Changing skateboard or longboard wheels is a simple task that can drastically change the way your board rides. Wheels eventually wear out after a while and it’s important to know when wheels can be fixed with DIY tricks or when it’s time for a fresh four.
Can you put any wheels on any skateboard?
You can put longboard wheels on a skateboard but they can’t be bigger than 70mm. You need to attach 1/2“ riser pads and 1 1/2″ bolts to keep enough clearance or else you get wheel bite. Your trucks should be tight and harder bushings are recommended depending on your weight.
What tool do you need to change wheels on skateboard?
Grab a skate tool or a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) wrench. A skate tool is a T-shaped wrench designed specifically to remove and replace skateboard wheels. If you don’t have this tool on hand, a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) wrench, crescent wrench, or vice grip will also get the job done.
How often do you replace wheels skateboard?
Your board wheels start shaping after the way you take a turn, after a while, they get cone-shaped. It’s pretty common they wear down unevenly as you probably favor one side more than the other. You can swap your wheels around about every 2 or 3 months, depending on how often you ride your skateboard.
How much does it cost to put wheels on a skateboard?
Breaking Down the Cost of Skateboarding
| Skateboard parts | One time Cost |
|---|---|
| Skateboard deck | $35 to $65 |
| Skateboard Wheels | $15 to $50 |
| Skateboard trucks | $20 to $80 |
| Bearings | $10 to $80 |
How long do skateboard wheels last?
In general, the average lifespan of ordinary skateboard wheels is about 3 months. What is this? That said, it may be impossible for us to determine the exact lifespan of a new skateboard wheel because there are factors to consider. Some wheels wear out faster while others last a little longer.
What is wheel bite?
Wheelbite is when your wheel makes contact and bites the bottom of your deck, and in some cases this may bring you to an unexpected halt. From a traditional skating perspective, it’s not a huge concern since the harder wheels are more forgiving.
Is a skate tool necessary?
You don’t necessarily need a skate tool, but at the very least you need 3 different sized wrenches, 1 screwdriver, and 1 size of Allen key. The nice thing about a skate tool is that it has all of these tools built into 1 convenient and easy to carry tool.
Should you rotate skateboard wheels?
Rotating your wheels periodically is a good way to prolong the life of your skateboard and ensure even wear over time. Once you remove the wheels, rotate them in an X pattern. Your left rear wheel becomes your right front wheel, and your right rear wheel becomes your left front wheel.
Why do skaters flip their wheels?
Reversing the wheels simply extends their life by switching the unworn side to the inside. Junior skaters and those on a budget do this, I would expect that high-level skaters simply replace wheels as soon as they wear.
Do skateboard wheels make a difference?
Skateboard wheel size matters a lot. If the wheels are too big you’ll have a hard time landing tricks and the wheels might come into contact with your board. On average you should pick wheels between 52 and 54 millimeters depending on what and where you skate.
How often do pro skaters change decks?
It may be shocking to learn, but serious skaters may need to get a new deck every 2 weeks. On the other hand, cruisers have decks that will likely last a year or two – especially if they’re just casually skating, on an infrequent basis.
How much should a beginner spend on a skateboard?
Don’t Spend Too Much on Your First Skateboard
Don’t go all out on expensive equipment like hollow trucks, top-notch wheels, ceramic bearings and $90 decks. You can get a complete setup for about $100 to $140.
How long does it take to learn skateboarding?
Typically it takes at least 12 months to 3 years to become good at skateboarding. In 12 months you’ll be able to learn a few basic tricks. Between 1 and 3 years you can learn advanced tricks. The progression timeline varies from person to person.
Is skateboarding expensive?
Good bearings can last for over a decade if you take care of them properly. Skateboarding is expensive because there are hidden costs. The most expensive part about skateboarding are shoes and decks, which need to be replaces every few months.
Do skateboards lose Pop?
Even if there’s no damage at all, at some point a skateboard deck loses its pop. A chipped nose or tail is very common and not a reason to get a new deck. With time your deck wears out, often you don’t even notice when you struggle with your board too much.
What wheels are good for street skating?
For most street skating, wheels with a durometer rating of 99a and up are preferred. Harder skate wheels are more responsive, slide easier, and hold speed better on smooth surfaces. They absorb less energy than their softer counterpart, making it preferential for popping and flipping tricks.
Is it easier to ride a skateboard or longboard?
Longboards are easier to learn the basics, but skateboards are easier to learn tricks. With the larger wheels and board, longboards have more stability. This requires less balance for the rider, making them ideal for beginners. Skateboards, with less weight and the upturned nose and tail, are much easier to do tricks.
Do you have to wax your skateboard?
Whether you’re buying your first board or you’re getting into tricks for the first time, you’re going to need a skate wax that protects your board and keeps it sliding as smoothly as possible.
What is the skate tool called?
The skate wrench comes in many different shapes and sizes but is essentially the same regardless. Most skate wrenches will be comprised of 4 main components: 1) Kingpin adjustment: this will be the largest gauge socket on your skate wrench and is used to tighten or loosen your kingpin.
Can you assemble a skateboard without a skate tool?
You can use a skate tool or the axles of your trucks to pop them in place, make sure you put them in all the way, they shouldn’t stick out. You should also use spacers to protect your bearings from getting crushed when you tighten the axle nut. Tools you need; A skate tool or your hands and your truck’s axle.