How to Assemble a Skateboard

Assembling a skateboard may seem like a difficult task at first glance, but it's actually quite easy. With an hour of your time and a little attention to detail, you'll have a brand new rig all your own. The best part about choosing to assemble your own skateboard rather than purchasing a pre-assembled unit is that you can adjust the height and how easily your wheels roll to create precisely the ride you've always dreamed of.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Utility knife
• Allen wrench
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Skate tool
• Grip tape
• Deck
• Truck assembly
• Wheels
• Bearings
• Hole punch (optional)

1. Peel back a small portion (2 inches is usually just enough) of the backing on the grip tape. Center the tape over the nose of the board, leaving about a 1/2-inch of tape hanging over the nose. Smooth the grip tape down onto the board, starting with the nose. Work slowly and only expose 2 inches at a time, pressing firmly as you move down the board.

2. Roll one of the wheels over the grip tape after you have laid it all down to help remove any small air bubbles that may have formed.

3. Scrape off an outline of the edge of the board in the grip tape with a flathead screwdriver. Use the utility knife to cut around the board where you made an outline in the grip tape and remove the trim.

4. Place one bearing on the end of the skate key. Use uneven pressure to press the bearing into the wheel groove. Repeat until all the bearings are installed into the wheel groove of all four wheels.

5. Assemble the trucks by sliding on the first washer, then the wheels, then the second washer and finally the axle nut. Tighten the axle nut completely, then slowly loosen the nut again until the wheel spins freely.

6. Punch through the grip tape to expose the holes in the deck for the mounting hardware using either a hole punch or one of the bolts from the truck assembly. Slip the bolts through the holes from the top side through to the underside.

7. Slide the trucks onto the bolts with the bushings facing inward. Tighten the bolts on the truck with the Allen wrench.

8. Turn the skateboard upright and place on a flat surface to check that the wheels are all even. Slight unevenness can be expected and will adjust as the bearings settle. Extreme unevenness may require you to install risers between the trucks and the deck.

Tips & Warnings

• You will eventually get a feel for how tight or loose you prefer the wheels while skateboarding. You can easily adjust the wheels by tightening or loosening the nuts even after you have been riding for awhile.
• The film that coats the ball bearings is actually quite delicate, so you should handle the bearings with care while attempting to insert them into the wheel groove.

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