How to Make an Angle Iron Grind

Reduce friction for an easier grind using the provided steps.

As its name implies, an angle iron is a metal rod bent to form a 90 degree angle. Angle iron is typically bonded to the corner of a wooden or concrete structure to provide structural support. It also used frequently in the construction of skateboard parks and obstacles. When attached to the corner of a wooden or concrete platform it allows skateboarders to grind the edge of the obstacle with their skateboard's trucks (metal axles on the underside of the board).

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool
• Light lubricating oil
• Moist rag
• Coarse grit sandpaper
• Electric sander (optional)
• Skateboard wax
• Scrap metal

Instructions

1. Apply a few drops of light lubricating oil to a pad of steel wool. Rub away any rust or corrosion from the angle iron with the pad. Wipe clean with a moist rag.

2. Sand away any rough or raised patches of the angle iron using coarse grit paper. An electric sander may be helpful for this step, but it is not required.

3. Coat the corner and outside of the angle iron with a thin coat of skateboard wax. Alternatively, a candle or any paraffin wax-based product will suffice.

4. Rub the wax into the surface of the iron with a piece of scrap metal. If you have a pair of metal skateboard trucks handy, use them to perform this step.

5. Apply another light coat of wax to the angle iron. Re-apply when grinding action becomes slow or when the wax has dried as a result of weather conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Angle iron can be purchased and cut to many different sizes at your local hardware store.

• Use caution when grinding your freshly waxed angle iron as it may be very slick.

References

• DIY Skate: How to Make a Skateboard Grind Ledge
• Curb Wax