How to assemble a skateboard

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, learning how to assemble your skateboard will help you customize your ride and better understand the sport.

For those who want to give it a try, especially beginners, setting up your own board can seem daunting.

However, with the right tools, a little patience, and a little guidance, anyone can build their skateboard from scratch.

In this tutorial you will learn step by step how to prepare your skateboard for riding.

We’ll start with a list of the essential tools and parts you’ll need to get started.

Then we will explain the structure of your skateboard in detail, from installing the grip tape to attaching the trucks and wheels.

In the end, you’ll have enough data to get the most out of your newly assembled sidewalk surfer vehicle.

equipment and tools

Before assembling your skateboard, you need to gather and assemble all the necessary tools skate parts.

First and foremost, you need a skateboard deck, which is the main component of the board.

You can find skateboard decks in different types shapes, sizes and designs.

The trucks and wheels are the following items that you will need as they attach to the deck and add stability and mobility to the board.

You’ll also need griptape – the thin, gritty material you apply to the top of the deck – to keep your feet in place.

Finally, you’ll need some hardware that includes screws, nuts, and bolts to attach the axles and wheels to the deck.

Here is a list of what you will need:

• skateboard deck;
• skateboard wheels;
• skateboard grip tape;
• bearings for skateboards;
• skateboard trucks;
• skateboard hardware;
• risers or shock absorbers (optional);
• spacers (optional);
• cover rails (optional);
• skate tool;
• carpet knife or razor blade;

1. Attach the grip tape

Now that you’ve gathered all the skateboard parts and tools, it’s time to work on it.

The first step in assembling a skateboard is this Attach the grip tape to the board.

The griptape provides a non-slip surface that keeps your feet glued to you as you zip through your hometown streets and skate parks.

First, you’ll need a knife, razor blade, or other sharp object to remove the old grip tape from the board.

Once it’s removed you can attach the new layer of sandpaper to the board.

Hold the grip tape between your thumb and forefinger and center it, gritty side up toward the deck so it is completely covered with grip tape.

When you are happy with your grip, remove the backing, place it on the tape and slowly press from the center towards the edges.

Next, use a file, screwdriver, or truck to file around the edge of the board onto the grip tape, leaving you with an outline of the deck and a clean cut.

Trim off any excess and ensure the griptape is securely attached and firmly bonded to the deck.

2. Assemble the trucks

The next step is to assemble the trucks.

The trucks are the metal base of the skateboard that connects the wheels to the board and allows it to spin. Each skateboard has two trucks.

To mount them, you need to drill holes in the grip tape using the screws from the hardware or the Phillips screwdriver from the skate tool.

First insert the screws into the holes from above.

You can mark the nose and tail with different colored studs so you always know where the front and back are.

Then the trucks come below deck.

If you plan to use pads, now is the time to put them between the deck and truck – glue them onto the studs.

Now place the trucks on the four studs, making sure that the kingpins of the trucks are pointing toward the center of the deck.

Screw the trucks firmly onto the deck with the nuts of the hardware, e.g. B. with the skate tool.

Finally, tighten the nuts until the screw heads are level with the grip strap.

Double check that the trucks are securely mounted.

3. Insert the bearings

The next step is to insert the bearings in the wheels. You can use the skate tool to remove the bearing spacers from the wheels.

Once the spacers are removed you can insert the bearings into the wheels.

Unscrew the axle nut from the axle and remove the upper speed ring. Now place the bearing on the axle with the shield facing down.

If you have bearings with shields on both sides – little cover rings – then it doesn’t matter how you put them on the axle.

4. Attach the wheels

When you’re done, use the heels of your hands to push the wheel down onto the bearing until everything is in the wheel.

You should hear a slight click when the bearing is properly seated.

Make sure the wheel is straight. If the bearing is still crooked or the wrong way around in the wheel, you can lever it out again with the axle.

Repeat for the second bearing.

If you want, you can insert a spacer at this point. Spacers ensure that your bearings always remain parallel to each other.

Place the spacer on the second bearing and press the wheel onto it as before.

Put the second speed ring back on the axle and tighten the axle nut onto the thread.

After that, tighten the nut. Don’t do this with too much force, as you don’t want to destroy the camp.

Then loosen the nut a little. The wheel should give a little.

Perform the same task for the other three wheels and your setup is complete.

5. Mount cover rails (optional)

If you want to mount rails on your deck, place and align them anywhere on the deck.

Ideally there should be some clearance between them and the edge of the board and they should be parallel to each other.

Start with the middle screw and tighten them one at a time from the inside out.

Conclusion

Assembling a skateboard is easier than it seems. With the right tools and knowledge, you can quickly set up your own board.

Your skateboard is now ready to ride.

However, you should take a moment to give the board a final check.

Make sure the axles and wheels are secure and that the grip tape is tight.

Once you’ve given the board a final check, you’re ready to hit the streets and start shredding.

If you are not happy with the steering of your board, you can adjust the kingpin on your trucks.

To do this, tighten the kingpin nut a little to make the trucks a little less responsive, or loosen a little to make them more responsive.