Swapping out your skateboard trucks can transform your ride from ordinary to extraordinary. But hey, why settle for ordinary when you can learn how to take trucks off a skateboard and replace them with the ones that pro skaters use!
If your skateboard is feeling sluggish or unresponsive, it might be time to replace your trucks with the best ones to enhance the performance of your board. Whether you are seeking to upgrade your ride, experiment with different options like the renowned Independent or Qwik trucks, or simply satisfy your insatiable curiosity, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries of truck removal, equipping you with the knowledge and finesse to upgrade your setup effortlessly. So, grab your skate tool and prepare to unlock the secrets of proper skateboard truck removal – the right way!
Removing skateboard trucks can be a breeze if you follow these easy steps. Think of it as a truck-removing magic trick that will leave you in awe. So, let’s get down to business and bid those trucks farewell!
What You Will Need
Picture yourself as a skilled skateboarding surgeon about to perform a truck removal procedure. To ensure a successful operation, you’ll need a few trusty tools by your side:
The skateboard
A cross-head screwdriver
A skate tool
A socket wrench or spanner (if a skate tool is not available)
Clean working space
A small bowl or a container
Step 1: Prepare all the tools you need
Gather your trusty tools—the skateboard, a cross-head screwdriver, a skate tool (if you have it), and a socket or spanner as a backup option.
Don’t forget to create a clean working space because you wouldn’t want to accidentally misplace a nut and blame it on a messy room. Keep your tools ready for the truck-removing adventure that lies ahead!
Step 2: Positioning your skateboard
Now that you have the proper tools, it’s time to get your skateboard in position. Treat it like a work of art, or better yet, a well-behaved pet that’s about to receive some love.
Stand your skateboard sideways, giving you a clear view of both ends of the bolt–head and nuts. It is the best practice because you’ll use your both hands easily.
Step 3: Hold the nuts well
As we venture into the realm of nuts and bolts, it’s essential to hold them well. These tiny, stubborn creatures have a knack for slipping away, so ensure you have a firm grip on them.
Make sure you are holding the nuts with the right size skate tool, spanner, or socket wrench. The nut will move freely when you’ll rotate the screws if the spanner is of a bigger size, and on the other hand if it smaller size – it won’t even fit.
Think of it as holding onto a secret treasure or a slippery fish—firm yet gentle. Remember, the nuts hold the key to unlocking the trucks, so treat them with the respect they deserve.
Step 4: Rotate the screws
The moment of truth has arrived—rotate those screws like a boss! With the precision of a surgeon, turn the screws counterclockwise to loosen their grip. They might protest a bit, but with your determination and the right tool, they will eventually surrender.
Make sure to hold the other end tight with the help of a skate tool or spanner, and do not let the screws move freely.
Repeat this process with all 8 screws one by one to remove them along with washers. This way, all the nuts will be removed themselves once the screws will be taken out.
On the other hand, you can also perform counter rotation – which means rotate the nuts instead of screws and remove them. However, at the end of this process, you’ll still have 8 screws sticking out of the deck.
After that, simply lift off the trucks from the screws to remove them, and push the screws out of the deck once the trucks have been removed.
Remember to place all the loose nuts and screws in a container or bowl to keep them safe – otherwise chances are you may lose them.
Last but certainly not least, show some love to the deck. Once you’ve removed the trucks, take a moment to appreciate the clean slate before you. Give the deck a thorough cleaning, like giving your skateboard a refreshing spa treatment.
Clear away any debris, wipe off any dirt or grime, and revel in the beauty of a fresh, clean deck ready for its next skateboarding adventure. A clean deck is a happy deck!
Pro Tips to Remove Trucks off a Skateboard
Here are some pro tips to take your truck-removing game to the next level:
Get a skate tool: It is the best advice to keep a skate tool always in your access. Even though you can use alternatives, but a skate tool is the perfect choice for the proper dismantling of trucks.
Grease is your friend: Before attempting to remove those stubborn nuts and screws, a little grease can go a long way. Apply a touch of lubricant to the threads to make the removal process smoother than a freshly waxed ramp.
Wiggle and jiggle: Sometimes, nuts and screws can be quite clingy. If you encounter resistance while trying to remove them, give them a gentle wiggle and jiggle.
Tap into physics: Physics can be your secret weapon when dealing with stubborn screws. Give the screwdriver a gentle tap with a hammer to create vibrations that loosen the grip. Just remember, it’s all about finesse, not Hulk-like smashing.
Think outside the box: If you find yourself without a skate tool, fear not! Get creative and utilize alternative tools like pliers or an adjustable wrench to conquer those nuts and screws.
Mind your fingers: As you delve into the intricate world of truck removal, don’t forget to protect those precious digits. Consider wearing gloves or using a piece of cloth for added grip and to keep your fingers happy and intact.
Stay organized: To avoid a wild nut chase, create a system for keeping track of all the nuts and screws. A small container or a magnetic tray will be your best friend in ensuring that every piece remains accounted for.
Removing skateboard trucks is a fundamental skill that empowers skateboarders to personalize their ride. Whether you have a skate tool or rely on improvised tools, the step-by-step process we’ve outlined allows you to take off the trucks like a pro.
Remember to handle the trucks and components with care throughout the removal process. Also, try to explore different truck options like Indies, Paris, and Qwik trucks and consider investing in a skate tool for added convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tool do you need to take trucks off a skateboard?
You’ll need either a skate tool or a socket/spanner to remove the bolts and nuts on the skateboard trucks. Don’t forget to also have a cross-head screwdriver on hand to loosen the screws holding the trucks in place.
How do you loosen trucks on a board?
To loosen the trucks on your board, use your skate tool or socket/spanner to turn the kingpin nut counterclockwise. This will loosen the tension on the trucks, allowing them to turn more easily.
How do you remove skateboard bolts?
To remove the bolts on a skateboard, use a skate tool or socket/spanner to turn the nuts counterclockwise until they come loose. Once the nuts are off, you can simply pull out the bolts and remove the trucks from the board.
Which way do you loosen skateboard trucks?
To loosen your skateboard trucks, turn the kingpin nut counterclockwise with your skate tool. Keep turning until you feel the trucks start to loosen up.
I got inspired by my father after watching him performing heroic tricks on a skateboard. Started at the age of 8 and performed in multiple competitions, now I coach professionals for tournaments. It's not just a sport for me - more like a passion and meditation! After years of experience with different skateboarding products, here are my reviews about Best Skateboard Brands and Best Skateboard for Beginners. It's an era of technology, you can also check unbiased reviews of Best Electric Skateboards. You can also read Benefits of Skateboarding.
