Snowmobiles are fun to experience for everyone. However, certain weather conditions such as packed or hard snow require add-ons like studs for a smooth ride. Fortunately, studs are not always necessary to have on a snowmobile.

You can easily remove studs from a snowmobile track while keeping the track intact. Unless desired, it is not always necessary to remove the studs from a snowmobile. They can provide stability for your snowmobile, regardless of the weather conditions. 

Continue reading to learn how to remove studs from a snowmobile track and why you might choose to do so. I will also explain what studs are used for on a snowmobile. 

What Are Snowmobile Studs?

Snowmobile tracks may appear to have metal pieces, making the overall track appear intense. These metal pieces are referred to as snowmobile studs. 

Snowmobile studs are small metal pieces that attach to the snowmobile track. These studs provide control for drivers when they stop, accelerate, and maneuver around. At the very least, studs provide safety and security. 

Not all snowmobiles come with studded tracks. Most times, owners will add on studs or purchase studded tracks to install on their snowmobile. This is most common for more experienced drivers and individuals that live in cold areas. 

Studded tracks are especially helpful for driving in packed snow where it is hard. Fresh snow and large amounts of snow might not be an issue for regular tracks, and driving is an easy process. 

Nevertheless, some experienced snowmobile drivers prefer to always have studs on their snowmobile tracks. It helps to keep them safe so they worry less about accidents.

Why Should I Remove My Snowmobile Studs?

Snowmobile studs are an optional accessory for the tracks that are placed on your snowmobile. Sometimes, they are considered necessary, while other times, they are seen as useless and you may want to remove them. 

You should remove your snowmobile studs if your studs are causing damage to your snowmobile and interrupting your ride. Studs are not needed on fresh snow, and studs should be checked often for bends and breaks. 

Snowmobile studs are a protective barrier for your track, and they can help your track last longer. They also improve the smoothness of your ride, and can be beneficial if you often use your snowmobile in different types of terrain. 

It is best to keep an eye on your studs from time to time to make sure they are all intact. Having a bent or broken stud will not create any major safety concerns, but they could damage your overall track. 

If you do choose to remove your studs, you can still ride with the same track. Some individuals have recommended purchasing an entire new track for precautionary purposes though. 

If you have never had studs on your snowmobile track, it may be something you’ll want to try out. It is a different type of experience than driving without them, and you might find you prefer driving your snowmobile with them. 

How to Remove Your Snowmobile Studs

To a beginner, removing snowmobile studs can appear to be a tedious and unfortunate job. However, the right knowledge and skill can guarantee a successful experience for everyone involved in the process. 

To remove your studs, all you need to do is unscrew and loosen the stud from its hold. To do this, a few necessary tools are required. Prepare beforehand by collecting the proper supplies: 

  • A half of an inch (12.7mm) socket 
  • A Wrench 
  • 5/32 Allen Key 

Once you have these tools, the process can happen quickly and easily. The allen key will insert on the bottom of the stud while the socket and wrench will go over the stud on top. From here, it’s just a matter of going through the process to loosen the studs.

If you’d like a more comprehensive idea at how to accomplish this process, here is a great video on YouTube by 4 Seasons Bros.

Once the studs are removed, you can easily replace them with new ones. The same process applies, but you will be tightening the studs on rather than loosening them. 

It is also recommended to add Loctite 271 Threadlocker Red (available on Amazon.com) as a precaution. The worst thing in the world would be having a stud fly off during your drive. As mentioned previously, your track can remain intact if you do not want to add on replacement studs.

Replacing your current track with a new one is an option as well, if you choose to remove your studs. Many individuals will do this as a precaution. 

The Importance of Snowmobile Studs

The majority of people that have been snowmobiling have come to understand the importance of studs. Unfortunately, this occurs through experiences that aren’t the most enjoyable. 

Snowmobile studs are important because they provide drivers with a protective barrier and driving assistance while in harsh weather conditions. Sometimes, other issues can arise and studs can assist with managing the overall stability of the snowmobile.

There are many specific ways that snowmobile studs can assist a snowmobile driver: 

  • They add control when drivers are going fast around sharp and icy turns. 
  • Snowmobile studs help reduce the braking distance that occurs. 
  • The overall ride is smoother, and traction is improved. 
  • Drivers can move at faster speeds and feel safe while doing so. 
  • Your snowmobile will feel like it has friction and is attached to the ground.

If you are driving at a slow rate and are not concerned about certain issues with snowmobiling, studs might not seem like that big of a deal. However, for traveling at faster speeds and in conditions that are icy and considered unsafe, snowmobile studs are a lifesaver. 

How Many Studs Should I Place on My Tracks?

It can be challenging to decide how many studs should be placed on a snowmobile track, especially if you are not well versed in the world of snowmobiling. However, the number of studs should depend on how fast you plan on driving. 

You should place 96 studs on your tracks if you are an intermediate driver, and up to 120 studs if you travel at faster speeds. Individuals should not add too many studs though because their overall performance may weaken over time. 

If you are just driving casually and are considering studs for your track, begin with a low number like 96. It is best to have an amount that is evenly balanced on your track at all times. 

Your studs should also be around ¼ of an inch (11mm) and ⅜ of an inch (14mm) in size, but closer to ¼ of an inch (11mm) is recommended. If too tall in height, they will bend and break. ⅜ of an inch (14mm) studs are mainly utilized by individuals that are considered expert. 

What matters is that you find the right studs for you and place just the right amount on to improve your personal ride. 

In Conclusion  

Snowmobiles are super fun to experience, and have become popular over the years for many. As time passes, this sport is becoming more advanced, and driving with studs is a common phenomenon. 

Studs can be removed easily as well as replaced back on the tracks. Regardless of the reason, adding and removing accessories is an easy part of maintaining a snowmobile. 

Try to drive with and without studs on your snowmobile. You might be surprised by what you like best.

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