There are skateboarding trucks that are suitable for a wider variety of tricks and styles. There are some trucks out there that will work well for technical slides, or cruising down the street. But others can be challenging to use and only a select few will actually help you progress as a skater.
If you’re ready to take your skating to the next level but don’t know where to start, then this article is for you. These tips will show you how you can put trucks on a skateboard, so it’s time to get rolling.
How to Put Trucks on a Skateboard?
Most skateboards will come with pre-drilled truck mounting holes, so it’s simply a matter of screwing in the trucks. However, if your board doesn’t have these holes, then you will need to drill them yourself [1]. It’s important to get the placement of the holes right, as this will affect the balance and stability of your board.
Once you have the holes drilled, simply screw in the trucks using the supplied hardware. Be sure to tighten them securely, but don’t over-tighten as this can strip the threads. Now it’s time to test out your new setup and see how it rides.
Why Do You Need to Put Trucks on Skateboards?
Trucks are the metal L-shaped brackets that are attached to the wheels and hold them in place. They also pivot on their axles, which allows the wheels to turn. Without trucks, your skateboard would be nothing more than a piece of wood with some wheels attached.
How Do You Know What Size Truck to Get?
The size of the truck is determined by the width of the deck. Most decks are between 7 and 10 inches wide, so you will need to get trucks that are the same width. You can usually find this information printed on the trucks themselves, or on the packaging.
How Do You Mount Skateboard Trucks?
There are two main ways to mount skateboard trucks – top-mount and drop-through. Top-mount trucks are the most common type, and they simply screw onto the top of the deck. Drop-through trucks are less common but offer a lower center of gravity, which can be beneficial for certain skating styles.
To mount top-mount trucks, simply screw them onto the pre-drilled holes in the top of the deck. For drop-through trucks, you will need to first flip the deck over and then screw the trucks on from underneath.
Which Way Do the Trucks Face on a Skateboard?
The trucks should be installed with their backs to the center of the board, facing inwards. Because the trucks spin and pivot on their axles as you turn, this is the case. When you turn, the wheels would scrape against the deck if they were positioned facing outwards.
How Do You Put Trucks on a Skateboard Without a Skate Tool?
If you don’t have a skate tool, then you can use a regular Phillips head screwdriver to mount the trucks. However, it’s worth investing in a skate tool as it will make the process much easier and will also allow you to adjust the trucks if needed.
How Do You Set Up a Truck?
There are a few things you need to do to set up your trucks. Firstly, you need to tighten or loosen the kingpin nut to adjust the turning resistance. If it’s too loose, then the trucks will turn too easily and won’t be stable at high speeds. If it’s too tight, then the trucks will be difficult to turn and may cause you to bail on your tricks.
Next, you need to adjust the height of the trucks. This is important as it affects the board’s turning radius and stability. If the trucks are too low, then the board will be unstable and may “wheel bite” when you turn. If the trucks are too high, then the board will be more difficult to turn.
Finally, you need to adjust the truck’s baseplate angle. This is the angle of the truck’s hanger in relation to the deck. A higher angle will make the board easier to turn, while a lower angle will make it more stable at high speeds.
Conclusion
These are the basics of how to put trucks on a skateboard and set them up. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your skating and progress to new tricks and techniques.
