Building an entire skateboard can sound like a daunting job, but it should not be challenging if you know the proper process.
Today, many companies will offer you the components, and you might have to assemble the entire thing at home by following the assembly instructions. This is especially true if you are buying a skateboard online.
Now being a DIY enthusiast, I always look for such exciting jobs. Also, I used to skateboard as a kid, so they have always appealed to me.
A few days back, my son wanted to buy a skateboard, and he ordered one from an online store. Since it needed to be assembled, I got the perfect opportunity to gain first-hand experience about the assembly. At the same time, I watched videos and read articles to have a thorough understanding of the process.
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today, I am going to share my knowledge on how to assemble/build a skateboard from scratch. My suggestion is to gather all the required tools and parts before beginning the process.
Once that’s done, dive in!
You will be needing:
While the screwdriver and the Allen Wrenches need to be bought separately, the other parts should arrive in the package itself. You can also check the product description or call up customer care to know if they will be providing these before making the purchasing decision.
First of all, you will need to attach the grip tape to the deck of the skateboard. For this, start by cleaning the skateboard and placing it on a flat surface. Then take your grip tape and place it on top of the deck.
Measure it well and mark out all the excess parts that are sticking out from the sides. Once you have the shape of the skateboard deck marked on the grip tape, you can peel the paper off the tape and attach it. Start from one end of the skateboard and slowly move towards the middle.
Keep pressing with both your hands so that there are no air bubbles stuck inside. You can use a metal rod to help flatten the edges. And don’t panic if you still see some air bubbles. Just use a knife to make small incisions and allow the air to pass out.
From what I have seen, some people prefer sticking the grip tape first and then cutting the edges, so you can follow that method too.
Once you have placed the grip tape and sanded the edges, you can poke holes in the grip tape near the areas where the screws need to go. But ensure that you’re careful enough to prevent tearing the tape.
I asked my husband to help out while I made the holes. The screws will then need to be placed in the holes, and the trucks need to be attached on top of them.
Ensure that each of the trucks is attached separately, and you should be able to hear a sound when they fit into place.
Beyond that, check if the trucks are wobbling, and if they are, take them out and fix them again. Once they are in place, you will need to attach the bolts.
This can be a slightly difficult process, especially if you have not worked with bearings before, so I will recommend getting some help from someone who has.
Firstly, remove the washers and nuts that are attached to the wheels. Then place the bearing and press the wheel on it. There should be a clicking sound, which will indicate that the bearing is in the right place. Once you hear that, attach washers on both sides and tighten the bolts.
Remember that you will need to repeat the same process for all the wheels, which can be done faster if two people are working simultaneously on both sides.
Next, take out the wingnuts from your skateboard and replace them with washers. They need to be placed on both sides of the metal plate of the skateboard, after which you need to fit the axle into the wheel hub hole from one side.
Do the same for the other axle and place washers on both sides. Tighten them up with wingnuts that you had previously opened. The bearings should be able to slide up and down inside the metal plates. But if they are not moving, then it is best to call for professional help.
You will now need to place the axle of the trucks in the metal plate of the board. Both its ends will go into the two holes located on the sides of the skateboard. Then the wingnuts have to be secured well so that the trucks do not move.
As the last step, check if the wheels are moving without any obstruction after attaching the trucks. In case they are not moving smoothly, tighten the nuts further and check again.
If you can assemble skateboards, then you will be paying a lot less money, which would have otherwise gone into buying a fully assembled model.
However, if you get stuck with any of the steps, contact a skateboard store immediately to bail out of the situation. This may cost some money, but it is better to get help than mess up the entire process.
I will also recommend reading up the instructions by the manufacturer thoroughly before getting on to the job. Some brands may provide specific steps meant for assembling a particular skateboard, and you would not want to miss out on them.
With this, I will be wrapping up today’s guide, and you can let me know about your experience in the comment section below. Happy skateboarding!
Tags
Pressure cookers have become kitchen staples for many, promising speedy meals without compromising flavor. But have you ever wondered how hot does a pressure cooker get?Understanding the temperature inside this culinary marvel is more than just kitchen trivia. It’s a vital aspect of safe and efficient cooking.From unlocking the secrets of rapid cooking to ensuring
Read MorePressure cookers have evolved into indispensable allies in modern kitchens, capable of conjuring quick, mouthwatering meals with ease.Yet, amidst the kitchen whirlwind, there’s a familiar culinary stumbling block that can swiftly transform your gastronomic aspirations into a culinary catastrophe. Yes, we’re talking the menacing issue of pressure cooker burn marks on the bottom.Few things are
Read More