It is possible to remove skateboard wheels without a skate tool, although it requires a bit of improvisation. The most common way of doing this without a skate tool is to use a large flathead screwdriver, makeshift pliers, or a pancake-style wrench.
To begin, the screwdriver or makeshift pliers should be placed in the opening of the axle nut and placed in between the axle nut’s flats. The axle nut should be held by the flathead screwdriver or makeshift pliers and twisted counterclockwise.
With enough leverage, the nut should twist off the axle, allowing the wheel to be removed.
Alternatively, a pancake-style wrench can be used in the same way as the screwdriver or makeshift pliers. Fit the wrench around the axle nut and twist counterclockwise until it loosens and comes off.
Once the axle nut is off, the wheel can be easily removed.
It is important to remember to use caution when removing skateboard wheels without a skate tool. Improper handling or overly aggressive force can lead to damage or injury. With the right technique and care, however, skateboard wheels can be removed without a skate tool.
What tool do you need to change skateboard wheels?
In order to change skateboard wheels, you will need certain tools depending on the type of skateboard trucks that you have. Generally, you will need a screwdriver, an adjustable or open-ended wrench, and a spoke wrench.
For skateboards that have grind plates on the trucks, you will need a socket wrench with an appropriate socket for the hardware size used for your grind plates.
You will also need skateboard bearings and a bearing pusher. Bearing pushers are tools that are specifically designed to seat the bearings into their housings without damaging them. Furthermore, if you’re using wheels that require a bearing remover, you’ll need to obtain this as well.
By gathering these tools and having a general understanding of how skateboard trucks work, you will be able to change the wheels of your skateboard with relative ease.
Can you use a wrench as a skate tool?
Although a wrench can be used as a skate tool, it is not recommended for a number of reasons. Wrenches are made from metal and are often bulky, making them difficult to use for skate-specific tasks such as popping hardware out of the truck.
Wrenches are also not designed for skateboarding and do not have the necessary fine accuracy or design to do detailed, precise work on skateboard components. Instead, it is best to use a multi-tool designed specifically for skateboarding.
These tools are designed to fit in the pocket and are made with finer tips, making them perfect for taking off bearings and trucks. Moreover, they usually come with an allen/hex tool, Phillips head screwdriver, a slotted-head screwdriver and a standard skateboard tool – perfect for carrying out whatever skate related tasks you might require!.
Do you need a skate tool to replace bearings?
Yes, a skate tool is a necessary piece of equipment for replacing skate bearings. Skate bearings need to be opened up in order to remove the old bearings and to place new ones in. A skate tool can be used to loosen and tighten the hardware, such as axles and kingpins, which hold the wheels to the skateboard.
Skate tools typically include several heads on the end of a ratcheting handle and are used to easily adjust the tightness of the hardware. Skate tools are also needed to remove wheel locks, which typically require an Allen wrench.
Skate tools are essential when replacing skate bearings as they ensure that all hardware is secure and tightened appropriately.
Do I really need a skate tool?
Yes, a skate tool is an important and necessary tool for skateboarders as it is used for taking the board apart, making adjustments, and tightening or loosening hardware. The tool can be used to remove your trucks from the deck, change your turning radius and adjust your wheelbite.
It can also be used to take bearings off of your wheels, tighten and refasten your axle nuts that hold the wheels in place, and adjust the kingpin of your trucks. The more advanced tools can also be used to adjust the bolts that keep your risers and hardware in place.
Additionally, having a skate tool can help prevent damage to the board by allowing a secure fit. Lastly, it is important for travel as disassembling your board can save space when packing or storing the board.
How do you take bearings out without tools?
Taking bearings out without tools may seem like an impossible task, but it is actually quite simple once you know the basic steps. To start, you will need to identify what type of bearing you are removing, because the process of removing bearings from different types of components vary.
If the bearing is a press-fit bearing, which means it is fitted tightly into place and held in place with a press, then you will need to use a bearing puller tool to remove it. If the bearing is a slip-fit bearing, you can remove it easily with a hammer and a couple of screws.
First, you will need to locate the two screws along the outer side of the bearing. Using the hammer, carefully tap the screws while rotating the bearing. This will put pressure on the inside of the bearing, and it will eventually come loose.
Once it is loose, you can then pull it out of the component with your hands.
For tapered bearings, it is important to remember to use great caution when taking them out without tools. Tapered bearings tend to be easier to remove when they have some lubricant on them, so you may want to apply some liquid lubricant or grease prior to attempting the removal process.
You will then need to apply gentle pressure to opposite sides of the bearing in order to slide it out of its seat.
In short, bearing removal without tools can be quite simple if done correctly. Be sure to identify the type of bearing you are removing, use a bearing puller tool for press-fit bearings, use a hammer and screws for slip-fit bearings, and use gentle pressure for tapered bearings.
Taking the necessary precautions to ensure the bearing is removed safely is of the utmost importance.
How do you replace skateboard bearings?
Replacing skateboard bearings is a relatively simple process. First, you’ll need to remove the wheels from the skateboard. Next, use a bearing puller tool or an allen wrench and screwdriver to gently pry out the old bearings and replace them with the new ones.
When replacing each bearing, be sure to push it in all the way to ensure it is properly seated.
To reassemble the skateboard, you’ll need to mount the bearing spacers and place the wheels back on the board. Secure the wheels with the bolts and use a socket wrench or adjustable wrench to tighten them.
You’ll want to ensure the wheels are properly tightened, but not too tight, so they don’t damage the bearings. Finally, check that the wheels are spinning freely without any wobbling. That’s it – you’ve successfully replaced your skateboard bearings!.
Can I put any wheels on my skateboard?
Yes, you can put any wheels on your skateboard, as long as they meet the skateboard’s size requirements. In general, wheels for skateboards should be between 50mm and 60mm in diameter, with a durometer (hardness) rating typically between 85A and 101A.
It is also important to make sure the wheel is the correct size to fit onto your skateboard’s truck. You should also make sure that the wheel has the appropriate bearing size (usually 8mm axles) for your skateboard.
Depending on the type of skateboarding you want to do, there are a variety of wheels available to fit your needs. For example, you can choose wheels with a softer durometer rating of 85a or harder ones of 101a if you want to go faster or do more tricks.
You may also want to consider getting wheels with bigger lip/offset if you want to do more tricks, as they are designed to help you grind and catch edges better. Ultimately, it just depends on your skating style, so consider the type of riding you want to do when choosing the right wheels for your skateboard.
Do all skateboard wheels fit all trucks?
No, not all skateboard wheels fit all trucks. Each truck for skateboarding has a standard of holes drilled into it that determines the size of the wheel that will fit. There are 3 different trucks widths, which are 7.5”, 8.
0” and 8.5”. The wheels that fit are also determined by the width of the trucks. The width of the wheel must match the width of the truck. Additionally, all street skateboard wheels must fit on both old-school and new-school trucks, however, the wheels for old-school and cruiser boards must be exclusive to those types of trucks, as they have different hole patterns that make them incompatible with new-school trucks.
Another thing to consider is the diameter of the wheel and the height of the truck. If the wheel is too big and wont fit, you can always choose to use a riser pad to create some additional space.
Do wheels matter on a skateboard?
Wheels absolutely matter on a skateboard. The size and shape of the wheels you choose should depend on what type of riding you plan on doing. For instance, smaller, softer wheels are best for street skateboarding, whereas larger, harder wheels are better for riding ramps and pools, because they create more stability at higher speeds.
The width and durometer of the wheels are also important considerations, as they affect the grip, stability, and speed of the skateboard. Additionally, the design of the wheels affects how they interact with various surfaces, which can drastically change a skateboard’s performance.
Ultimately, if you plan on doing different types of skateboarding, choosing the right set of wheels is essential in order to get the most out of your experience.
Are skateboard wheels universal?
No, skateboard wheels are not universal. The size of the skateboard wheels depends on the style of the skateboard and the type of skating you are doing. Skateboard wheels come in different shapes, sizes and durometers (hardness).
Generally, a street skateboarder will use a smaller wheel, typically around 52-55mm in diameter. Cruiser skateboarders typically use wheels in the range of 55mm-63mm. If you are a downhill or longboard skateboarder, you’ll need to use a bigger wheel, usually in the 65mm – 75mm size range.
The durometer typically ranges from 78a to 90a. The hardness of the wheel will depend on the type of terrain and how fast the wheels need to roll. Soft wheels are better for traction, whereas hard wheels roll faster.
When selecting the right wheels for your skateboard, make sure that you check their size and durometer.
What are the different types of skateboard wheels?
Skateboard wheels come in many different shapes, sizes, and hardnesses. The two most common sizes are 52 mm and 54 mm, with 52 mm wheels more commonly used on street-style skateboards and 54 mm wheels being more common on longboards.
The hardness of skateboard wheels is measured with the Durometer Scale, with a lower number signifying a softer wheel and a higher number signifying a harder wheel. Soft wheels are usually 78A and are best for street skating as they provide superior grip and maneuverability, while harder wheels such as 90A are better suited for parks and bowls as they provide greater speed and acceleration.
Street wheels often have wide contact patches to enable them to remain in contact with the ground, while freestyle wheels tend to have thinner contact patches to enable them to slide more easily. Finally, urethane wheels are becoming increasingly popular due to their superior grip, durability, and smooth ride.
Which way do you put skateboard wheels on?
Skateboard wheels should be mounted in the appropriate orientation with the original printing on the illustration facing outwards. Most skateboard wheels have a dot or an arrow imprinted on the side of the core to indicate the outside orientation.
The wheels should also be securely tightened before riding. Depending on your deck, the wheels may require a lot of force to be firmly snugged in so it is essential to check before riding. To mount the wheels set them close to the mounting area and use either a T-Tool or Phillips head screwdriver to insert the axle bolt.
Start by placing the washer on the mount, then insert the axle bolt and thread it in until it slightly reaches into the bearing, continue to tighten the bolt with a screwdriver until it is firmly in its place and the wheel spins freely.
Take care not to tighten the axle bolt too much, as the excessive force can cause damage to the axle. Once the wheels are mounted, check to make sure the wheels are spinning freely. If not, ensure the axle bolt has been completely tightened and if necessary add a few drops of lubricant to the bearing.
Finally, use a set of bearings spacers to comfortably align the bearing spacers and tighten the wheels.
Does it matter which way a wheel bearing goes in?
Yes, it matters which way a wheel bearing goes in. When replacing a wheel bearing, the new bearing must be installed in the same orientation as the original bearing. This ensures that the bearing cup (inner race) or cone (outer race) is properly seated and doesn’t bind.
In addition, the seal is designed to work in only one orientation. Performing the job correctly will ensure the wheel bearing lasts to a good service life.
Do bearings go on both sides of the wheel?
Yes, bearings go on both sides of the wheel. Bearings are used to allow the wheel to rotate freely and reduce friction. Most wheels have bearings installed on both sides of the axle, held in place by either the axle or the wheels’ hub.
The bearings help to reduce the friction between the axle and the hub, allowing the wheel to rotate freely and maintain a consistent speed. Additionally, the bearings help to keep the wheel from “binding” or sticking, allowing it to smoothly rotate in a full circle.
Without these bearings, the wheel would prevent movement, as the axle would not be able to move independently of the hub.
Do bearings have a side?
Yes, bearings typically have at least one side. Bearings are divided into two main types: radial and thrust. Radial bearings are designed to support forces perpendicular to the axis of rotation, while thrust bearings support forces that are parallel to the axis of rotation.
On the inner ring of a radial bearing there is often a groove or multiple indentations that act as ways of discerning the two sides of the bearing. Thrust bearings, on the other hand, will generally have a flat surface on the outer ring in order to transmit force through it.
Depending on the configuration, they may also have some type of machined groove that helps to distinguish the two sides. In either case, bearings have a side and it is important to install them correctly for a proper fit and to ensure proper functioning.