How to change a snowshoe strap by performing this repair easily

Before replacing a worn strap or buckle on your MSR, Atlas, GV, Tubbs, LG , or other brand snowshoes, it's essential to know how to properly remove a rivet. This basic step will allow you to perform your repairs accurately and extend the life of your equipment. With the right tools and a little know-how, this operation becomes simple, quick, and safe—whether you're a beginner or an experienced handyman.

How to easily remove a rivet from a snowshoe

Now, learn how to change a snowshoe strap step by step and perform this repair easily. A simple, fast, and durable solution for your winter gear.

1. Prepare your tools

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and good experience in the safe use of tools.

🔧 Required tools:

• A drill equipped with a suitable drill bit:

  • Standard snowshoes : 3/16" sharpened drill bit (equivalent to 4.76 mm )

  • Atlas snowshoes : ¼ " sharpened drill bit (equivalent to 6.35 mm )

• Vice-Grip type pliers or locking pliers

• Safety glasses to protect your eyes.

• A cloth for cleaning up metallic residue.

• Screwdriver

• Cutting lubricant for drilling rivets

• Take the time to consult their user guides to minimize the risk of accidents.

Good preparation ensures efficient and safe work.

2. Work safely and carefully!

What are the risks? Metal fragments flying during drilling are one of the main dangers. These fragments, whether metal, dust, debris, wood, or plastic, can be propelled at high speed and cause serious injuries.

The eyes are particularly vulnerable: a splinter can cause lacerations, damage to the cornea, and in the worst cases, lead to blindness.

It is therefore essential to wear safety glasses during the operation and to ensure that people nearby are also protected.

Stable work surface: Ensure you have a clear space to perform your tasks safely. Before using your tools, take the time to consult their user manuals to minimize the risk of accidents.

3. Method and protection:

• Put on gloves and safety glasses.

• Clamp the washers with a vise grip to ensure they never rotate on their own when using the drill.

• Use a drill bit the exact size of the rivet for effective removal.

• Wick size: Standard racket brand 3/16 (ATLAS brand 1/4)

Oil the rivet head and drill it, positioning the drill bit in the center. When drilling the rivet head, be careful not to overheat the material of your snowshoe.

• With pliers, hold the rivet firmly and keep it centered to avoid damaging the racket or the aluminum frame.

• When drilling through the rivet head, be careful not to overheat the material of your snowshoe by regularly monitoring the temperature.

• Hold the drill firmly and slowly adjust the speed and drilling depth according to the size of the rivet. This prevents overheating of the metal and the drill bit, and any risk of damage to the racket.

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  Aluminum or steel rivets – In most cases, removal is done from the top of the rackets. Aluminum rivets usually have a small hole on top (see photo on the left below). They should be able to be removed fairly easily by slowly drilling them out.

  ⚠️ It is essential to prevent the rivets or washers located under the racket from rotating during drilling. If this occurs, stop immediately, then firmly hold the washer from below using pliers or vice-Grip type locking pliers (see photo on the right), before continuing drilling from above.

  
  
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  Drilling steel rivets should be done with cutting lubricant to facilitate the drill bit's penetration into the metal. Take your time and drill slowly.

  ⚠️ If the drill spins too fast, you risk:

  • to quickly wear out or burn out your drill bit,

  • to dull the tip,

  • and to melt the material of the snowshoe onto which you will attach your new snowshoe parts

  💡 Tip: It can be helpful to dip the drill bit in cold water or lubricant every 15 to 30 seconds to prevent it from overheating.

  
  

  4. Cleaning the orifice

Once the rivet is removed, some metal residue may remain in the hole. Carefully clean the hole with a clean cloth, shaking it over a bin to remove any particles. Ensure the hole is clean and ready to receive a new rivet if necessary.

5. Inspection and finishing

Before installing a new rivet or part, carefully inspect the hole to ensure it is not damaged or deformed.

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Removing a rivet from a snowshoe — especially an aluminum one — requires good preparation and precise work.

Perfect solutions for changing the rivets on your tennis rackets

• Option 1: Pair of High-End Tubular Rivets – Original model that is installed with an industrial riveter.

  
  

• Option 2: Stainless steel bolts and nylon self-locking nuts – A reliable and durable fastening

  Opt for a robust and versatile solution with our stainless steel bolts and self-locking nylon nuts.

• Designed for quick, easy and efficient repair , they fit all models of snowshoes.

• Ideal for extending the lifespan of your equipment , they guarantee a solid, vibration- and weather-resistant fixing.

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  ⚙️ Key Benefits

  • Universal compatibility – Fits most snowshoe models.

  • Stronger fixing than a rivet – Perfect for long-lasting repairs.

  • Anti-vibration nylon ring – Prevents gradual loosening.

  • Removable and reusable assembly – Facilitates adjustments and maintenance.

  • Robust materials – Stainless steel ensuring uniform clamping and superior mechanical resistance.

  • Simple installation – Insert the bolt, screw the nut on by hand, then tighten firmly without forcing.

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• Option 3: Tap-in rivets

  Instructions for installing a tap-in rivet

1. Prepare the part to be fixed

2. Insert the rivet

   • Place the rivet shank into the pre-drilled hole.

   • Make sure it is properly aligned

3. Place the rivet on a solid support

   • Place the rivet head on a hard, stable surface (anvil, metal block).

   

   
   
   
   

4. Strike the rivet

   • Using a hammer, firmly tap the rivet shank to flatten it and create a solid fastening.

   • Use several small blows instead of one large blow to avoid deforming the

5. Check the sturdiness

   • Make sure the rivet is flattened and holds the parts firmly together.

   • If necessary, give a few more taps for a perfect fit.

✅ Your rivet is now securely fixed!

Order today and benefit from a repair

Reliable and durable!

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Professional installation service:

If these steps seem complex, our ProShop workshop in Laval, Quebec, can perform the installation for you, using specialized tools and a durability guarantee.

📍 Simard Sport ProShop – Laval

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Simard Sport Canada specializes in durable snowshoe replacement and maintenance parts. Discover high-quality repair kits, straps, bindings, and accessories to extend the life of your snowshoes.

⚠️ Disclaimer – Simard Sport: Simard Sport makes no representations, promises, or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the content of these installation or repair instructions. The company expressly disclaims all liability for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from improper use or installation of parts.

No warranty, express or implied, is given regarding the content of these instructions or the parts included in the repair or replacement kits .

Thank you for your trust, The Simard Sport .com Team