How to Loosen a Kingpin on a Skateboard

Skateboards are relatively simple devices. A deck, typically made of wood, holds the trucks and wheels. Trucks are the suspension system for the wheels, giving the skateboard the ability to carve, turn and flip. Kingpins are the bolts used to secure the wheels to the trucks. Kingpins require tightening and loosening over time. Kingpins too tight result in the wheels being sticky and tacky when rolling; too loose, and you run the risk of having the wheels come off during skate sessions, a very dangerous thing to happen.

Things You'll Need

  • Skateboard key
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the skateboard key over the kingpin head. The heads are on the inside center of the skateboard wheels.

    • 2

      Turn the key counterclockwise to loosen the kingpin. Use 1/2-turn increments. After each adjustment, spin the wheel. Look for a wheel that spins freely and with little friction.

    • 3

      Continue the 1/2-turn adjustments and follow with the wheel spin on all four wheels until you are satisfied with the wheel spins for each.

    • 4

      Place the board on the ground and push it back and forth. Feel that all four wheels spin near equally. If there is a pull in one direction, loosen the kingpin on the side of the wheel where the pull occurs. Continue until the board goes straight, and the wheels spin freely.