Sometimes when you order a skateboard online or purchase the parts of a board, you need to assemble the board all by yourself. Assembling a skateboard at home alone is not as hard as it sounds. It is 1000 times easier than it sounds. All you need to do is to follow the method of assembling the skateboard very carefully. Manage a screwdriver depending on your hardware bolt type and other accessories.
Our expert team has designed this blog, especially for you if you wish to know how to assemble a skateboard. This blog contains exceptional steps from our expert team to make your work easier. So let’s dig into the details.
The Parts of a Skateboard
It won’t be so different if you want to assemble a skateboard in your home. You can do it all by yourself. But what components are you going to assemble? This question may arise in your mind. So before assembling, you need to know about the parts of a Skateboard.
And they are:-
- Skateboard deck
- Set of skateboard trucks (two)
- Set of skateboard wheels (four)
- Set of skateboard bearings (eight)
- Skateboard grip tape
- Skateboard hardware set (eight bolts and nuts)
- Skateboard riser pads (optional)
- Skateboard T-tool or wrench
- Razor blade or utility knife
- Screwdriver (optional)
How to Assemble a Skateboard
Some skaters, especially beginners, find it confusing to assemble a skateboard. Keeping that situation in mind, our expert team has designed this blog with some easy steps to do straightforwardly at home. The steps to assemble a skateboard are given below.
Step 1: Preparing the Deck
The first step in assembling your skateboard is preparing the deck. Follow these steps:
- Lay the skateboard deck on a flat surface with the grip tape facing down.
- If your grip tape comes with a backing paper, carefully remove it, exposing the adhesive side of the grip tape.
- Position the grip tape evenly on the deck, ensuring it covers the entire top surface.
- Starting from one end, firmly press down on the grip tape, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles as you go.
- Use a razor blade or utility knife to trim off the excess grip tape, following the outline of the deck.
Step 2: Installing the Trucks
Next, let’s move on to installing the trucks, the metal components that attach the wheels to the skateboard deck. Follow these steps:
- Take one of the skateboard trucks and align it with the holes on the underside of the deck.
- Insert a bolt through one of the truck’s mounting holes from the top side of the deck.
- Secure the bolt by placing a nut on the threaded end underneath the deck.
- Repeat this process for the remaining three mounting holes on the same truck.
- Tighten the bolts with a skateboard T-tool or wrench until the truck is securely fastened to the deck.
- Repeat the above steps for the other truck, ensuring they are positioned symmetrically on the deck.
Step 3: Installing the Bearings
Properly installed bearings ensure smooth rotation of the wheels. Follow these steps to install the bearings:
- Take one of the skateboard bearings and align it with the center of a wheel.
- Press the bearing into the wheel, applying firm and even pressure.
- Repeat this process for the remaining seven bearings, ensuring each wheel has two bearings.
- Once all bearings are in place, flip the wheel and repeat the process for the other side.
- Ensure that all bearings are fully seated inside the wheels without any gaps.
Step 4: Attaching the Wheels
Now it’s time to attach the wheels to your skateboard. Here’s how to do it:
- Take one of the skateboard wheels and align it with the exposed end of a truck axle.
- Push the wheel onto the axle until it fits snugly against the truck’s baseplate.
- Repeat this process for the remaining three wheels, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- If your skateboard has riser pads, place them between the trucks and the deck for added clearance.
- Double-check that all wheels are securely attached and aligned.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
With the main components of your skateboard assembled, it’s time for some final adjustments:
- Check that all bolts, nuts, and screws are securely tightened.
- Use a skateboard T-tool or wrench to adjust the tightness of the trucks according to your preference.
- Test the skateboard’s stability by gently rocking it back and forth.
- If necessary, make minor adjustments to the trucks’ tightness or wheel alignment until you achieve the desired balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Put Screws on a Skateboard?
To put screws on a skateboard, flip the deck with the grip tape facing up. Align the trucks with the mounting holes and insert bolts from the top side. Flip the deck, place nuts on the bolts from the underside, and tighten them using a skateboard T-tool or wrench.
Repeat for the other truck. Ensure the nuts are securely tightened to attach the trucks to the deck firmly. Regularly check and tighten the bolts for maintenance.
Can I assemble a skateboard without grip tape?
No. Grip tape is essential for traction between your shoes and the skateboard deck. It helps prevent your feet from slipping while riding or performing tricks. Therefore, using grip tape when assembling a skateboard is highly recommended.
How often should I replace my skateboard bearings?
Bearings generally have a long lifespan but can wear out over time due to dirt, moisture, or heavy use. Regularly inspect your bearings for signs of rust, excessive dirt buildup, or reduced performance. If they feel gritty, make unusual noises, or no longer spin smoothly, it may be time to replace them.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have tried our best to help you assemble your skateboard at home. So just follow the steps carefully and enjoy assembling your skateboard at home. Make sure you check your skateboard before riding. If you enjoy your skating ride on a mini skateboard and want to get information about the best mini skateboard, check out our article on the best mini skateboard.
If you have any advice or want information about skating or cycling from us, leave your words in the comment box. We would like to answer as soon as possible.
