Assembling a skateboard is really a breeze: you only need a few tools that you probably already have at home. The basic components of a skateboard are the board, the grip (also called the griptape), the trucks, the wheels and the bearings. Whether you are a skateboard, longboard or penny board enthusiast, this article will help you assemble a complete skateboard from its components.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Tools and Materials
Step 1. Find a suitable workspace
A large and spacious surface is perfect for assembling a skateboard. Also reserve a safe space in which to put all the nuts and bolts so as not to lose them.
- The living room table or a free space on the floor are particularly suitable for this purpose. Make sure you have enough space to prepare everything you need and easily find what you need.
- Keep all screws and bolts in their packages so you don't risk getting confused or even losing them while you assemble your skateboard.
Step 2. Use the right tools
You can use many of the tools you probably already have at home to assemble your skateboard. However, the simplest method is to use a multi-function skateboard wrench that contains everything you need in one convenient tool.
- You will also find it convenient to have a razor blade or a utility knife and a file.
- Some multi-purpose keys are sold with these accessories. If you don't have them, don't worry; you probably already have some somewhere in the house.
Step 3. Prepare the board and griptape
The board is the part of the skateboard made up of pressed wooden layers; recently plastic boards and with fiberglass inserts have also appeared. The griptape is usually black but can also be of different colors or even transparent. It should be placed on the surface of the board and serves not to slip when you are on the skateboard.
- On the market there are numerous brands and models of both boards and skateboards. Some are sold already with the grip, others not.
- There are different sizes of boards. Those for doing stunts are usually 7.5 inches wide while the one dedicated to the ramp can reach 8.5 inches; it's up to you to decide which one you prefer based on your type of use. In addition to this you must also consider your height. Shorter skaters with smaller feet don't need such a wide board; the taller ones, on the other hand, need a little more space.
- Some griptapes are looser than others. The grip is sandpaper smiley and is available in different grits. If you are a beginner it would be better to choose one with a grip and a medium grain to move your feet easily and have more control.
Step 4. Prepare the trucks, wheels and bearings
As for the board and the griptape, there is also a wide range of trucks, wheels and bearings on the market. The size, width and height play an important role in their choice.
- A good rule of thumb is to choose trucks of the same width as the board. Don't choose a pair that are too short or too long.
- The wheels are made of polyurethane and allow you to adhere to the ground but still move quickly. Here, too, you will find several options regarding stiffness as well as size. The largest and softest are the ones that are usually used for longboards and are the most comfortable. The smaller, stiffer wheels are more suitable for street skateboarding and skatepark stunts. There are also more versatile models, whose features are somewhere in between those presented above. Usually, the dimensions vary between 49 and 75 mm. The smaller road wheels are between 50 and 55 mm, the ramp wheels are usually between 55 and 60 mm and the longboard wheels are between 64 and 75 mm.
- Inside each wheel there is a recess in which the bearings are inserted. They allow the wheel to spin freely around the axis fixed to the truck. There are different types of bearings and depending on the materials they are more or less fast. The most common bearing size is “608”. It fits most of the wheels on the market and is considered the standard size. The most common materials are steel and ceramic. Ceramic bearings are the ones that offer the best performance, but they are also the most expensive. If you are a beginner you don't need to spend too much to still have great metal bearings.
- Trucks are often sold individually. If you want to buy them online, check that they are sold as a pair.
Part 2 of 4: Put the Grip on the Board
Step 1. Lay the board on a flat surface
Putting on the grip is not that difficult, but the best results require some practice. Start by placing the board on the countertop.
- Nose and tail must be facing upwards and the graphics of the board facing downwards.
- The board may not rest firmly depending on its shape, but this is usually not a problem.
Step 2. Remove the back of the grip
The grip is sold as a rectangular sheet slightly longer and wider than the board. Lay it over the nose and tail before removing the back to make sure it's the correct size. Then, peel off the back to reveal the sticky part.
- Touch the adhesive part as little as possible, so as not to damage it and not risk getting stuck.
- Remove the back in one go.
Step 3. Place the grip on top of the board
Keep the grip straight between the fingertips of both hands. Use your fingers to find the tail and nose. It will be difficult to see them with the grip on the board. Then, lay it down keeping it straight and following the side of the board.
Step 4. Press the grip from the center towards the ends and lay it down naturally
- Once applied, press with the palm of your hand along the entire board. Press hard to remove all air bubbles that may have formed. Start from the center and go towards the ends.
- It is normal for the grip to be slightly wider. The board has a more oval shape and excess grip must be removed.
Step 5. Take the file and use it to mark the entire outline of the board
This creates a line to follow when you need to trim the excess grip.
If you don't have a file, you can also use one of the trucks
Step 6. Trim the excess grip
Take a razor blade or utility knife and cut along the edge of the board. Start from the center and make an incision perpendicular to the table. This incision allows you to cut excess grip more easily. Finally, cut along the entire outline.
- The easiest way to cut cleanly is to tilt the cutter slightly and score towards you.
- Be especially careful when using any type of sharp tool.
- Take your time and take your time.
Step 7. Remove blemishes with a piece of grip
Take a piece of grip that is left over and fold it in two with the adhesive side facing inwards. Then, as with sandpaper, use it to fix small imperfections.
Scratching the edges of the board in this way allows the grip to stay stuck longer
Part 3 of 4: Put the Trucks and Wheels on
Step 1. Put the screws
Take your screwdriver or Allen key and drill four holes through the grip. Hold the board upright and use your hands to find the holes in the back. Take the screwdriver and drill some holes to know where to go to insert the screws. Then, insert them from the top of the board.
- Some trucks are sold with the screws required for mounting of the appropriate size. In most cases, however, you will need to purchase them separately. Some sets have two different colored screws. Use them to clearly indicate which is the nose and which is the tail.
- When drilling holes, hold the grip by placing two fingers around the hole.
Step 2. Assemble the trucks
Now it's time to put the trucks on the board. Hold the screws in place with one hand and insert them into the holes in the trucks. They are installed with the plate at the base of the table, i.e. the square piece with four holes to fix the screws. Position the trucks correctly: they should form a "T" facing the inside of the board.
- Take the screw nut and use it to fix the truck to the base with your hand. Then, use the Allen key to tighten it firmly. Secure the trucks securely with the screwdriver or wrench by holding the bolt in place and tightening on both sides of the board.
- Make sure you haven't put the trucks upside down. The front is the flat one and usually features the brand logo. The front can also be determined by looking at the direction of the grommets. They are soft plastic components that allow trucks to fold to maneuver the skateboard.
- Both trucks should be facing outwards. The flat parts should look in the opposite direction with the rubber pads facing each other.
- If you bought trucks without screws and bolts you can buy them separately.
- The screw head must be level with the grip and the trucks should be firmly in place.
Step 3. Insert the bearings
Without the bearings, the wheels cannot turn. Remove the nut and washer from the axle of the truck. The bearing has a closed and an open flat part. The flat one must face outwards. Insert a bearing on the axle of the truck with the flat side facing up. Take the wheel and push it into the bearing until you feel it lock on its own. Remove it, put on the second bearing and repeat the process by turning the wheel the other way.
- Lay the skateboard on its side to help you pry the bearing in the wheel.
- When you put the second bearing, leave the wheel graphics facing outwards. It is purely a matter of style and some wheels do not have it at all.
- If you have a specific tool, you can use it to insert bearings into wheels without levering on trucks.
Step 4. Put on the wheels
Put the washer over the bearing and tighten the bolt. Squeeze with your hand as much as you can and then use a socket wrench. If you have new wheels and bearings, tighten the bolt to the maximum - it will help to position the bearings correctly. Once you are tight, unscrew the bolt a couple of turns to allow room for the wheels to spin.
- Unscrew the bolt and make sure the wheel can turn freely.
- Shake the wheel. By moving it there should be some play.
Step 5. Make sure all screws are tight
Once you've assembled everything, stand up on your new skateboard. Rock it back and forth and go for a test ride. Check if the trucks are tight enough and if the wheels turn well.
- If the trucks are too soft and you find it hard to control the skateboard, tighten them a bit. Take the multipurpose tool and turn the bolt on each truck, also called the kingpin, clockwise half a turn.
- If the trucks are too hard and you find it difficult to maneuver the skateboard, repeat the same procedure but counterclockwise. Do the same with both trucks.
- Shake the trucks a little to make sure they are securely attached to the board.
- Adjust the wheels. If you feel that they don't turn well and you experience some resistance, try unscrewing the bolt a little.
Step 6. Finished
Part 4 of 4: Remove an Old Grip
Step 1. Place the board on a spacious surface
Step 2. Take a hair dryer and heat the corners for 3-5 minutes
Step 3. Take a razor blade or utility knife and, very carefully, slide it between the old grip and the board
Step 4. Stand on the board to help you tear off the grip once you have turned up the corners
Step 5. Slowly pull towards you, warming as you go
Step 6. Put on the new grip
Now the board is ready for the new grip.
Advice
- Take your time, especially when putting on the grip. It takes some practice to learn how to cut it correctly.
- Keep everything organized so as not to risk losing pieces.
- Do not use any dangerous tools such as razor blades without adult supervision.
- Tighten the screws from time to time, they may loosen due to vibrations.
- Once the board is assembled, do a couple of test rides. Some minor adjustments may still be needed.
