Spacers are small pieces of metal or plastic that are placed between the bearings in a skateboard wheel. They serve two main purposes. Firstly, they help to maintain the proper spacing between the bearings, ensuring that the wheels spin smoothly and efficiently. Without spacers, the bearings would rub against each other, causing friction and resistance which would slow down the skateboard. Secondly, spacers help to protect the bearings from damage.
When a skateboard is ridden, the bearings are subjected to a lot of force and pressure, which can cause them to wear out or become damaged over time. Spacers help to distribute this force evenly across the bearings, reducing the risk of damage and prolonging their lifespan. Overall, spacers are an essential component of a skateboard, as they help to ensure that the wheels spin smoothly and efficiently, and help to protect the bearings from wear and tear.
What Are Different Types Of Spacers For Skateboard?
There are several types of spacers for skateboard trucks, including:
- Standard spacers: These are the most common type of spacers and are typically made of plastic or metal. They are used to fill the gap between the skateboard truck and the skateboard deck and help to distribute the weight evenly across the truck.
- Longboard spacers: These spacers are specifically designed for use with longboard trucks and are typically longer and wider than standard spacers. They are used to provide extra stability and support for longboard decks.
- Precision spacers: These spacers are designed for use with precision skateboard trucks and are typically made of metal. They are designed to be highly precise and offer a very tight fit between the truck and the deck, which can help to improve the overall performance of the skateboard.
- Wheel spacers: These spacers are used to space out the skateboard wheels from the truck hangers. They are typically used to help improve the performance of the skateboard, particularly when making sharp turns.
- Washer spacers: These spacers are made of metal and are used to fill the gap between the skateboard truck and the skateboard deck. They are typically used to help distribute the weight evenly across the truck and can also help to reduce noise when riding.
How To Install Spacers For Skateboard
- Gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need skateboard spacers, a skateboard tool (such as a T-tool or socket wrench), and lubricant (such as bearing grease).
- Remove the wheels from your skateboard. To do this, use the skateboard tool to loosen the nuts on the trucks.
- Once the wheels are removed, you will need to remove the bearings from the wheels. This can be done by using the skateboard tool to push the bearings out from the center of the wheel.
- Place the spacers in between the bearings. This will help to keep the bearings properly spaced and aligned, which will help to improve the performance of your skateboard.
- Re-insert the bearings into the wheels. Make sure that the spacers are properly aligned between the bearings.
- Re-attach the wheels to the skateboard by placing the wheels onto the trucks and tightening the nuts using the skateboard tool.
- Once the wheels are re-attached, test the skateboard to make sure that it is properly balanced and rides smoothly. If it does not, you may need to adjust the placement of the spacers or make other adjustments to the skateboard.
What Are The Benefits Of Installing Spacers?
There are several benefits to installing spacers on skateboards:
Improved stability: Spacers help to evenly distribute the weight of the rider across the trucks, resulting in a more stable ride.
Enhanced turning ability: Spacers allow the trucks to turn more freely, making it easier to carve and turn on the skateboard.
Reduced vibration: Spacers help to reduce vibration and noise when riding, making for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Increased wheel clearance: Spacers can help to increase the clearance between the wheels and the deck, allowing for bigger wheels to be used without the risk of rubbing.
Increased truck life: By evenly distributing the weight of the rider across the trucks, spacers can help to extend the life of the trucks.
Easier maintenance: Spacers make it easier to remove and install trucks, as they provide a little extra space for the kingpin to move around. This can be especially useful when replacing worn-out trucks or doing regular maintenance.
Conclusion
Spacers are small plastic or metal rings that are placed between the trucks and the deck of a skateboard. They are designed to provide a smooth and stable ride, as well as to protect the deck from damage.
There are several benefits to using spacers on skateboards. First, they help to reduce friction between the trucks and the deck, which can improve the stability and responsiveness of the skateboard. Second, they can help to protect the deck from damage by absorbing some of the shock and impact that occurs during skating. Finally, they can help to extend the lifespan of the skateboard by reducing wear and tear on the deck and trucks.
Overall, spacers are a useful and practical addition to any skateboard. They can improve the performance and durability of the skateboard, and are well worth considering if you are looking to optimize your skating experience.
