How to Take Care of Quad Skates

Early models of the rollerskate featured the quad design.

Roller skating remains a prominent form of exercise and use of leisure time. Two distinct models of roller skates are the inline skate that features a row of wheels that sit one in front of the other, and quad skates that feature four wheels that are positioned side-by-side. Dirt and water can damage the bearings within the roller skating wheels. Properly caring for your quads will ensure they do not malfunction during the skating process. Choose cleaning materials that won't damage the bearings, and store your quad skates in an indoor location that has a mild temperature.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench
• Screwdriver
• Small knife
• Cotton cloth
• Bearing oil

Instructions

1. Identify the wheels of your quad skates located under the boots. Place the skates sideways onto a flat surface to have an adequate view of the wheel bolts. Insert a properly sized socket wrench over the bolt located in the center of the wheel. Rotate the handle of the socket wrench to loosen the securing bolt.

2. Repeat the loosening process with the remaining wheels. Insert the flat head of a screwdriver into the circular opening of the roller skate bearing. Hold the wheel in the palm of your non-dominant hand. Push down on the handle of the screwdriver to pop out the bearings. Identify the plastic shields that protect the balls of the bearings.

3. Insert the tip of a small knife under the bearing shield. Press down on the knife handle to pop off the plastic cover. Repeat the shield removal process with each of the remaining bearings. Wrap a soft cotton cloth around your forefinger. Rub the internal balls of the roller skate bearings gently to remove any grease.

4. Squeeze a small amount of bearing oil over each of the internal balls. Rub the cotton cloth around the metallic housing of the bearings to remove any excess lubrication. Align the bearing shield over the newly cleaned internal balls. Press down on the shield with your thumb to secure it in place.

5. Repeat the shield replacement process with the remaining bearings. Hold an empty quad skate wheel in your non-dominant hand. Place a bearing over the hole of the wheel. Push the bearing into the wheel with the butt of the screwdriver. Insert two roller skate bearings into each of your quad wheels. Fasten the wheel bolts in place using the socket wrench.

References

• Skate Log: Cleaning Skate Bearings
• Roller Girl: Guide to roller skate maintenance and adjustments
• Quad Skating: Anatomy of a Quad Roller Skate