Skateboarding is one such sport that gives you thrill at every turn and corner. There are so many tricks to learn and perfect that you can almost lose their count. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the only thing that can give you a good experience is the perfect fitting of trucks and bearings.
How can you loosen skateboard wheels without tools? Tight wheels are no good and to loosen it up, you need a special tool that you buy from the company. But if you don’t have it or forgot to carry it, then the best way to loosen a wheel is through a wrench, plier, or you can also do it with your hands.
So, let’s see how you can loosen up a skateboard wheel and enjoy your skateboarding experience. Let’s get started!
Why Is It Important To Loosen The Wheels?
Skateboard wheels should be tightly attached to the axles so that they do not detach and roll over from them while you are on your skateboard. However, you may want to loosen the wheels to improve efficiency.
Here are some more reasons why you should loosen your wheels:
- Prevent the Flow
Tight wheels might prevent the wheels from spinning naturally. Thus, the skateboard will not go according to your desired speed.
Additionally, it will break the smooth flow of your tricks. They will seem harsher and forced. Skateboarding is like an art and the entire idea is to show that the movements require minimum effort and that they are free-flowing.
But with extremely tight wheels, it’ll just seem like you’re trying too hard.
- Risks Involved
Tight wheels are accident-prone. When you try to stop the movement, it happens with a soft movement but if your wheels are too tight, then the brake will almost be like a jerk. The sudden stop can catch you off guard and you can even land on your face.
Additionally, you will have to put pressure to stop the movement. If the wheels are too tight then accidents can take place due to motion inertia.
Moreover, if you decide to loosen the skateboard wheels at a proper angle, they will still provide the essential movement for you to ride your skateboard effortlessly. It also gives you a light sensation while riding, allowing you to run at fast speeds with no effort.
- Not Durable
Skateboards with tightly fitted wheels aren’t very durable. Thus, you may have to replace them early or unexpectedly. This is because the wheels can shatter after using it for some time due to excessive stress. As a result, it is preferable to loosen them up to an ideal degree if you want to improve durability.
Loosening your wheels can provide your skateboard durability and an enjoyable experience for you.
What Are The Parts Of Skateboard Wheels?
The wheels area of the truck has five parts. The wheels are connected to a T shaped structure called the axel and the wheels have the following parts:
- 4 Wheels
Each skateboard has 4 wheels attached to it, 2 on the front and 2 on the back. The best wheels are made of polyurethane which is the best material for wheels.
It’s always important to understand your wheels and pick the right one because they will help in the speed, acceleration, swift movement, and so on. Know your skateboard and see if you need small or large skates.
- 8 Washers
Washers are attached to each side of the bearing to increase the speed. It acts as a barrier between the bearing and the axle nut and reduces friction.
Additionally, it increases the durability of both the bearing and the wheel. It also helps you get a smooth and swift ride.
- 8 Bearings
Bearings are right next to the wheel and they allow the wheel to spin. Professional skateboarders will instantly know if the bearings are good or not by understanding how the wheel spins.
Whenever you buy your own bearings. Take into consideration the wheel you are choosing and the ABEC rating.
- 4 Bearing Spacer
Bearings spacers again help to increase the durability of the bearings. Whether you are skating or skateboarding, you should invest in this. It also helps to keep the bearings in alignment.
All of these parts are carefully removed when you need to clean them or loosen the tires a little bit.
How To Loosen Skateboard Wheels Without Tools?
Without skateboard tools, it might seem difficult to remove your skateboard wheels especially if you are a beginner. But with enough practice, these steps will become easier and you won’t even need a skateboard tool to loosen your wheel.
These are the steps or procedures you need to follow to loosen the skateboard wheels:
Step 1: Observe
The first step is to observe the wheels if they are too tight or causing stiffness. You don’t want the wheels to be too tight or loose, otherwise, it will affect your performance.
Step 2: Check the Spin
As we mentioned above, the bearings ensure the proper spin, so check if the bearing is perfectly aligned to the wheel or not. Then, make it spin and if it runs too slow, then you might have to loosen them. But if it runs extremely fast, you need to tighten it.
Step 3: Loosen the Nuts
There are 3 ways to do this if you don’t have the special adjustment tool.
- Wrench
A wrench is specifically designed to loosen or tighten the nuts and bolts. It is a household item and comes in different shapes and sizes. You can easily maneuver the wrench to loosen the nut that holds the wheel and its parts together.
- Plier
Plier is an unlikely option but in times of emergency, this tool will also work pretty well. You will have to hold the wheel properly because it is a tad bit difficult to use the plier.
- By Your Hand
If you are out on the street without a tool with you, then you have to work with your hand. Although the task will not be easy, you may get some scratches, and you may also not be able to do it properly, but at least it will help you temporarily.
Honestly, there is always a risk attached with loosening it up with your hand because if you do it too much, then there is a risk of the wheels falling off. Plus, you will always be unsure. But in an emergency, this is the best solution.
Step 4: Find the Balance
After loosening the nut, periodically check the wheels’ rotation. Loosen it slightly and inspect it a bit to see whether it is turning properly or if it is getting stuck in the middle.
If the nut is too loose, return it to its original position. You must locate the precise point at which the nut is precisely balanced and freely rotates.
Step 5: The Final Step
After you’ve properly loosened and adjusted the wheels, re-adjust them on the trucks if they’ve become separated. Check to see if you have positioned the bearings properly. To improve your skateboard wheels, you can also use any kind of normal lubrication.
Some Additional Tricks And Tips
There are several tips and tricks you need to consider while you loosen the wheels:
- Do not loosen the wheel too much to avoid any unwanted problems and accidents while riding the skateboard. Shake the wheels with your hands to see if they are way too loose. You will hear some rattling sounds produced by very loose wheels while skating.
- When using your hands to loosen the nuts, try to stay careful if they are too tight. You can hurt yourself in the process. Also, use materials like hand gloves to protect yourself but also remember that the gloves should provide grip to rotate the nuts easily.
- Check the truck bolts if the wheels still don’t run well. Because if the bolts become overly tight, the wheels cannot rotate at full speed. Adjust the truck bolt just like you did for the wheels. Finally, rotate the wheels and see if they are rotating well.
- Never use the skateboard without first testing it after you’ve repaired it, including loosening or tightening wheels. This may lead to severe accidents followed by injuries if not properly checked. If you believe the wheels are turning smoothly and without interruption, you are ready to travel.
Following these simple tricks and tips will help in ensuring your safety while you go skateboarding.
How To Tighten Skateboard Wheels?
Loose wheels can often lead to poor steering when skateboarding. Your skateboard will be harder to control.
Give your skateboard wheels a tug to see if they need to be tightened. On the axle, the wheels should not move. If the wheels shake, then they are too loose but if they are rigid, then they are too tight. A skateboard wheel on an axle should only spin.
Extremely loose wheels are no good since they will provide too much speed. It will not let you stop smoothly and since the speed is more, it will get difficult to put a brake. This may even cause an injury
Plus, it will not provide any stability and it will make a weird rattling sound. There is also a risk of the wheels coming undone.
Here are the steps to tighten your wheels in case it becomes overly loose:
Step 1: Check the Wheels
The first step is to check the wheels and observe how much you want to tighten them because repeating this step time and again can cause an injury to the hand.
Step 2: Tighten It
Once you have observed that the wheels need tightening and the spin is also off, then start tightening it clockwise. If you are comfortable with the hands, then you can do it that way. Otherwise, use a socket wrench to do the job.
Step 3: Test It
After you’re done with the tightening, test the wheel again by spinning it. You can even stand on it to observe if it feels right or performs some tricks. If you’re comfortable with how they feel, then you’re done otherwise, repeat the second step again.
How To Clean Your Skateboard Wheels?
Dirty wheels can also decrease the speed of your skateboard and sometimes, the debris makes the wheels tight. Here are the steps you need to follow to clean your wheels:
- Remove the wheels from the axle with a socket wrench.
- Pry the bearings off the wheels with the truck axle.
- Using a rag, remove dirt and debris from the surface of your wheels.
- Soak the wheels in soap water for at least 10 minutes.
- Using a cloth or a toothbrush, clean the wheels.
- Dry the wheels with a clean towel.
Related Questions
Which Tool Do You Need To Loosen the Skateboard Wheel?
Technically, you need the socket wrench which is perfect for the job. They are made by various companies and are also available online according to the size. But if you don’t have it, then you can also go for a simple wrench or pliers.
Why Are My Skateboard Wheels Not Spinning?
There are multiple reasons for this such as the wheel could be too tight or it could have some dirt or debris underneath it. The dirt, grass, or soil stuck underneath it can cause the durability of the wheels and their ability to spin.
How To Clean Skateboard Bearings?
Once you have removed all the parts of the wheels, it is time for you to lubricate them well. You can do this by using acetone, then let it sit for a while, and eventually re-lubricate it. The double process will ensure that you have oiled it properly.
Final Thoughts
You don’t necessarily need a skateboard tool to loosen your skateboard wheel. A socket, wrench, or even your bare hands will do. Although buying the skateboard tool will make your life easier, in reality, you can work without it too.
What you need are slightly loose wheels that will help you ride smoothly and you can get those using your bare hands.
