How to Set Up a Complete Skateboard

A complete skateboard is a skateboard with its wheels, trucks, risers pads and bearings intact and ready to ride. Setting up a complete skateboard involves the use of tools such as a screwdriver and socket wrench. The process is simple, and the only problem area can be air bubbles when putting the grip tape on. Most skate shops require an assembly fee for putting together a skateboard.

Things You'll Need

  • Skateboard deck
  • Skateboard trucks
  • Skateboard risers
  • Skateboard wheels
  • Skateboard bearings
  • Grip tape
  • Razor blade
  • Skateboard hardware
  • Phillips head screw driver
  • 3/8-inch socket wrench
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Instructions

  1. Assembling Skateboard

    • 1

      Find an open area to assemble the skateboard. Keep everything in one place as there are lots of parts.

    • 2

      Lay the skateboard deck right side up on the ground.

    • 3

      Peel the grip tape from the backing. Most grip tape is not sold at proper length so there may be some cutting involved.

    • 4

      Apply the front of the grip to the nose of board and slowly apply to the rest of the board in a manner that will avoid air bubbles. Bubbles are not that big of deal it they occur --- they can be popped. Bubbles can be avoided by putting the grip tape on slowly at one end of the board and making your way to the other.

    • 5

      Rub the rails of the skateboard with a wrench or screwdriver. This will produce a white, chalky outline that will allow you to remove excess grip tape that will be hanging over the board (grip tape is sold in rectangular pieces and is not shaped to fit a skateboard). Puncture the outline with a razor blade and follow around the rails of the skateboard until the excess grip tape is removed.

    • 6

      Push the hardware, or bolts, through the set of four holes at the front and back of the skateboard that allow the trucks to be fastened.

    • 7

      Gather trucks, wheels and bearings.

    • 8

      Push the bearings into both the front and back of the wheel with the opposite end of the screwdriver, as the bearings allow the wheels to spin correctly.

    • 9

      Slide wheels on the axle of each truck and secure them with the given bolts and washers. These bolts can be applied with a socket wrench.

    • 10

      Align riser pads with four holes for the bolts at the front and back of skateboard and push the bolts through the board.

    • 11

      Align trucks with bolts and risers. Use the screwdriver and wrench to fasten the trucks to the deck of the skateboard.

    • 12

      The skateboard is now complete and ready to ride.