If you ordered a skateboard online and need to assemble it, you can use a few tools.You don't have to worry aboutAssembling your skateboard once you understand how all the parts work.Attach the grip tape to the deck, screw in your trucks, and add the wheels and bearings.
Step 1: You should keep your parts organized.
There is a lot of small hardware in your skateboard kit.It is best to keep everything organized so you don't lose anything.You might want to keep your parts in the original packaging.
Step 2: The deck should be on a flat surface.
If you want the grip tape to lay flat on an open surface, apply it to your deck.You will be able to evenly lay the grip tape over your deck.The graphic on the bottom of the deck facing your flat surface is where you want the nose and tail ends of your board to point.
Step 3: The deck has grip tape over it.
The rectangular sheet of grip tape is larger than the board.If you don't place the tape exactly square, this allows you a little wiggle room.The paper should be removed from the back of the grip tape.The grip should be laid evenly over the top of the deck.It's a good idea to avoid touching the side of grip tape that has glue on it.The ends of tape should be between your thumb and forefinger.With your middle finger, pull the ends of the tape taut and let the grip fall onto the deck.If you have a piece of grip tape that has a cutout on one end of your board, you can identify the nose and tail ends.The nose has a more narrow curve than the tail does.
Step 4: Use your palms to smooth out the grip tape.
Press down hard to get rid of air bubbles.You should start at the center of your deck and gradually move to the nose and tail.The amount of time the grip tape stays on the board will be greatly reduced if there are no air bubbles.Air bubbles allow small rocks to get between your grip and the deck which can be uncomfortable while riding.To make an outline, rub a screwdriver along the edge of the board.There is a guideline for cutting.
Step 5: Remove the excess grip tape.
Use a razor or box cutter to cut around the edge.It is easiest to start in the center of the deck.It's a good idea to make an incision near your deck.It will be easier to cut around your deck with this.To help the process, angle your razor over the top of your deck.The outer portion of your tape should be pulled.
Step 6: The grip tape has edges.
Rub the edges of your grip tape after taking a portion of the tape that was cut away.Sanding the edges is smoothing out rough or lifted portions that could peel up.
Step 7: Attach your trucks to the deck.
You can poke holes through the grip tape with a screwdriver or Allen wrench.The grip tape can crack if you poke your holes downward.Put your screws through the holes.Attach your trucks to your board once the screws are in place.Attach one truck at a time.Multiple colored screws are included in some hardware kits.You can differentiate the nose from the tail with the different colored screws.The screws can be placed at either end.You have to remember which end to place the screws on.To hold the hardware in place, use your fingers or palm of one hand.The baseplate connects your truck to your deck.The T shaped part of your truck will be facing down.You can screw the nuts on the trucks with a skate tool or a sockets wrench.The heads of the screws can be tightened with a screwdriver.Make sure the large nut and rubber bushings on the trucks are facing each other.Otherwise, your board won't ride.
Step 8: Place your bearings in your wheels.
You can insert your bearings using your trucks if you don't have a bearing press.You can slide the bearing and wheel on if you remove the nut and washer from your truck.There are two sides to most bearings, a flat side and a ridged side.The flat side is facing up if you slide the bearing down.When you feel the bearing slide into the center of your wheel, press the wheel down.Take the wheel off the axle, slide another bearing down and repeat with the other side.There are two bearings for each wheel.For all four wheels, do this.You can hear a popping sound when you press the wheel onto the bearing.The sound indicates that the bearing is in.
Step 9: Attach your wheels.
There are wheels with an outside and inside edge.The outside will be the side with the graphic.It doesn't matter which way the wheel goes on the truck because some wheels have graphics on both sides.Place the washer and nut over the wheel as you slide it down.You can tighten the nut with your skate tool or wrench.You can tighten the nut all the way to make sure your bearings are in place.If you want your wheel to spin freely, you have to loosen the nut.The nut should be loosened just a few turns to keep it secure.Put your wheel on the ground.It should move back and forth a bit.Make sure your wheel is level.Your bearings aren't fully in if it lays at an angle.
Step 10: Make sure that the screws and grip tape are the same.
The screws should be flush with the grip tape.It will be harder to perform tricks if your screw heads are sticking out.If your screws don't flush, screw them further down.There is a risk of cracking the wood of the deck if you go too far.
Step 11: Test your trucks.
Make sure your trucks are locked up.The baseplate of your trucks should not move.If you don't know how to ride a board, it could be dangerous if your trucks are loose.It will be hard to turn your board if your trucks are too tight.
Step 12: You can test it on your board.
You should skate around and rock back and forth.Make sure your wheels spin freely when you test the tightness of your trucks.If the board feels wobbly, you can tighten the nut on the kingpin.You may have trouble carving if your trucks are too tight.Turn the nut clockwise.Make sure you rotation the nuts evenly.If you can't coast for long or feel resistance when pushing, loosen your wheels.