How to Set Up a Complete Skateboard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Building your own skateboard setup is a rewarding and essential skill. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up a complete skateboard from scratch, explaining what you need and how to put it all together.
What You Need to Set Up a Complete Skateboard
Before you begin assembling your skateboard, you’ll need to gather the necessary components. A "complete skateboard" refers to the full setup of all the individual parts that make up the board, including the deck, wheels, trucks, bearings, hardware, and grip tape. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Deck – The wooden platform that you stand on.
- Trucks – The metal axles that attach the wheels to the deck.
- Wheels – The round parts that allow your skateboard to roll.
- Bearings – Small metal rings that fit inside the wheels, allowing them to spin smoothly.
- Grip Tape – A sticky, sandpaper-like material applied to the top of the deck for traction.
- Hardware – Screws and nuts used to attach the trucks to the deck.
- Tool – A skate tool or wrench to tighten and adjust the components.
Step 1: Apply the Grip Tape
The first thing you’ll want to do is add grip tape to the top of your skateboard deck. Grip tape provides traction and prevents you from slipping off the board while riding.
-
Position the Grip Tape: Take your grip tape and peel off the backing. Lay the grip tape on top of your skateboard deck with the adhesive side facing down. Center it so that it covers the entire surface of the deck.
-
Trim the Excess: Once the grip tape is in place, use a razor blade or utility knife to trim the edges. Be careful to follow the shape of the deck as closely as possible to avoid jagged edges.
-
Smooth It Down: Use a skate tool, screwdriver, or just your hands to press down on the grip tape and smooth out any air bubbles. This helps the grip tape adhere better and stay in place.
Step 2: Attach the Trucks
Next, it’s time to attach the trucks to your deck. Trucks are the metal parts that allow the wheels to turn, and they are a crucial component for steering and control.
-
Position the Trucks: Flip the deck over, so the gripped side is facing down. Position the trucks on the underside of the board. There will be six holes in the deck; the trucks are usually mounted using the two sets of holes closest to each other.
-
Insert the Hardware: Take the screws from your hardware pack and insert them into the holes of the deck, going through the baseplate of each truck. You’ll need four screws for each truck. Make sure the trucks are lined up correctly before moving forward.
-
Tighten the Nuts: On the other side of the deck, place the nuts onto the screws and tighten them with a skate tool or wrench. Tighten them until the trucks feel secure, but be careful not to overtighten, as this could crack the deck.
Step 3: Install the Bearings
Bearings are essential for making your wheels spin smoothly. Every skateboard wheel requires two bearings: one on each side of the wheel.
-
Insert the Bearings into the Wheels: Press the bearings into the center of each wheel. You can use a bearing press or gently push them in with your hands until they are seated firmly. Be sure to check that the bearings spin freely after they are installed.
-
Place the Wheels on the Trucks: With the bearings in place, slide the wheels onto the axles of the trucks. Be sure to match the wheels’ direction and size with your preferences, but generally, skateboard wheels are universal, so there’s no need to worry too much about orientation.
-
Secure the Wheels: Once the wheels are on the trucks, use the axle nuts to secure them in place. Tighten the nuts with a skate tool, ensuring the wheels are firm but can still spin freely. You don't want them too tight, as this will prevent the bearings from working properly.
Step 4: Adjust the Trucks
Now that the wheels are in place, it’s important to adjust the trucks to suit your riding style. Trucks are adjustable in terms of tightness, and this can affect how your board handles.
-
Loosen or Tighten the Kingpins: Use your skate tool to adjust the kingpin nuts, which control the turning response of your trucks. Loosening the kingpins will make your board turn more easily, while tightening them will make your board more stable and less responsive to turns.
-
Test the Feel: Once you’ve adjusted the trucks, give them a test. Stand on the board and see how it feels when you turn. Adjust the tightness if necessary.
Step 5: Final Checks and Adjustments
Before you hit the streets, take a moment to make sure everything is secure and functioning properly.
- Check the Hardware: Go over all the screws and nuts again, making sure everything is tight.
- Spin the Wheels: Check that all the wheels spin freely and smoothly without wobbling.
- Test the Trucks: Give your trucks a test to ensure they are turning properly and have the right amount of responsiveness.
- Inspect the Grip Tape: Make sure the grip tape is securely stuck down and there are no loose areas.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve now successfully set up your own complete skateboard! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, taking the time to assemble your board allows you to customize it for your unique preferences and skating style. Now it’s time to hit the pavement and enjoy your new setup.
Remember, the more you skate, the more you’ll learn about what works best for you. Keep experimenting with different parts and adjustments to find the perfect ride. Happy skating!