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How to Choose Skateboard Hardware
Skateboard hardware secures your trucks to your deck and is an essential component of your setup. Without properly selected hardware, you run the risk of damaging your board or even injuring yourself. Therefore, it's crucial to take the time to choose the appropriate skateboard hardware that fits your deck and truck size.
Fortunately, selecting the right hardware is not a complicated process. However, it's easy to make mistakes if you're not aware of what to look for. That's why we've created this guide to help you make informed decisions when selecting skateboard hardware.
HOW LONG SHOULD MY HARDWARE BE?
Choosing the right bolts for your skateboard setup is super important. So, how long should your hardware be? Well, it needs to be long enough to go through both your deck and your truck baseplate. And there should be enough threads sticking out for the lock nut to fully thread onto the bolt. But don't go crazy with super long hardware, because it can be a pain to tighten the nut onto an extra-long bolt. Plus, sometimes the threads don't run the whole length of the bolt, which means you can't tighten them anyway. And let's face it, hardware that sticks out too much just looks goofy.
It's okay if your hardware sticks out a bit, but try to keep the extra length under a quarter inch. Otherwise, you might run into trouble. If your hardware doesn't go all the way through to the top of the nut and sink into the "Nylon Lock" part of the nut, it's too small and will fall off in no time. So, when you're picking hardware, make sure you get the right length for your setup.
| Wheel Size (mm) | Riser Size (in) | STANDARD 7-Ply Deck Hardware Size (in) | 8-Ply or 9-Ply Deck (TYPICALLY LONGBOARDS) Hardware Size (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 - 54 | Not Necessary | 7/8 - 1 | 1 1/8 |
| 55 - 57 | 1/8 | 1 - 1 1/8 | 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 |
| 58 - 64 | 1/4 | 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 | 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 |
| 65 - 67 | 1/2 | 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 - 2 |
| 68+ | 1/2+ | 1 1/2+ | 2 |
WHAT TYPE OF HARDWARE SHOULD I USE?
The type of hardware you choose for your skateboard can make a significant difference in how it performs. There are a few styles of hardware available, with the most common being phillips or allen-head. While they function in the same way, allen hardware requires a 1/8-inch allen wrench to tighten them properly. Most allen hardware sets come with the necessary wrench, so you won't need to worry about finding one separately.
In addition to phillips and allen-head, there are also dome-shaped hardware options, which are sometimes called pan head, button head, or truss head hardware. However, it's important to note that these should only be used for longboards because they tend to create bumps that you can feel under your feet. This can impact your tricks and may cause discomfort if you land on them with a lot of force.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that regular bolts from a hardware store are not recommended for skateboarding. These bolts are typically made of weaker metal alloys and are unable to withstand the lateral stresses that occur while skating. Therefore, it's essential to choose the appropriate hardware to ensure your skateboard performs optimally and stays safe to use.
HOW DO I INSTALL SKATEBOARD HARDWARE?
The process of installing hardware is quite simple as long as you have the necessary tools. When tightening the hardware, you must use a 3/8 inch wrench or socket on the nut side and your phillips screwdriver or allen wrench on the bolt side, tightening both sides evenly. Without a tool on both sides, the hardware will just spin around without securing properly. Fortunately, using a skate tool makes the process extremely simple since it allows you to hold the bolt in place with one hand while tightening the nut with the other.
It's important not to over-tighten your hardware. Tighten them until they are flush with the top of the deck, but do not sink them too far to the point where the top of the bolt goes below the deck's top. This ensures that your skateboard hardware is properly installed and provides proper performance
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY SKATEBOARD HARDWARE?
Hardware can break over time, and you may not realize it until you see a missing bolt. It's alright to skate with a few missing bolts, but it becomes risky if you're skating with only two bolts on each truck. It's recommended to have four bolts on each truck for safety. To ensure the longevity of your hardware, it's best to keep it tight. Hardware tends to loosen on its own due to the vibrations from riding. You can tighten them occasionally to avoid any issues. Loose hardware can cause the trucks to shift from side to side, which can be distracting and throw you off balance while attempting tricks. If your hardware continually loosens, or if it's stripped or damaged, it's best to replace it instead of constantly tightening it.
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Still Have Questions?
If you still need more information, rest assured that we have the resources to help you out. Our customer service team is highly knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have about skateboard equipment. You can easily reach out to them by phone or message.
Additionally, if you are in Portland, Eugene, or Bend, feel free to visit one of our local shops and speak to one of our friendly and helpful retail employees. They'll be more than happy to assist you and provide any information or guidance you need. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we're here to help!
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