How to Rotate Wheels on In-Line Skates

Rotate your wheels to wear them out evenly and make them last longer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Masking Tape
• Masking Tape
• Pens
• In-line Skate Bearings
• In-line Skate Brakes
• In-line Skate Maintenance Tools
• In-line Skate Wheels
• In-line Skates
• In-line Skating Helmets
• In-line Skating Protective Gear Sets
• Allen Wrenches
• Pens

1. Number your wheels 1 to 4 from toe to heel. Go ahead and use a pen to mark them, making sure to make all marks on the same side of the wheels, or use numbered pieces of tape stuck to each wheel. Do this for both skates.

2. Remove the bolts from the wheels and take them all off.

3. Use a rag to clean off the bearing housings of each wheel. Take a moment to wipe down the skate housing for the wheels. This has nothing to do with the rotation process; it's just a perfect opportunity to remove some of that grease and dirt.

4. Reverse the positions of wheels 1 and 3, and of wheels 2 and 4. (In other words, wheel 1 goes where wheel 3 used to be, and vice versa.)

5. Put the wheels back on the skates, making sure to switch them from your left skate onto your right skate and vice versa. The wheels should face the opposite way as well - if the wheel's number was on the outside, it should now be on the inside.

6. Put the bolts back on and tighten them so that the wheels do not shift in the housing.

7. Spin the wheels to make sure they are properly adjusted.

Tips & Warnings

• Your skates will feel a bit odd after you rotate your wheels. The only way to overcome this is to skate. After an hour or so of skating, the skates should feel normal again. The more often you rotate your wheels, the less extreme this feeling will be.
• Don't get too fanatical about wheel rotation. It's a great way to get the most out of your wheels, but new wheels don't cost that much, and they make old skates feel like new.
• Be careful when first skating on newly rotated wheels. Your skates will ride very strangely for a little while.
• Check from time to time to make sure your wheels are bolted on securely.
• Always wear pads when skating.

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on 8/8/2006 I have found many thrift stores which carry barely used inline skates. When I need new wheels, I will purchase a pair of like-new inlines and use the wheels.

Locally, (St. Louis) a new set of wheels cost $20-$40 depending on style or quality. I can purchase a pair of skates from the thrift store for $2-$10.

on 11/22/2005 This method eliminates problems with your skates feeling weird or falling afterwards because of the traditional rotation methods. Simply shift your wheels forward, throw away your front wheel, and replace it with a new one on the back!

on 11/22/2005 Do not attempt a 360 shortly after rotating your wheels! A very bad idea!

on 11/22/2005 Some in-line skates require you to use two allen wrenches to remove the wheel. You should be able to get a maintenance kit online or at any sports store.