How to Prevent Skateboard Damage

Skateboards are durable pieces of equipment; but like all sporting gear they require frequent maintenance to ensure continuous high performance. Regular riders will need to clean their boards weekly. Parts, such as wheels and decks, will also need to be replaced. The life of these parts is dependent upon the type of skateboarding done. Trick athletes put more wear and tear on their decks, resulting in more frequent repairs and more serious damage. If you collect boards or wish to preserve a favorite, consider purchasing a second skateboard for regular use.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Toothbrush
  • Sponge or rag
  • Towel
  • Plastic bristle brush
  • Automotive door edge guard
  • 3 C-clamps
  • Glue
  • Pliers or an adjustable wrench
  • Spare parts
  • Skateboarding sneakers
  • Acrylic glaze
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Instructions

  1. Cleaning

    • 1

      Remove large debris and grime from the wheel such as gravel.

    • 2

      Mix 1 tablespoon of soap with a bucket of warm water.

    • 3

      Scrub wheels and trucks with soapy water. Wipe with a damp rag or sponge.

    • 4

      Pat board dry with a towel or rag.

    • 5

      Brush the grip and deck with a dry plastic bristle brush. Do not wet the grip and deck; excess moisture will cause the grip to peel and the deck to swell.

    Nose Guard

    • 6

      Glue a rubber strip to the nose of your board to protect it from impacts. Measure the edge of the nose from the left side around to the right.

    • 7

      Cut a piece of the rubber door edge guard to fit.

    • 8

      Apply glue to the rubber and press to the board. Set-up 3 C-clamps along the edge to hold the rubber against the nose. Open the clamp and place it over the nose so that the rubber is held in place by the interior of the clamp. Tighten the clamp so that it grips the deck firmly, holding the rubber in place.

    • 9

      Let the glue dry for at least 2 days before use.

    Maintenance and Repair

    • 10

      Examine the deck. Take note of cracks, holes, dents and other damage. Pay particular attention to areas that can lead to delamination, the degradation of coatings and separation of deck layers.

    • 11

      Apply acrylic glaze to holes to prevent further damage.

    • 12

      Examine the trucks and wheels.

    • 13

      Tighten any lose bolts.

    • 14

      Spin the wheels and listen for squeaking or grinding. Apply lubricant to bearings if possible; not all wheel kits permit lubrication. Replace wheel bearings as required by your kit.

    • 15

      Do not use a damaged board. Using a board that is in need of repair will lead to further damage.

    Easy Riding

    • 16

      Do not land in the center of the board with your full body weight; this can split the deck. Try to place your feet near the trucks.

    • 17

      Wear proper skateboarding shoes; cheap shoes or treaded boots can damage your grip.

    • 18

      Avoid using the nose or tail of the skateboard for stopping unless you have installed a stop guard; breaking on the ends of your board will wear down the deck, making it brittle.