Do skateboards need truck spacers? (With FAQS)

The debate around whether or not skateboards need truck spacers has been discussed for decades and is still going strong today.

You may have heard people arguing on either side of the issue, with some claiming there’s no way to be sure if it helps your ride quality or not.

But this isn’t a simple matter of opinion; skaters need to know what effects these small pieces of hardware can provide to make an informed decision about their board setup.

In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the argument and take a closer look at why you might want to consider investing in truck spacers for your setup.

Why do you need spacers for skateboards?

Spacers for skateboards are essential components that help maintain the board’s shape, function and integrity.

Spacers ensure the wheel is attached securely to the axel with the proper sizing, spacing and torque. Without spacers, vibrations from skating could cause cracks on your board as well as cause components to loosen up over time.

Because of this, it is highly recommended that skaters always use spacers for every wheel that is installed on their boards to maximize safety and stability for smooth experiences.

In addition to durability, spacers also provide extra cushioning between your skateboard truck hanger and wheel which keeps your ride comfortable even when it hits those occasional bumps around a ramp or rail.

How do you use skateboard bearing spacers?

Skateboard bearing spacers are small washers that not only keep bearings organized on a board, but also ensure that the wheels remain firmly connected to it. Below we’ve highlighted a few of the most important steps in using these spacers correctly:

Step 1: Assemble Your Parts

Before you begin putting together your skateboard, double-check that all the components are present – this includes trucks, wheels, bearings, screws, and spacers. Once everything is accounted for in front of you it’s time to start the assembly process with your bearing spacers.

Step 2: Attach Trucks To Deck

After positioning the trucks on either side of your board, you can begin securing them with several screws. Carefully tighten each screw sufficiently so that all components are firmly fastened but not overly tightened to avoid any potential damage. When both trucks have been securely attached, it’s time to move on to adding the bearings.

Step 3: Add Bearings To Trucks

Now that your trucks are attached to your board, it’s time to add some bearings! Start by inserting each wheel bearing into its respective wheel hub and then place each wheel onto its corresponding truck axle. Once this is done, insert two bearing spacers on either side of each wheel hub and make sure they’re firmly inserted into place.  

Step 4 : Secure With Nuts & Bolts

Secure everything together with nuts and bolts! Make sure that each nut and bolt is tightened firmly but not too tight as this could damage your board or cause it to become unstable when riding. And there you have it – proper use of skateboard-bearing spacers. Now all that’s left for you is to enjoy riding your new custom-built skateboard! 

Is there a proper way to put on the truck of a skateboard?

Yes, there is a proper way of putting on the truck of a skateboard.

✅ First, you will need to make sure that your trucks are aligned correctly with the holes in your deck. You should also check to make sure that all the components are present and secure before continuing – this includes screws, nuts, washers, and spacers.

✅ Next, you should carefully insert the screws into your truck and tighten them to ensure a strong connection. It is important not to over-tighten as this could cause cracks or damage to your board.

✅ After that, you can use spacers to adjust the wheelbase of your skateboard for a more customized ride. Spacing between the bearings and hub should be even around the truck for optimal safety.

✅ Finally, you will need to add nuts and bolts to secure everything together and make sure that each nut and bolt is firmly tightened but not too tight as this could damage your board or cause it to become unstable when riding.

Following these simple steps can help make sure that your skateboard truck is properly installed and ready to go.

What are the pros and cons of spacers?

Skateboard wheel spacers have become increasingly popular additions to skateboards, offering riders the chance to make customizations and optimize their boards for a variety of tricks.

While they can offer a range of advantages, they also come with potential drawbacks that riders should consider before including them in their setup.

Pros:

• Skateboard spacers are a great way to raise the height of a skateboard to make it easier for riders to perform tricks. This elevates the experience and allows for more challenging moves to be done. 

• It also provides better stability, as the extra distance between the frame and deck enables more space for movement and reduces vibration while riding. 

• Installing spacers is relatively simple, as long as you have the right tools. It’s just a matter of measuring, cutting, and then securing them into place with bolts or screws. 

• The extra height also provides a different feel when turning or carving on your board, allowing you to become more familiar with your setup over time. 

• Spacers can give you an advantage if you’re competing in any type of skateboarding event, as they can help provide more airtime during jumps or tricks. 

Cons:

• There is an increased risk of injury when using spacers since they make it easier for your board to become airborne during tricks and jumps. As such, riders must take precautionary measures like properly wearing safety gear and practicing exercises that enhance balance before attempting these stunts. 

• Spacer-raised boards are often less responsive than regular-height skateboards due to their extended wheelbase length – this could cause difficulties when making tight turns and could lead to unexpected falls at high speeds. 

• Depending on the type of spacer used, they may not provide enough grip between the mounting points which can affect the performance of your board over time – rubber spacer washers are typically recommended to improve stability and reduce wear on bolts or screws over time.  

• Skateboard spacers tend to cost significantly more than other parts on a board, making them a less economical choice when setting up your skateboard compared with other components such as bearings or trucks.  

• Installation requires precise measurements for them to work correctly – this can be difficult if you don’t have access to precision tools like calipers or micrometers which are needed for precise measurements of spacers’ lengths.

Do spacers improve performance?

Skateboarders of all ages and levels of experience often ask if adding spacers to their boards improves performance.

As it turns out, the short answer is a resounding yes! Spacers are essentially wedges which fit between a skateboard’s axles and its deck, providing extra stability and cushioning when taking on challenging jumps and tricks.

Additionally, these helpful accessories offer greater shock absorption from unexpected bumps in the road or sudden falls, which can reduce fatigue for both experienced riders and beginners alike.

Ultimately, spacers make skateboarding more enjoyable by reducing stress on joints while also boosting control and confidence over time.

So whether you’re looking to up your ‘game’ or simply increase your comfort level while skating, spacers may be a great addition to your set-up.

Final Verdict

Skateboards do need truck spacers to properly perform.

That’s because of the way skateboard trucks are designed they need a certain amount of space between the board and the axle to grind, turn and hold up during tricks.

The size of the spacer can vary, depending on the type and width of the board along with personal preference.

Most important is that there should be enough space so when a person leans hard into a turn, their wheels won’t rub against the sides.

Incorporating spacers into a skateboard setup may take extra effort, but it can make a huge difference in rideability.

FAQs

Do all boards need spacers?

Yes, all skateboard trucks require the use of spacers to maintain a safe distance between the axle and the board. This helps ensure that turns are smooth and easy, as well as mitigating any potential wheel bite from tight turns or unexpected drops.

Are spacer washers necessary?

Yes, rubber spacer washers are recommended for extra grip and stability when installing spacers. This helps to prevent wear on the bolts/screws over time, as well as keep them tight throughout use. Furthermore, they can also provide a bit of cushioning between the truck and board which can help reduce vibration during grinding or sliding.

Is it better to skate with loose or tight trucks?

It depends on personal preference. Skateboard trucks that are too tight can make turning difficult, while those that are too loose can cause wheel bite when making sharp turns. The best way to find the perfect balance is through trial and error – adjusting your trucks until you get the desired response from your board.

Are truck wheel spacers safe?

Yes, truck wheel spacers are perfectly safe if installed correctly. In addition to providing stability and greater shock absorption during tricks, they can also help reduce vibration from grinding or sliding which makes for a more comfortable ride overall. Make sure to use appropriate washers for extra grip when installing your wheels on the spacers.