If you want to improve your skateboarding performance and control, one simple adjustment is tightening your skateboard trucks. This step can help you carve more precisely, maintain better stability, and even pull off tricks more easily.
But how to tighten skate trucks? In this blog, we will walk you through the process step-by-step and provide some tips and tricks to help you find the perfect level of tightness for your riding style.
Keep reading to learn the process of tightening loose trucks and understanding how tight should skateboard trucks be.
What Are Skateboard Trucks?
Skateboard trucks are the metal components that attach to the underside of a skateboard deck and allow the wheels to rotate. They consist of a baseplate that attaches to the deck, a hanger that supports the axle and wheels, a kingpin that holds the hanger in place, and bushings that provide cushioning and allow the trucks to turn.
Trucks come in various sizes and styles and can be adjusted to control the level of truck tightness and resistance in turning. They play a crucial role in a skateboard’s performance and can greatly impact the rider’s control and stability while riding.
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2 Methods To Tighten Skate Trucks
Now that you know the basic parts of your skateboard trucks, let’s move on to the two methods to get tighter trucks:
Method 1: Adjusting The Kingpin Nut
If you want to use this method, you will have to perform the following steps:
Get The Necessary Tools
To adjust the tightness of your skateboard trucks using the kingpin nut, you’ll need a T-tool or wrench to fit the kingpin nut and a skate tool to hold the skateboard truck in place.
Place The Skateboard Upside Down
Flip the skateboard upside down and position it so that the wheels are off the ground and the trucks are easily accessible.
Loosen The Kingpin Nut
Using your T-tool or wrench, loosen the kingpin nut by turning it counterclockwise. Make sure not to remove the nut completely, as this can cause the bushings to fall out.
Adjust The Tightness Of The Trucks
To adjust the tightness of the trucks, turn the kingpin nut clockwise to tight trucks or counterclockwise to loosen them. It’s important to make small adjustments at a time and test the board’s turning ability after each adjustment.
Tighten The Kingpin Nut
Once you’ve adjusted the tightness to your desired level, use your T-tool or wrench to tighten the kingpin nut by turning it clockwise. Make sure not to overtighten the nut, as this can damage the bushings and affect the board’s turning ability.
Method 2: Using Washers to Adjust Tightness
In this method, the steps would be similar with minor differences. Here is what you have to do:
Get The Necessary Tools
Just like the first method, the first thing is to have the right tools. For adjusting the tightness of your skateboard trucks using washers, you’ll need a T-tool or wrench to fit the kingpin nut, as well as a skate tool to hold the truck in place.
Place The Skateboard Upside Down
Flip the skateboard upside down and position it so that the wheels are off the ground and the trucks are easily accessible.
Remove the Kingpin Nut
Remove the kingpin nut by turning it counterclockwise using your T-tool or wrench. Make sure to keep the nut and washers in a safe place.
Add Or Remove Washers
To adjust the tightness of the trucks using washers, you can either add or remove washers from the kingpin. Each washer added will tighten the trucks, while each washer removed will loose skateboard trucks. It’s important to make small adjustments at a time and test the board’s turning ability after each adjustment.
Replace The Kingpin Nut
After you are done with adjusting the tightness to your desired level, replace the kingpin nut by threading it back onto the kingpin and tightening it with your T-tool or wrench. Make sure not to overtighten the nut, as this can damage the bushings and affect the board’s turning ability.
Read more: Uncover The 15 Types Of Skateboards.
6 Tips To Tighten Skateboard Trucks Correctly
Problems with tightening your skateboard trucks can lead to poor performance and even accidents. However, there are steps you can take to avoid these issues. Here are 6 tips on how to avoid problems when tightening your skateboard trucks:
1. Use The Correct Tools
Using the wrong tools when tightening your skateboard trucks can cause damage to the bolts and nuts, and affect the performance of the board. Use the correct size T-tool or wrench that fits the kingpin nut and a skate tool to hold the truck in place. It will ensure you have the proper grip and leverage to make adjustments safely and effectively.
2. Check The Bushings
The bushings on your skateboard trucks are essential for providing stability and control while riding. If the bushings are worn or damaged, tightening your trucks can be ineffective and even cause damage.
Inspect the bushings before making any adjustments and replace them if necessary. Checking the bushings will ensure the trucks are tightened correctly and provide optimal performance.
3. Make Small Adjustments
When tightening your skateboard trucks, making small adjustments at a time is important. Over-tightening the trucks can cause damage to the bushings and affect the board’s turning ability. Start with a small adjustment, test the board’s turning ability, and make additional adjustments as necessary.
4. Test The Board
Before hitting the road or park, test your skateboard to ensure that the trucks are tightened properly. Ride around and make turns to check the board’s turning ability. If the board is not turning smoothly or you feel wobbling, it may be necessary to make additional adjustments.
5. Replace Worn Parts
Over time, the components of your skateboard can wear down, affecting the board’s performance. You have to replace worn parts, such as bushings or bolts, to maintain optimal performance and safety. If you notice that your board is not turning smoothly or the trucks are not responding to adjustments, it may be time to replace these parts.
Regular maintenance and replacement of worn parts will help avoid problems when tightening your skateboard trucks.
6. Follow The Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Each skateboard brand may have its own guidelines for tightening trucks. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tightening your skateboard trucks to ensure optimal performance and safety. If you are unsure about the guidelines, you can contact the manufacturer or check their website for information.
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Problems Related To Tightening Skate Trucks
Here are the potential issues that can arise when tightening your skateboard trucks:
Overtightening
When tightening your skateboard trucks, you have to make sure you are not overtightening. If you tighten your trucks too much, you can damage the bushings, affecting the board’s turning ability and making it less stable. In extreme cases, overtightening can even cause the kingpin to break or the hanger to deform.
To avoid overtightening, use a T-tool or wrench to tighten your trucks in small increments, testing the board’s turning ability after each adjustment. You also have to pay attention to the feel of the board as you ride, as overtightening can make the board feel rigid and unresponsive.
Uneven Tightening
Another potential problem when tightening your skateboard trucks is uneven tightening. If you tighten one side of your board more than the other, it can throw off your balance and make it difficult to control your board.
Always make sure to adjust both sides evenly, using the same number of turns for each bolt. Counting the turns on one side can be helpful, then matching the number of turns on the other side.
Incorrect Bushing Placement
The placement of your bushings can also affect the stability and turning ability of your skateboard. If you put your bushings in the wrong position, it can affect the board’s stability and make it harder to turn. Make sure to place the bushings in the correct position and make sure they are in good condition.
Typically, the larger bushing goes on the bottom and the smaller one on top, but this can vary depending on your preference and the bushings you’re using.
Loosening Of Hardware
Tightening your trucks can put additional stress on your hardware, so it is essential to check all bolts and nuts regularly to ensure that they’re tightened correctly. Loose hardware can affect the stability and safety of your board, so make sure to use a T-tool or wrench to check all bolts and nuts before each ride. If you notice any loose hardware, tighten it immediately to avoid potential problems.
Difficulty Turning
If your trucks are too tight, it can be difficult to turn, which can limit your ability to maneuver and control your board. This can be especially problematic when trying to navigate tight turns or curves. To avoid difficulty turning, make sure to adjust your trucks gradually, testing the board’s turning ability after each adjustment.
If you notice that the board is difficult to turn, try loosening the trucks slightly until you find the right balance of stability and maneuverability.
Read more: Can You Skate While Pregnant?
How To Tighten Skate Trucks: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, tightening your skateboard trucks is a crucial aspect of skateboard maintenance that directly affects the performance of your board. Following the step-by-step guides and tips in this article, you can properly tighten your trucks to improve stability, turning, and overall ride quality.
We hope now you understand how to tighten skateboard trucks like a pro.
Let us know in the comments if you still have any questions left.
Goodbye & Keep Skating Like A Pro With SkatersDen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I tighten my skateboard trucks?
It depends on how often you ride and your personal preference. If you notice your board is wobbly or not turning smoothly, it may be time to tighten your trucks.
Q: Can I tighten my skateboard trucks without a T-tool?
It’s possible to tighten your skateboard trucks without a T-tool, but it’s not recommended. Using the wrong tools can cause damage to the bolts and nuts, affecting the performance of the board.
Q: How tight should I make my skateboard trucks?
The tightness of your skateboard trucks is a personal preference based on your riding style. Start with a loose setting and gradually tighten the trucks until you find the level that works best for you. Make small adjustments and test the board before making additional adjustments.