Skateboarding is a great way to stay active and have fun, but it’s important to keep your skateboard in good condition. One important aspect of skateboard maintenance is ensuring that the trucks are tightened properly. Tight trucks help keep the board stable and prevent it from wobbling or shifting during tricks. However, if you’re out skating and realize that your trucks are loose, you might not have access to tools to fix them. But don’t worry – it’s possible to tighten a skateboard truck without tools! In this article, we’ll show you how to do it using only your hands and a few household items. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your skateboard in top shape, even if you don’t have any tools on hand.
Why Is It Important To Properly Tighten Skateboard Trucks?
Properly tightening skateboard trucks is important for several reasons:
- Safety: If the trucks are not tightened properly, there is a risk of the skateboard coming apart while riding, which can lead to serious injury.
- Performance: If the trucks are not tightened properly, the skateboard will not perform as well as it should. It will be difficult to turn and control, and the skateboard may feel unstable or wobbly.
- Durability: If the trucks are not tightened properly, they may become loose over time, which can cause them to wear out more quickly. This can lead to costly repairs or the need to replace the trucks.
- Consistency: Properly tightened trucks will provide a consistent feel and performance, allowing the rider to better predict how the skateboard will behave. This can improve the overall skating experience and make it easier to learn new tricks.
How Tight Skateboard Trucks Should Be?
Skateboard trucks should be tightened to a point where they can still turn smoothly, but not so loose that the board feels unstable or wobbly.
To test the tightness, try pushing down on the tail of the board and see how much the trucks compress. They should compress slightly, but not so much that the wheels touch the deck. Additionally, try turning the board and see if the trucks turn easily, but not so easily that they feel too loose. It’s a good idea to periodically check and adjust the tightness of your trucks to ensure optimal performance and safety.
How To Tighten Skateboard Trucks Without Skate Tools
There are a few methods you can try to tighten your skateboard trucks without using any tools:
- Use your hands: If your trucks are not too loose, you may be able to tighten them simply by using your hands. Apply pressure to the baseplate of the truck, using your thumb and forefinger to grip the edge of the truck and push it towards the center. This should help tighten the kingpin and reduce the looseness of the trucks.
- Use a block of wood: If you don’t have the strength to tighten the trucks with your hands, you can use a block of wood to apply more leverage. Place the block of wood on the ground and place the baseplate of the truck on top of it. Use your foot to press down on the block of wood, while holding onto the truck. This should help tighten the kingpin and reduce the looseness of the trucks.
- Use a rubber band: If you don’t have any tools or blocks of wood, you can try using a rubber band to tighten your trucks. Simply place the rubber band around the baseplate of the truck and stretch it as tight as you can. This will add some tension to the kingpin and help reduce the looseness of the trucks.
It’s important to note that these methods may not work if your trucks are extremely loose or damaged. In this case, it’s best to use proper tools or seek the help of a professional skate shop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tightening skateboard trucks without tools can be done by using various household items or by using your own body weight. By using household items such as a brick or a piece of wood, you can apply pressure to the trucks to tighten them. Alternatively, you can use your own body weight by standing on the skateboard and applying pressure to the trucks to tighten them. It is important to be careful and cautious when attempting to tighten skateboard trucks without tools as applying too much pressure can damage the trucks. Overall, it is possible to tighten skateboard trucks without tools, but it is recommended to use proper tools such as a skate tool for a more precise and safer adjustment.
