Longboarding is a thrilling and exciting sport that involves riding on a longboard. A longboard is a type of skateboard that is longer in size and has bigger wheels. One of the most important parts of the longboard is the trucks. The trucks are responsible for the movement and turning of the longboard. If you want to have better control over your longboard, you need to know how to tighten your longboard trucks. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tighten your longboard trucks:
Step 1: Gather the necessary equipment
Before you start tightening your longboard trucks, you need to gather the necessary equipment. You will need a skate tool, which is a specialized tool for skateboards and longboards. You can buy a skate tool at a local skate shop or online. You will also need a clean, flat surface to work on.
Step 2: Remove the wheels
The first thing you need to do is to remove the wheels from your longboard. You can do this by using the skate tool to unscrew the bolts that hold the wheels in place. Once you have removed the wheels, set them aside in a safe place.
Step 3: Loosen the nuts
The next step is to use the skate tool to loosen the nuts that hold the trucks in place. You should only loosen the nuts enough so that you can adjust the tightness of the trucks. Do not loosen them too much or the trucks may fall off.
Step 4: Adjust the tightness
Now that the nuts are loosened, you can adjust the tightness of the trucks. You can do this by using the skate tool to turn the kingpin bolt clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen. You should adjust the tightness according to your preference. If you want a tighter turn, you should tighten the trucks. If you want a looser turn, you should loosen the trucks.
Step 5: Check the tightness
After you have adjusted the tightness of the trucks, you should check to make sure they are tight enough. You can do this by standing on the longboard and rocking back and forth. If the longboard feels too loose or wobbly, you should tighten the trucks some more. If it feels too tight, you should loosen the trucks.
Step 6: Tighten the nuts
Once you have adjusted the tightness of the trucks, you should use the skate tool to tighten the nuts back in place. Make sure the nuts are tight enough so that the trucks do not fall off, but not too tight that they cannot move.
Step 7: Put the wheels back on
Now that the trucks are tightened, you can put the wheels back on. Use the skate tool to screw the bolts back in place. Make sure the wheels are tight enough so that they do not fall off, but not too tight that they cannot spin.
Step 8: Test the longboard
After you have put the wheels back on, you should test the longboard to make sure everything is working properly. Take it for a test ride and see how it feels. If it feels too loose or too tight, you can always adjust the tightness of the trucks again.
Step 9: Maintain your longboard
It is important to maintain your longboard regularly to ensure it is always in good condition. You should check the tightness of the trucks every few weeks, as they can loosen over time with use. You should also clean your longboard regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up.
Conclusion
Tightening your longboard trucks is an important skill that every longboarder should know. It allows you to have better control over your longboard and make sharper turns. By following these simple steps, you can tighten your longboard trucks and enjoy a smoother ride. Remember to maintain your longboard regularly to keep it in good condition.