How to Soften Roller Skate Wheels

You can soften skate wheels with some heat.

Different skating wheels are better for different terrains, that is why it is important to adjust wheel softness according to the terrain that you most skate. Softer wheels tend to wear down faster, but they are perfect for gripping the pavement for outdoor skating. If you have purchased harder wheels than desired, it is possible to soften your wheels with a considerable amount of heat.

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench
• Large pot
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Remove the wheels if they are attached to your skates by removing the screws holding the wheels, located on the sides of the skate. Different brands of skates will require you to use different sizes of Allen wrenches, so find the wrench that best suits your skate. Turn the Allen wrench to the left until the screw comes loose. Once all the screws are removed, the wheel will fall out of the bottom of the skate.

2. Place your skate wheels in the large kitchen pot and fill with water until the wheels are completely submerged in water.

3. Turn the stove on low heat and place the pot on the burner.

4. Allow the water to boil with the skate wheels in the pot for 30 minutes.

5. Using the tongs, remove the wheels from the boiling water.

6. Set the wheels in a clean, dry place until they have completely dried.

7. Slide the wheels back into place, and reattach the screws. Turn the screws to the right to tighten them against the skate.

Tips & Warnings

• Aggressive or competitive skaters may want to reapply any grease they use on their wheels before putting them back on their skates.

References

• New Skates: Skate wheels
• Springer Link: Wheel Temperature