When first learning to skateboard, building a "complete" board from a kit can help you become familiar with the parts and construction of your skateboard. The knowledge you gain from building your own board will help you to both ride better and maintain your board more effectively in the future. A skateboard kit typically includes the deck, grip tape, trucks, wheels and bearings. You only need a few simple hand tools to do the job. A complete skateboard kit takes about an hour to put together.
Step 1
Place the skateboard deck on solid and level surface.
Step 2
Peel the backing paper off the grip tape. Bend the tape slightly so the middle of the tape comes in contact with the middle of the board. Roll the grip tape onto the deck from the center out to the ends.
Step 3
Place the backing paper on the grip tape and smooth the tape down with your hands. Remove the backing paper.
Step 4
Run the side of screwdriver shaft over the grip tape along the edge of the deck. This will scribe a white line on the grip tape around the edge. Cut the excess grip tape away from the deck along that line with the razor knife.
Step 5
Unscrew the truck bolts from the skateboard trucks. Locate the position of the bolt holes in the skateboard deck. Punch the bolts down through the grip tape and into the holes.
Step 6
Align the trucks with the bolts, facing the king pin on each truck toward the center of the deck. Tighten the bolts on both trucks with the screwdriver. Adjust the king pin on the trucks to the tension you desire.
Step 7
Place the skateboard sideways so the axle bolts point upward on one side.
Step 8
Slip one of the wheel bearings facing downward on one of the axle bolts. Position one of the wheels over the bearing. Push down evenly on the wheel to press the wheel onto the bearing.
Step 9
Remove the wheel. Slip another bearing on the axle bolt. Flip the wheel over and press it onto that bearing. Leave the wheel in place. Thread the axle nut onto the axle bolt. Tighten the nut with the socket wrench.
Step 10
Install the other wheel bearings and wheels in the same manner. Spin the wheels to ensure they turn freely and true.
Things You'll Need
- Skateboard kit
- Socket wrench set
- Large flathead screwdriver
- Razor knife
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