Skateboarding may be powerful in your gear. From grinds to curb slaps, every session provides somewhat extra put on. However right here’s the factor—if you happen to maintain your skateboard, it’ll maintain you, providing you with smoother rides, higher management, and longer-lasting tools.
On this publish, I’m sharing my greatest upkeep suggestions that can assist you maintain your board in nice situation. We’ll go over every little thing from cleansing bearings to tackling squeaky vans.
In case you’re a visible learner, examine this out.
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Key takeaways
- Retailer your board in a dry space to keep away from warping or cracking.
- Repeatedly clear and lubricate bearings for a smoother journey and higher longevity.
- Verify and tighten {hardware} periodically to maintain your board steady and secure.
- Refresh grip tape and sand down splinters to take care of management and traction.
skateboard upkeep suggestions for optimum efficiency
1. Retailer your board in a dry place
Your board doesn’t vibe properly with humidity. Since skateboards are largely wooden, they’re fairly delicate to moisture. If left in a moist space, your deck can warp or crack over time. Very best storage? Someplace cool and dry, like a closet. Or, even higher, mount it on a wall rack—it not solely retains it secure however provides some model to your area.
Received your board moist?
Dry it off fully with a towel instantly, however keep away from putting it close to a radiator or heater. Excessive warmth can mess with the wooden simply as a lot as water can.
2. Keep away from skating in moist or wet circumstances
Think about rolling on a slick, wet floor—it’s not solely tougher to regulate your board, however that water seeps into the deck and bearings, inflicting rust, warping, and making grip tape peel. Skating on moist floor shouldn’t be definitely worth the danger to your board or your security.
When’s it secure to skate once more after rain?
Wait till the bottom is absolutely dry. Even a little bit of leftover moisture can influence your board’s efficiency and improve put on.
3. Maintain your bearings clear and lubricated
Bearings are the center of your board’s spin, so maintaining them clear is essential. Soiled or dry bearings make for a rougher, slower journey. Intention to wash them each 3-6 months (or extra if you happen to skate usually). Pop them out, soak in rubbing alcohol, allow them to dry, after which lube them with Bones Velocity Cream or silicone lubricant.
Professional tip: Your tip title goes right here
QuAvoid water when cleansing bearings. Water results in rust—sufficient mentioned.
4. sand down any chips or splinters on the deck
Skating on concrete and curbs takes a toll in your deck. Over time, you’ll most likely spot chips or splinters. Not solely do they mess with the look of your board, however they will additionally have an effect on your grip. Easy them out with some fine-grit sandpaper to maintain issues secure and clear.
5. Clean up your grip tape
Soiled grip tape simply doesn’t present the identical management. Dust and dirt construct up, lowering traction. To maintain it recent, seize some grip gum and rub it throughout the tape. In case your grip tape is simply too far gone, think about changing it altogether.
Professional tip: Grip gum acts like an eraser for grime, making it a simple repair on your grip’s situation.
6. Tighten your {hardware} frequently
Unfastened {hardware}? Massive no. Wobbly vans could make your journey really feel unstable, and that’s by no means a very good factor. Verify your bolts each few months, particularly if you happen to begin listening to rattling. Tighten them simply sufficient to carry issues in place, however don’t go overboard—you don’t wish to crack your deck.
Professional tip: Unfastened {hardware} can result in stress
Unfastened {hardware} can result in stress cracks in your deck, which might finally mess up your board’s efficiency.
7. wax the pivot cup to stop squeaking
Ever hear a squeak while you flip? That’s probably coming out of your pivot cup, the half the place the truck hanger meets the baseplate. Just a little wax in there can remove that noise and maintain your turns easy.
8. think about including nostril and tail guards
Holding your deck’s pop alive is all about avoiding razor tail. Razor tail occurs when the tail (or nostril) grinds down from common use. Nostril and tail guards can assist stop this and prolong the lifetime of your deck, particularly if you happen to’re studying tips or skating rougher spots.
Dos and don’ts of skateboard upkeep
Following these upkeep pointers will enable you to keep away from widespread points and maintain your board performing properly.
Dos
- Do clear your bearings each 3-6 months.
- Do retailer your board indoors to keep away from moisture injury.
- Do examine and tighten bolts to maintain {hardware} safe.
Don’ts
- Don’t go away your board in direct daylight for lengthy durations.
- Don’t use water to wash grip tape; go for grip gum as an alternative.
- Don’t skate on moist surfaces because it damages bearings and deck.
Are they cumbersome? Not likely. Some skaters love them for cover; others discover them pointless. Your name, however they do add a layer of protection.
Tip: dry your board instantly after moist rides
In case your board by chance will get moist, use a towel to dry it off completely. Keep away from utilizing excessive warmth, like putting it close to a radiator, as this will warp the deck.
Common skateboard upkeep can assist prolong its lifespan and enhance efficiency. Right here’s a fast abstract of really useful actions based mostly on frequency.
| Upkeep Process | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clear bearings | Each 3-6 months |
| Verify {hardware} | Month-to-month |
| Exchange grip tape | Yearly or as wanted |
Often requested questions (FAQ)
It is dependent upon how usually you skate and the surfaces you journey on. *Easy concrete* might put on wheels slower than tough pavement. As a rule of thumb, if you happen to see flat spots, it’s time to interchange them.
In case your bearings really feel tough or make a grinding noise, strive cleansing them first. In the event that they nonetheless really feel gradual or gritty after cleansing, then changing them is likely to be greatest for easy rides.
Too-loose vans make your board really feel wobbly at excessive speeds, making it tougher to regulate. Check the tightness by standing in your board—if it tilts too simply side-to-side, think about tightening them up for extra stability.
It’s usually higher to make use of grip gum as an alternative of water. *Water can weaken the adhesive* below the grip tape, making it peel off sooner. Stick with dry cleansing strategies for the most effective outcomes.
Remaining ideas
Taking good care of your skateboard isn’t nearly maintaining it trying good; it’s about ensuring each session is as easy and gratifying as potential. Common upkeep can assist prolong your board’s life, making it much less probably you’ll find yourself sidelined by avoidable put on and tear.
From maintaining your bearings clear to realizing when to interchange elements, these small however important steps go a good distance towards bettering your journey. Whether or not you’re grinding curbs or cruising ramps, displaying your board some love will assist it carry out at its greatest. Maintain shredding responsibly, and bear in mind—higher upkeep means higher skating.