How to Remove a Bearing in a Roller Skate Without a Special Tool

The speed of roller skates heavily depends on what class the bearings are. ABEC is an industry standard scale to mark the tolerances of a ball bearing and was developed by the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC). A bearing's class is rated as either ABEC 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9, 9 being the fastest. Skaters commonly try to increase their speed by replacing their bearings but, without a specifically designed tool, it can be difficult to do it without damaging the bearings.

Things You'll Need

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • or
  • Allen Wrench
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Instructions

  1. Removing Bearings with a Standard Spacer

    • 1

      Hold the roller skate wheel firmly with one hand while you grip the flathead screwdriver or Allen wrench in the other.

    • 2

      Place the screwdriver insider the bearing carefully and locate it to the right of the edge of the bearing spacer, which is the inner most ring between the bearings. The goal is to catch that spacer without touching the bearing. Otherwise, you may damage it.

    • 3

      Push the screwdriver when you feel it is in the right place, until the bearing pops out of the opposite side. Flip the wheel over and repeat this process. Take extra care not to injure yourself with the screwdriver by keeping your fingers clear.

    Removing Bearings that have Floating Spacers

    • 4

      Hold onto the wheel firmly, as you prepare to use your screwdriver or Allen wrench .

    • 5

      Insert your screwdriver into the bearing and locate the end of it on the seam where the bearing meets the wheel.

    • 6

      Pivot the screwdriver just enough to allow the bearing to emerge slightly, then rotate the screwdriver around a little and pry again. Repeat this all the way around until the bearing eases out of the wheel.