How to Build a Skateboard Rail From Scrap

Grinding is the act of sliding along a rail while balancing the skateboard on the trucks, or a portion of the skate deck. Learning these extreme maneuvers is much easier when you have your own grind rail; however, store-bought models are generally very expensive. Consider building your own skateboard grind rail if you'd like to sharpen up on your grinding skills without emptying out your piggy bank.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 2x4s measuring 6' in length
  • 1 2x6 measuring 6' in length
  • 51 5/8" screws
  • 18 1/2" screws
  • 2 sheets of 1/2" plywood measuring 6' x 7"
  • Electric Drill
  • 3/8" steel drill bit
  • 3/16" steel drill bit
Show More

Instructions

  1. Construct the Base

    • 1

      Attach the three 6' 2x4s together; lay one on the ground along its 2" edge, then center the 4" face of the second board on top of it. Screw six 1/2" screws in foot-long increments down the length of the board.

    • 2

      Lay the 2x6 with its six-inch face on the ground. Orient what you just built in step one so that the flat four-inch face is centered on the 2x6. Install six 1/2" screws at 12-inch increments through either side of the sideways 2x4.

    • 3

      Attach the two plywood boards to each side of the structure; lay them at an angle, then insert two parallel lines of 6 5/8" screws along their 6' edges.

    Mount the Rail

    • 4

      Drill two 3/8" holes in the top of the rail, two inches in from either end, and a third one centered between them.

    • 5

      Drill three 3/16" holes directly underneath the three 3/8" inch holes.

    • 6

      Thread three 5/8" screws through the top hole and into the bottom hole to connect the rail to the wooden mount; if the rail is properly mounted, then no part of the screws will be visible.