Slick Guides: How to Build a Skateboard
Bought your first board and need some help setting it up? No problem, we've put together this guide to help you build your board, so you can get to the skatepark!
Here’s what you’re going to need:
Tools:
- Allen Key, socket wrench or skateboard multitool
- Blade
- File (or grip tape offcuts)
Parts:
- Skateboard Deck
- Grip Tape
- Trucks
- Bolts
- Wheels
- Bearings
Once you’ve got all your tools and parts together, it’s time to time to build your skateboard.
Grip Your board
Lay your board on a flat surface with the nose and tail pointing up and the graphic facing down. Peel off the backing of the grip tape and, before placing it on the board, centre the grip tape over the board - try and have an equal amount of excess tape around the edges. Once you’re sure it’s ready, place the grip tape down and smooth it out, working from the centre out towards the nose and tail. Make sure it’s firmly placed and you’ve worked any air bubbles out.
File around the edges of the board, or use the excess grip tape you just cut off, to sand the edges of the board until the griptape shows the outline of the board. Once that’s done, use a blade to cut away the excess by placing the blade against the wood so you get a close cut all the way around. To finish off, smooth the edges of the grip tape with the excess grip tape or file.
Attach the Trucks
Push an Allen key or screwdriver through the bolt holes of your board to pierce the grip tape. Insert the truck bolts through the top of your board and attach the trucks. Make sure the flat part of the hanger is facing outwards. Tighten the bolts until the trucks are secure and the bolts are flush with the grip tape.
Bearings and Wheels
Remove the nut and washer from the axle of your truck and slide a bearing on, flat side facing out. Then, take a wheel and press it down over your bearing until you feel it pop into the centre of your wheel then flip it over and repeat the process. Once you’ve done all for wheels, slide them onto the trucks, slide the washer on the axle and tighten the bolts to make sure the bearings are pressed in and then loosen the nut slightly so that your wheels spin freely.
Tune the Board
Once that’s all done, step on the board and roll around. See how it feels, if the wheels feel wrong, tighten them or loosen them, same with the trucks, if the board feels too stiff or too wobbly, you can adjust the kingpin to your preference. Try a quarter turn on each truck, until you are happy. There is no wrong or right, it’s what you feel most comfortable with.
That’s it, you’re rolling! If you have any questions or need advice, be sure to give us a call, we’d the happy to help.
