How To Assemble & Maintain Your Skateboard!

"Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Your Skateboard"

Assembling The Skateboard

Assembling a skateboard can be a fun and rewarding process, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure both safety and optimal performance. To get started, you'll need a few key tools and pieces of equipment, including a skate tool, a screwdriver, grip tape, trucks, wheels, and bearings.

Once you have your tools and equipment, it's time to start the assembly process. Here are the basic steps:

1. Apply the Grip Tape: Begin by applying the grip tape to the deck. Start by peeling off the backing paper and aligning the tape with the deck. Press it down firmly to ensure it adheres properly.

2. Cut the Excess Grip Tape: Once the grip tape is applied, use a razor blade or utility knife to trim the excess tape around the edges of the deck. Be careful not to cut into the deck itself.

3. Install the Trucks: The trucks are what hold the wheels in place. Use your skate tool to attach the trucks to the deck. Make sure they are aligned properly and tightened securely.

4. Install the Wheels: Once the trucks are in place, it's time to install the wheels. Simply push the bearings into the wheels and then slide the wheels onto the axles of the trucks. Make sure they spin freely and don't wobble.

5. Test the Board: Finally, give your skateboard a quick test to ensure everything is in place and working properly. Stand on the board and rock back and forth to make sure the trucks are secure and the wheels spin freely.

In addition to these basic steps, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when assembling your skateboard. For example, make sure the trucks are facing in the right direction (the kingpin should be facing towards the center of the board). Also, be sure to tighten all bolts and screws securely, but not too tight, to avoid damaging the board.

By following these steps and tips, you can assemble your skateboard with confidence and ensure it's ready for a great ride.

Maintaining Your Skateboard

Maintaining a skateboard is just as important as assembling it. Proper maintenance ensures that the skateboard performs at its best and keeps the rider safe from accidents. In this section, we'll discuss the importance of maintaining a skateboard, provide a checklist of routine maintenance tasks, and offer tips for staying on top of maintenance.

Importance of Maintaining a Skateboard:

Maintaining a skateboard is crucial for safety and performance. Regular maintenance ensures that the skateboard components are working as they should and reduces the risk of accidents. For example, loose bolts can cause the trucks to detach from the board while riding, leading to a dangerous fall. Dirty bearings can cause the wheels to spin slower, which can impact the skateboard's speed and maneuverability. A cracked or warped deck can cause the rider to lose control of the board, leading to an accident. Therefore, it's important to stay on top of maintenance to ensure a safe and smooth ride.

Routine Maintenance Checklist:

1. Check and Tighten Bolts: Regularly check the bolts that attach the trucks to the board and ensure that they are tightened. Loose bolts can lead to accidents, and they can also cause the board to make unnecessary noises while riding.

2. Clean Bearings: Skateboard bearings can get dirty over time, which can cause the wheels to spin slower. Cleaning the bearings regularly ensures that the skateboard performs at its best. To clean bearings, remove them from the wheels and soak them in a bearing cleaner. Once clean, dry the bearings and add a few drops of lubricant before reassembling them.

3. Inspect the Deck: Inspect the deck regularly for cracks, warps, and other damages. A damaged deck can be dangerous to ride on and should be replaced immediately.

4. Rotate Wheels: Skateboard wheels can wear unevenly over time. Rotating the wheels regularly ensures that they wear evenly and extend their lifespan. To rotate the wheels, remove them from the trucks and swap the back wheels with the front wheels.

5. Adjust Trucks: Skateboard trucks can be adjusted to suit personal riding preferences. Make sure that the trucks are adjusted correctly and are not too loose or too tight. Tight trucks can lead to difficulty maneuvering, while loose trucks can lead to instability.

Frequency of Maintenance Tasks:

The frequency of maintenance tasks varies depending on how often the skateboard is used and the riding conditions. For example, a skateboard that's used daily in rough conditions will require more maintenance than one that's used occasionally on smooth surfaces. However, as a general rule, skateboard maintenance should be performed at least once a month. Inspect the board for damage, tighten bolts, rotate the wheels, and clean the bearings. Additionally, adjust the trucks as needed.

Tips for Staying on Top of Maintenance:

Staying on top of skateboard maintenance can be challenging, but it's essential for a safe and smooth ride. Here are some tips for staying on top of maintenance:

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance: Set a reminder to perform maintenance tasks at least once a month. This can be done using a calendar or a phone app.

2. Keep a Maintenance Kit Handy: Keep a maintenance kit with all the necessary tools and supplies, such as a skate tool, bearing cleaner, and lubricant. This will make it easier to perform maintenance tasks quickly and efficiently.

3. Store the Skateboard Properly: When not in use, store the skateboard in a dry and cool place. This helps prevent damage to the deck and other components.

4. Replace Worn Components: If a component is worn or damaged beyond repair, replace it immediately. Continuing to use a damaged component can be dangerous and affect the skateboard's performance.

"Upgrading Your Skateboard: Components to Consider"

Upgrading Your Skateboard

One of the great things about skateboarding is the ability to customize and upgrade your skateboard to suit your personal preferences and riding style. Upgrading certain components of your skateboard can significantly improve your riding experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater. In this section, we'll discuss some common upgrades and how they can enhance the performance of your skateboard.

1. Wheels

Wheels are an essential component of your skateboard, and upgrading them can have a significant impact on your ride. Here are some factors to consider when upgrading your wheels:

• Size: Larger wheels generally provide a smoother ride and roll over rough surfaces more easily. Smaller wheels are better for technical tricks and maneuvers.
• Hardness: Softer wheels provide more grip and a smoother ride, while harder wheels are more durable and slide more easily. Softer wheels are better for cruising, while harder wheels are better for technical skateboarding and tricks.
• Shape: The shape of your wheels can also affect your ride. Round wheels provide more grip, while square wheels are better for sliding.

Consider upgrading your wheels if you mainly ride on rough terrain or want to cruise faster. Larger or softer wheels can provide a smoother ride, while harder wheels are better for technical skateboarding and tricks.

2. Bearings

Bearings are the small metal components that fit inside the wheels of your skateboard and allow them to spin. Upgrading your bearings can make your skateboard roll smoother and faster, and reduce friction and noise. Here are some factors to consider when upgrading your bearings:

• ABEC rating: The ABEC rating is a measure of the precision and speed of the bearings. Higher ABEC ratings generally provide a smoother and faster ride.
• Material: Ceramic bearings are generally faster and more durable than steel bearings, but they are also more expensive.
• Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for the performance of your bearings. Consider using high-quality lubricants to keep your bearings rolling smoothly.

Consider upgrading your bearings to higher-quality bearings if you want to improve your speed and reduce the amount of effort required to push your skateboard.

3. Trucks

Trucks are the metal components that attach your wheels to your skateboard deck. Upgrading your trucks can improve your turning ability and stability. Here are some factors to consider when upgrading your trucks:

• Size: The size of your trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck. Consider upgrading to wider or narrower trucks if you want to improve your stability or turning ability.
• Bushings: The bushings are the small rubber components that sit inside the trucks and provide cushioning and turning ability. Upgrading your bushings can improve your turning ability and provide a more customized ride.
• Shape: Different truck brands have different shapes and designs, which can affect your ride. Consider experimenting with different truck brands to find the ones that suit your preferences.

Consider upgrading your trucks if you want to improve your maneuverability, reduce wheel bite, or increase your grind control.

When determining which upgrades are necessary, consider your personal preferences and skill level. If you're just starting out, you may not need to upgrade your components immediately. However, if you're an experienced skater or are looking to improve your performance, upgrading your components may be necessary. Do some research and experiment with different upgrades to find what works best for you. Keep in mind that not all upgrades are necessary or suitable for every skater, so be selective about which upgrades you choose.

Troubleshooting Common Skateboard Issues

While assembling and maintaining your skateboard is crucial, even the best-kept boards can experience issues. Here are some common issues that skateboarders may encounter and how to troubleshoot them.

1. Squeaky Bearings Squeaky bearings can be a common issue for skateboarders, and it's often caused by dirt or debris that accumulates inside the bearings. Here's how to troubleshoot this issue:

• Remove the wheel from the truck axle.
• Carefully remove the bearing from the wheel using a skate tool or bearing puller.
• Clean the bearing by soaking it in a cleaning solution or using a bearing cleaning kit.
• Dry the bearing using a clean towel or compressed air.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to the bearing and replace it in the wheel.
• Repeat the process for the remaining bearings.

2. Loose Trucks Loose trucks can impact the stability and control of your skateboard. If you notice your trucks feeling wobbly or loose, here's how to troubleshoot the issue:

• Use a skate tool to tighten the kingpin nut on the truck until it feels snug but not overly tight.
• Test the tightness by standing on the board and rocking back and forth. If the trucks still feel loose, tighten the kingpin nut a little more until you achieve the desired stability.

3. Worn Wheels Skateboard wheels can wear down over time, causing a bumpy ride and decreased performance. Here's how to troubleshoot this issue:

• Check the wheels for signs of wear or flat spots. If the wheels are worn down or uneven, it may be time to replace them.
• To replace the wheels, use a skate tool to remove the nut on the truck axle and slide off the old wheel.
• Slide the new wheel onto the truck axle and replace the nut, tightening it until the wheel feels snug.

When to Seek Professional Assistance While some skateboard issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting, there are times when it's best to seek professional assistance. For instance, if you notice significant damage to your deck or trucks, it's best to have it evaluated by a professional skateboard technician. Additionally, if you're not confident in your ability to troubleshoot or fix an issue, it's always better to seek help than to risk making the problem worse.

Assembling and maintaining your skateboard is crucial for both safety and performance. Assembling your skateboard properly ensures that all components are securely attached and reduces the risk of accidents or injury while riding. Additionally, maintaining your skateboard helps to ensure that it performs at its best and lasts longer.

Regularly checking and maintaining your skateboard is also important for preventing wear and tear on its components. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to issues such as worn bearings, loose trucks, or damaged decks. These issues can compromise the safety of your skateboard and ultimately affect your riding experience.

We encourage all skateboarders, whether new or experienced, to take the time to properly assemble and maintain their skateboard. This includes performing routine maintenance tasks and upgrading components as necessary. By doing so, you'll be able to ride with confidence knowing that your skateboard is safe and performing at its best.

Remember, safety should always be a top priority when riding a skateboard. Always wear proper safety gear, such as a helmet and pads, and ride in a safe environment. By following these tips and regularly maintaining your skateboard, you'll be able to enjoy the sport for years to come.

We hope that this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to assemble and maintain your skateboard properly. Now that you're equipped with this knowledge, it's time to hit the streets and enjoy the sport you love!

But before you go, we want to remind you that in addition to skateboards, we also offer a wide range of eco-friendly skateboard clothing that features skate graphics. Our skater hoodies and t-shirts are printed in the UK and are the perfect way to show your love for skateboarding both on and off the board.

So, if you're in the market for new skate clothing or accessories, be sure to check out our skate shop website. And don't forget, we offer free delivery on orders over £50.00. Thank you for reading, and happy skating!

By The Supply Network