How to Adjust the Jump Bars on Roller Skates

Jump bars are the thin metal plates found on the underside of a roller skate. Two bolts hold these bars in place and attach to the roller skate trucks, also known as the skate chassis. Use jump bars for stabilization of the skate while you are using them. The size of the jump bar is dependent on the size of the skate as it is suspended between the front and back wheels. You may want to adjust the jump bar due to damage, misuse or displacement.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket wrench set
  • Rubber mallet
  • 2, 2-by-4-inch wood pieces, if needed
  • Permanent marker
  • Drill and bits
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Instructions

    • 1

      Flip your roller skate over so you can see the bottom of it.

    • 2

      Remove the two bolts that hold the jump bar in place with your socket wrench. Turn the two bolts in a counterclockwise direction to remove them.

    • 3

      Grab the jump bar. If you want to straighten the bar out, place it on a hard, sturdy surface, such as a concrete slab. Hold one end as you use a rubber mallet to straighten it out. If you want to add an arch to it, place it so each end is held up by a 2-by-4 piece of wood while the middle section sits suspended. Hold one end against the wood piece and use the rubber mallet to gently tap in the middle of the bar until you have achieved the arch you want.

    • 4

      Place the jump bar back on your skate and replace the bolts in a clockwise manner. If the bar doesn't line up properly, you may have to adjust the truck placement. If this is the case, remove the bolts that hold the front or back truck (whichever is easiest to move for you) in place, position the newly adjusted jump bar on the trucks and mark the new placement of truck with a permanent marker.

    • 5

      Take the truck and jump bar off. Drill new holes for the truck where you marked using a drill bit that is the same size as your truck bolts.

    • 6

      Secure the truck in place with the bolts in a clockwise manner. Secure the jump bar in place in the same fashion.

    • 7

      Repeat for the other skate if needed.