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Comparison and Installation of Ice Studs

by Karen Cox

Studs add traction on hard-packed snow and icy roads, as well as in wet grass. We carry both Scoot Boot studs and our own custom tee-nut studs.

Types of Studs

 

The Scoot Boot studs only require a small hole to be made in the boot, which does not go all the way through. They can be removed and the boots then used the rest of the year without studs. They can be a challenge to reinstall as the drilled holes must first be cleaned out and this is difficult with holes that don't go all the way through. Scoot Boot "Quick Studs" https://www.timberlinetack.com/collections/featured/products/scoot-boot-ice-stud-pack

Our tee-nut studs are a bit larger and more aggressive. These are approximately 1/4" tee-nuts with matching bolts made steel. They require holes to be drilled all the way through the boots and once they are used you cannot switch to Scoot Studs. These dont' come with spares; it's virtually impossible for them to come out. The studs can be removed and the boots then used the rest of the year. The holes are easy to clean out with a screwdriver or other small tool. Our experience is that no material enters the sole of the boots through the holes. The holes get packed with grit, and we leave them packed until it comes time for installing studs again. https://www.timberlinetack.com/collections/featured/products/studs

 
You can install the studs yourself following instructions in the videos below or we can install them for you: https://www.timberlinetack.com/collections/featured/products/install-studs-in-scoot-pair

Tips

  • If your boots are older you have to make sure the soles are thick enough to accommodate the studs.
  • If you live in a place with months of solid winter you can install the studs at the beginning of winter, remove them at the end, and repeat the next year. 
  • If you are thinking to put them in one week, out the next, over and over, you can do that with the tee nut type, BUT it is not really practical, as it's a bit time consuming and is a fiddly task!
  • If using the quick studs I would not recommend removing and replacing repeatedly, eventually they won't stay in well. 

Comparison of Tee Nut and Scoot Boot Quick Studs:




Another video on installing:


How to install Tee Nut Studs (Written Instructions)

The above videos and these instructions are for four tee-nuts, one in each corner. For each stud a hole is drilled in the boot, the locking nut is pressed into the inside of the boot with pliers, and the bolt is inserted through the hole and screwed into the boot using a ratchet (see video).

  1. Using the locking nut as a guide determine and mark the positions of each hole to be drilled, making sure you position them such that the nuts will have enough room on the inside of the boot.
  2. Using a 3/8" drill, drill a hole into the boot in each corner. 
  3. Clamp the locking nut into the boot using pliers
  4. Screw the bolt into the nut using a socket

How To Install Scoot Boot Quick Studs

  1. Determine and mark where you are going to install each stud. Remember you need the equal amount of studs placed in the same position on each boot. 
  2. Carefully drill a narrow starting hole approximately 1/4" / 5mm deep. DO NOT drill completely through the sole of the boot. Wrapping a piece of duct tape around the drill bit 1/4" from the end can help ensure you don't drill too far.
  3. Insert the ice stud tool into your drill and SLOWLY scre your ice studs into the sole. Ensure the head of the stud is sitting snug against the sole of the boot. 
  4. Riding on mixed terrain, dirt and gravel will wear your studs down more quickly. Remember to remove the ice studs when you're done with winter riding. Insert the ice stud tool, set your drill to reverse and slowly remove the studs. Your studs may be reused. 

Riding With Ice Studs

Studs are recommended for ice and hard-packed snow such as is found on roads being driven on by vehicles. Common sense should still be used though, especially on roads with smoother harder ice. Test them at the walk first, then a slow trot, and don't go screeching around corners! Use extra caution when combining wet, muddy, or icy conditions with hills or tight turns.

Here's a quick video of a ride with ice studs, on soft ice on a flat surface and hard packed snow going up hill. NOTE: If this were sheer ice I would not attempt this - use your own judgement. 

Here is a ride on a combination of fresh snow and packed roads:  

We love winter riding and have found studs to be a big help in adding traction! 

 

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