How to Loosen Roller Skate Wheels

Loosening roller skate wheels, or tightening them, is a simple job. Roller skates consist of a boot attached to a "truck" that contains four wheels with ball bearings. The wheels are arranged in the same way as on a car, as opposed to inline skates, where the wheels form a blade shape. Roller skates generally are best for younger children leaning to skate, so tightening or loosening the wheels becomes a common job. You can tighten or loosen the tension nuts to vary the amount of control you need.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket wrench set
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Instructions

  1. How to Loosen Roller Skate Wheels

    • 1

      Turn over the skate so it is wheel-side up. Find the external tension nuts. There will be one at each end of the wheel axles.

    • 2

      Use a socket wrench set. The typical socket size needed to loosen skate wheels is 1 1/16-inch, but skate models vary.

    • 3

      Attach the wrench to the bolt, and turn the handle back and forth until the nut reaches the desired tension.

    • 4

      Aim for a medium level of tightness. Test it with your fingers once you have finished with the wrench. Loosen or tighten as desired.

    • 5

      Repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the remaining three nuts, then try on the skate. If it feels comfortable, repeat the entire process on the second skate truck.