Okay, I assume you want to build your own skateboard but don’t know what do you need to build a skateboard.
Well, that I am here for you, and this article contains all the necessary piece of pieces of information about all parts that you need to build a skateboard.
Before we move on, let me make it clear to you that building a skateboard is a simple knot to crack, although it may seem discouraging looking at all the different parts dissembled on the floor.
To do anything, you first need to have a positive mindset towards achieving that goal. So, do not be discouraged by the numerous disassembled parts of a skateboard, rather be confident in yourself that you can do it!
Below is a list of all the necessary disassembled parts of a skateboard required to build a fully complete and functioning skateboard.
So let’s see what do you need to build a skateboard
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- Skateboard Deck
- Skateboard Wheels
- Bearings
- Trucks
- Grip Tape
- Skate tools
1. Skateboard Deck
Skateboard deck sizes vary, but the sizes you are most likely to see in the market range from 7 to 10.5 inches, i.e.; 18 cm to 27 cm wide and are majorly between 28 to 33
inches (71 and 84 cm) long. For beginners that need great stability when skateboarding, I suggest you go for wider decks.
Wider decks are best for kids and beginners because it gives greater comfort and stability. While for experts and pro skaters can go with any decks of their choice, be it wide or slim decks.
Other than the above-mentioned size range of modern skateboard decks, there are older boards that are usually longer and wider than the modern skateboard decks, and they are the Longboards. Longboards are over 36 inches, i.e.; 91cm long. While there are also shorter boards known as the Penny boards that are about 22 inches (56cm) long.
When getting a skateboard deck, be sure of the one that suits your skating style. Also, an average skateboard deck should not cost you more than the range of $30 to $50.
2. Skateboard Wheels
Getting the right skateboard wheel that will suit your skateboarding style is not just about going to the market and picking any wheel you see. There are a lot of things to consider when getting a skateboard wheel, and the size and hardness of a skateboard wheel can have a real effect on your skateboard ( both in weight and movement).
Well, in order not to allow you to make the wrong skateboard wheel choice, we are here to help you out with the perfect wheel that suits your skateboarding style.
For kids and beginners, we recommend that you go for a medium-sized skateboard wheel of about 52 mm- 54 mm with a durometer of 90a – 99a.
Also, before buying a skateboard wheel, you must first define the purpose of the wheel, i.e., places you will majorly ride your skateboard- this is because skateboard wheels are categorized into three main types, and they are cruiser wheels, park/street wheels, and longboard wheels. All you need to do is go for the wheel that suits your skating style.
Cruiser wheels: The cruiser wheels, also known as the soft wheels are a bit bigger and softer than the park/street wheels. The softness makes it roll faster, smoother on any surfaces, (which is why it is also referred to as filmer wheels). The cruiser wheels have a diameter and durometer of 54-60mm and 78-90a respectively. The cruiser wheels are specially built to fit into any skateboard deck.
Park/Street Wheels: As the name implies, the park and street wheels are very hard wheels, making them the best skateboard wheels for streets and parks skating. These wheels are lighter than the cruiser wheels, roll faster on smooth surfaces, and slides effortlessly and more efficiently- making it easier to perform skating tricks like flip tricks, power slides, ollies, and many more.
The Park/street wheels have a diameter and durometer of 50-60mm and 95-101a respectively. We highly recommend the park/street wheels for street skateboarding, bowls, and skate parks.
Longboard Wheels: Longboard wheels are the oldest, biggest, and softest skateboard wheels. The longboard wheels are specially designed for skating on rough surfaces. The longboard wheels can be used for varieties of skating purposes be it cruising, sliding, or downhill racing.
The diameter and durometer of the longboard wheels are 60-75mm and 75-85a respectively.
Skateboard wheels vary in price, you can get a cheap wheel (recommended for beginners) for as low as $20, but a skateboard wheel should not be more than $50.
3. Bearings
The bearings of a skateboard are the round metal pieces that are inside the wheels. All bearings are of the same size and fit into any skateboard wheels, not minding the sizes of the wheels.
Usually, skateboard bearings are measured by an Abec rating- as in Abec 1,3,5,7, and 9. The higher the ABEC, the more precise a bearing will be.
The Abec 1 bearings are less expensive and less accurate. And have a low steel quality.
Abec 3 skateboard bearings are also inexpensive and do not roll smoothly and quickly on surfaces.
The Abec 5 is regarded as the standard bearing for most skateboarding styles. These bearing are affordable and give you a fast speed.
The Abec 7 bearings are faster than the Abec 5, rights smoothly, and more expensive than the previously listed bearings.
Abec 9 bearings are suggested for downhill skating because they are extremely fast. This type of bearings is not recommended for beginners but for skaters who wish to move extremely fast. The Abec 90 bearings are the most expensive in the market.
4. Trucks
The skateboard trucks are one of the most important parts of a skateboard, and should not by any means be overlooked. The Trucks of a skateboard last longer than other parts of the skateboard and also determines the rate at which a board performs. There are a whole lot of varieties of skateboard trucks out there, and getting anyone depends on your skating style.
Most people often get confused about how tight or loose a skateboard truck should be. Well, the tightness of your skateboard truck depends on your individual preference.
You can decide to tight up against your skateboard and also loosen it a bit if you feel uncomfortable with how tight it is.
A simple way to loosen your skateboard truck is by taking down the nuts and bolts on the truck and axle respectively, and this can be done with the help of skateboard tools like the kingpin adjustment tool or your wrench.
5. Grip tape
Most writers may overlook writing about the importance of a grip tape in your skateboard. A grip tape is as important as all other parts of your skateboard.
A grip tape is more like sandpaper, it is glued to the top side of a skateboard deck, and it gives its rider security while riding, thereby allowing the rider to perform various kinds of skateboarding tricks.
The rough surface of the grip tape is made of silicon carbide that provides the resistance needed between the deck of a skateboard and the soles of the rider’s shoes.
Note that without the necessary friction provided by the grip tape, there will be little or no chance at all to get your deck on the air while performing various skateboarding tricks.
The grip tape is relatively inexpensive. The price of a grip tape should be between $7 to $10.
Haven listed all the parts needed to build a complete skateboard, there is also a list of tools needed to assemble all these listed and explained parts, and they are;
- You will need your truck bolts (8) to be inserted through the popped holes on the grip tape and deck.
- You will need Kingpin nuts, as they are the required nut to tighten up the truck bolts.
- A speed Ring Washer is also needed to fit the skateboard wheels to the truck axle.
- Lastly, make sure to use your wrench or spanner to tighten up all nuts on the trucks to your desired point.
Now you know all the parts needed to build a skateboard, as well as the required tools needed to put all the parts in place. You can get started today, I assure you a positive result if you carefully follow and strictly adhere to the information given here. Good luck!
