How to Make Your Skateboard's Nose and Tail Higher

To make your skateboard's nose and tail higher, install risers on top of the trucks. Risers are plastic or rubber blocks that install between the top of the truck and the bottom of the skateboard deck. The riser raises the entire skateboard deck when the wheels are on the ground, thus making the nose and tail higher. Note that you may need to replace the bolts that secure the trucks to the board, as your standard-length bolts may not be long enough to accept the extra clearance of the riser.

Things You'll Need

  • Phillips-head screwdriver
  • Adjustable crescent wrench
  • Truck risers
  • Extended hardware
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the four bolts that secure each truck to the skateboard deck. Once the bolts are loose, use an adjustable crescent wrench to hold the lower nuts secure while you continue to loosen the bolts. Remove all eight nuts and set them aside.

    • 2

      Remove the truck bolts and replace them with extended bolts if required. Turn the skateboard deck upside down while holding the truck bolts in place. Slide each truck off the bolt extensions. Install your riser pads in place of the trucks. Most risers feature multiple drill holes to accept all bolt layout patterns, so the risers will simply slide onto the truck bolts.

    • 3

      Replace the skateboard trucks on top of the risers. Reinstall the lower nuts by hand. Use an adjustable crescent wrench to hold the nuts secure while you use a Phillips-head screwdriver to retighten the truck bolts. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this may cause fractures in your skateboard deck.

    • 4

      Test your skateboard out to ensure that the risers are a proper fit for your style. Because of the deck nose and tail being higher, it may take some practice before you feel entirely comfortable on your board. To alleviate this, use an adjustable crescent wrench to tighten the truck kingpin bolts. This is the large bolt in the center of each truck bottom. Tightening the kingpin bolt causes the truck to pivot less under pressure. This helps to increase board stability while you are getting used to the higher nose and tail of the deck.