Skateboarding is a fun and exciting activity that requires proper maintenance of your board. One of the essential parts of a skateboard is the trucks. Trucks are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the deck. Over time, the trucks may become loose, which can affect your stability and control. In this article, we will discuss how to tighten trucks on your skateboard.
Why Tighten Your Trucks?
Loose trucks can make your skateboard feel unstable and wobbly, making it challenging to perform tricks or ride smoothly. Tightening your trucks can help you achieve better control and stability while riding. It can also prevent the trucks from wobbling, which can lead to wheel bite, a situation where the wheels touch the deck and cause you to fall.
What You Will Need
Before you begin tightening your trucks, you will need the following tools:
1. Skateboard tool –
A skateboard tool is a handy tool that is specifically designed for skateboard maintenance. It has a socket wrench that fits the bolts on your trucks, a screwdriver, and a hex key. It is an essential tool that you should have in your skateboard maintenance kit.
2. Rags –
You will also need rags to clean your board and trucks before tightening them. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the trucks, making it easier to tighten them.
3. A flat surface –
You will need a flat surface to place your skateboard on while tightening the trucks. This will ensure that your board remains stable and doesn’t wobble while you’re working on the trucks.
Steps to Tighten Your Trucks
Follow the steps below to tighten your skateboard trucks:
Step 1: Remove the Wheels
Use your skateboard tool to remove the wheels from your board. This will give you access to the trucks and make it easier to tighten them.
Step 2: Clean the Trucks
Use a rag to clean the trucks, removing any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on them. This will make it easier to tighten them properly.
Step 3: Tighten the Kingpin
Use your skateboard tool to tighten the kingpin nut. The kingpin nut is the large nut located in the middle of the truck. Turn the nut clockwise to tighten it. Be careful not to overtighten it as this can make your skateboard feel too stiff and difficult to turn.
Step 4: Adjust the Tightness
Use your skateboard tool to adjust the tightness of the trucks. Turn the bolts on the side of the truck clockwise to tighten them. Be sure to tighten them evenly to ensure that your skateboard remains stable and doesn’t wobble.
Step 5: Reattach the Wheels
Once you’ve tightened the trucks, reattach the wheels using your skateboard tool. Be sure to tighten them properly to ensure that they don’t come loose while you’re riding.
Conclusion
Tightening your skateboard trucks is an essential maintenance task that every skateboarder should know how to do. It can help you achieve better control and stability while riding, making it easier to perform tricks and ride smoothly. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be able to tighten your trucks in no time.
Related video of How to Tighten Trucks on Your Skateboard
https://youtube.com/watch?v=e0-ET4QtuLI