How to Build a Good Skateboard

Building a good skateboard depends on the knowledge of the skater trying the assembly. Putting together a skateboard can come second nature to a veteran skater, but novice skaters must learn the process correctly to build a good skateboard successfully. Not completing the proper assembly could cause the skateboard to fall apart during a high speed maneuver, and this could lead to serious injury. Acquire the proper tools before trying to build a complete skateboard setup.

Things You'll Need

  • Grip tape
  • Skateboard deck
  • Nuts and bolts
  • Trucks
  • Wheels
  • Bearings
  • Utility knife
  • Skate tool
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a trip to your local skate shop and buy a skateboarding deck, grip tape, a set of trucks, a pack of bearings, four wheels, the necessary nuts and bolts, and a skate tool. Go to your local hardware store and purchase a utility knife and a screwdriver

    • 2

      Lay the skateboarding deck on a flat, sturdy surface. Starting at one of the four corners of the grip tape, peel off the paper backing. If the grip tape's adhesive comes into contact with other materials during the gripping process, it will ruin the grip tape. Attach the sticky grip-tape to the deck starting at the top of the concave shaped area. Smooth out the grip tape with one hand to prevent air bubbles. Sand the edges of the skateboard deck with the side of the screwdriver. Cut off the extra grip tape with the utility knife.

    • 3

      Push two bearings into each wheel with the knob located on the skate tool. Insert the wheels onto the sides of trucks. Place one bolt over each wheel and tighten them until the wheels stay in place.

    • 4

      Force the end of the screwdriver through the holes in the skateboard deck. Insert one bolt into each hole. Place the trucks onto the inserted bolts and tighten the nuts to secure the trucks to the deck.

    • 5

      Pull on the trucks to make sure they have been safely secured to the skateboard deck. Rub around the skateboard deck with an excess piece of grip tape to sand down the rough edges of the freshly applied grip tape. Push around on the board to test its construction.