How to Build a Complete Blank Skateboard

Building a skateboard setup remains a vital piece of knowledge for any skateboarder. Setting up a skateboard only requires a few simple tools and the various components of the modern skateboard. The wooden element of the skateboard setup, referred to as the deck, supports the skater's weight. The sandpaperlike grip tape, applied to the top of the deck, permits traction between the skater's shoes and the board itself. The eight ball bearings of the skateboard setup allow the four wheels to roll. The two aluminum trucks, connected to the skateboard deck, hold the wheels in place.

Things You'll Need

  • Blank deck
  • Grip tape
  • Bearings
  • Wheels
  • Hardware
  • Skate tool
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a blank deck, available online or from a local skate shop, one sheet of grip tape, a set of eight bearings, a set of four wheels and one bag of hardware. Acquire a skate tool, a Phillips screwdriver and a utility knife.

    • 2

      Peel off the backing from the grip tape to reveal its sticky underside. Apply the grip tape to the top of the blank skateboard deck, starting at either end. Slowly apply the grip tape to the deck to avoid air bubbles. Rub around the edge of the blank deck with the edge of the Phillips head screwdriver. Cut around the outline of the skateboard deck with the utility knife to remove the excess grip tape. Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the eight holes of the deck to puncture the grip tape.

    • 3

      Insert two ball bearings into each of the four wheels with the bearing applicator tip of the skate tool. Place two wheels onto each of the aluminum trucks. Secure the wheels to the trucks by tightening the four largest bolts that came with the hardware.

    • 4

      Insert eight bolts through the two sets of four holes of the skateboard deck. Flip the deck upside down with the grip tape facing down.

    • 5

      Align the trucks on the two sets of four bolts that have been inserted through the blank skateboard deck. By hand, apply the eight small nuts onto the eight bolts to safely fasten the trucks to the deck. Hold the nuts in place with the skate tool. Tighten the screws with the Phillips screwdriver.

    • 6

      Take the completed blank skateboard setup to a paved area. Slowly ride on the skateboard to ensure that it has been built correctly.