How to Reassemble Your Skateboard

You can rely on the shop guy to construct your skate deck, but every true skater should be savvy when it comes to board assembly. Learning how to remount your board will allow you to replace and service worn-out parts, change up the feel of your ride and give you a priceless skill. Less time in the shop having someone else diagnose and service your setup means more time spent in the park, bombing hills or carving turns.

Things You'll Need

  • skateboard
  • 1 sheet of grip tape
  • 4 skateboard wheels
  • 8 bearings
  • 2 trucks
  • 1 pack of skate hardware
  • Flat metal file
  • Utility knife
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Truck tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Peel the backing off the sheet of grip tape and affix it to the top of the board.

    • 2

      Use the file to trace along the outer edge of the skateboard so that the outline of the deck appears through the grip tape.

    • 3

      Follow the outline and cut the excess grip tape from the deck with the utility knife.

    • 4

      Lay one skate wheel flat on its side. Using the truck tool, push the bearing into the hole on the side of the wheel. Flip the wheel and repeat on the other side.

    • 5

      Repeat this process for all four wheels.

    • 6

      Push four of the mounting screws through the grip tape, into one set of the insert packs on the deck and through the corresponding holes in the truck's mounting plate.

    • 7

      Stabilize one mounting screw by inserting the screwdriver into its head. With the truck tool, thread and tighten the nut onto the screw. Repeat with the remaining three screws.

    • 8

      Mount the other truck to the board by repeating this process, using the final insert pack and the remaining screws and nuts.

    • 9

      Use the skate tool to remove the axle nut and washers from one side of the truck axle.

    • 10

      Slide one washer, one wheel, the final washer and the nut onto the axle in this pattern. Tighten the nut, thus securing the wheel.

    • 11

      Repeat this process for the remaining three wheels.

    • 12

      Double-check all hardware before riding your skateboard.