How to Assemble a Longboard

Improperly assembling a longboard skateboard can lead to severe injury or even death. Longboards are made up of various parts that each work together to provide the rider with a certain level of control while riding. These types of boards are often used in competitive races because of their ability to reach speeds greater than those of standard skateboards. A longboard can be assembled by placing each object in the correct area.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Wrench
  • Razor blade
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Instructions

  1. Applying the Griptape

    • 1

      Lay the longboard face up on a flat stable surface. Peel the paper backing off the bottom of the griptape and place the paper aside.

    • 2

      Hold the griptape in a way that allows the center to sag. The griptape should make a "U" shape. Slowly lower the griptape to center it on the board. Once the griptape makes contact with the board begin to level it out until it is completely flat and adhered to the board.

    • 3

      Place the paper backing over the grip tape. Use your hand to smooth out the griptape until it is securely adhered to the board.

    • 4

      Scrape the edges of the griptape, using a screwdriver, until the rough black surface becomes white and smooth.

    • 5

      Cut along the smooth white outline using the razor blade. Remove the excess griptape.

    Assembling the Board

    • 6

      Hold the longboard deck in an upright position. Place one of the trucks against the bottom of the board. Line up the four holes that are drilled in the board with the four holes located on the base of the truck. Place a bolt through each of the holes. Screw a nut onto the end of each bolt. Repeat this step for the second truck.

    • 7

      Firmly grasp one of the wheels in your hand. Using your other hand, grab a bearing and insert it into the backside of the wheel. Use your index finger to push the bearing until it cannot move any farther. Place a bearing spacer behind the bearing. Insert the second bearing on the opposite side of the spacer. Repeat this step for each wheel.

    • 8

      Place one of the wheels onto a truck's axel, followed by a nut. Screw the nut into place until the wheel no longer slides along the axel. Repeat this step for each wheel.