How to Loosen Roller Skate Wheels

Explore America's Campgrounds

Loosening roller skate wheels, or tightening them, is a simple job. Roller skates consist of a boot attached to a "truck" that contains four wheels with ball bearings. The wheels are arranged in the same way as on a car, as opposed to inline skates, where the wheels form a blade shape. Roller skates generally are best for younger children leaning to skate, so tightening or loosening the wheels becomes a common job. You can tighten or loosen the tension nuts to vary the amount of control you need.

Items you will need

  • Socket wrench set

How to Loosen Roller Skate Wheels

Turn over the skate so it is wheel-side up. Find the external tension nuts. There will be one at each end of the wheel axles.

Use a socket wrench set. The typical socket size needed to loosen skate wheels is 1 1/16-inch, but skate models vary.

Attach the wrench to the bolt, and turn the handle back and forth until the nut reaches the desired tension.

Aim for a medium level of tightness. Test it with your fingers once you have finished with the wrench. Loosen or tighten as desired.

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the remaining three nuts, then try on the skate. If it feels comfortable, repeat the entire process on the second skate truck.

Warnings

  • The tighter the wheels, the less mobility you'll have, which can lead to injury. Test the skates before going a long distance.
Gone Outdoors