’s not available borrow some nail polish from someone and apply a drop to the inside threads. Just don’t blame me if rumors get started about you if someone questions why you need nail polish.....(but at least you now have an excuse if that really is your thing).

 

[KingGrump]

Before damaging the small threads by crimping (Hail Mary approach).

Green Loctite (wick grade), just a drop to stop to movement, but will break free when twisted (ie adjusted, re-apply after adjustment).

If that’s not available borrow some nail polish from someone and apply a drop to the inside threads. Just don’t blame me if rumors get started about you if someone questions why you need nail polish.....(but at least you now have an excuse if that really is your thing).

The oem hinge pivot unit is held together by a pinch rivet. The rivet does not have thread.

 

[oldschoolskier]

The oem hinge pivot unit is held together by a pinch rivet. The rivet does not have thread.

In that case still a drop of Green. It will wick into
The rivet and bind, likely more than enough to hold between the inner and outer.

 

[cem]

Two options pretty much laid out above, have a store with a rivet press compress the rivet a bit and the pro ole will go away or have the rivet section drilled out and replaced with the excentre cant bolts as linked to above, again your local dealer should be able to sort this for you easily

 

[Bill R]

The season ended for me last Sunday. I'll bring the boots in to a shop when I get my skis tuned at the start of next season. Until then...

 

[slowrider]

I had all kinds of parts falling off boots. IDK? But loctite did the trick.

 

[KingGrump]

I had all kinds of parts falling off boots. IDK? But loctite did the trick.

The original eccentric hinge mechanism is a specialty tubular rivet with the adjustable eccentric being one end of the rivet. The expanding tubular side is backed up by a metal washer to distribute the load on the plastic of the boot. Locktite or similar thread locking fluid would not be effective in this specific application.

The replacement hinge mechanism is of screw and tee nut design. Locktite has been pre-applied to the male threaded screws for ease of installation.