Are you an avid skateboarder experiencing pressure cracks in your skateboard decks?
As a novice or experienced rider, maintaining your boards should be a priority. Pressure cracks can make your board weaker and may even lead to the deck snapping during an ollie or other aerial tricks.
You don’t have to stop skating just because of these issues though – today we will cover how to fix pressure cracks on skateboards so that you can keep shredding for many more hours.
What are pressure cracks?
Pressure cracks are essentially small cracks that form in the deck of a skateboard due to the constant pressure that’s put on them.
These cracks can range in size and shape, but they all have one thing in common – they can seriously affect your ride.
Not only can they make your board feel less stable, they can also weaken the deck, making it more prone to snapping when you’re performing tricks.
What causes pressure cracks on Skateboard?
Pressure cracks on a skateboard deck are not only unsightly but can also be dangerous. It’s essential to understand the causes of these cracks to prevent damage to your deck and ensure your safety while riding.
Natural Wear and Tear:
One of the most common causes of pressure cracks on skateboard decks is natural wear and tear.
The more you ride your board, the more force is placed on it, and the more likely it is to develop cracks.
In particular, pressure cracks occur in the middle of a skateboard deck because this is where the most pressure is applied during riding.
Moreover, the type of terrain you ride on, frequency, and intensity of your skateboarding sessions can also speed up the formation of pressure cracks on your skateboard.
Extreme Temperatures:
Skateboards are made of layers of wood, and these layers can expand and contract under extreme temperatures.
If your skateboard is exposed to extreme heat or cold for a period, the changing temperatures can warp the plies that make up the skateboard causing unsightly pressure cracks to appear.
Improper Foot Placement:
Another cause of pressure cracks on a skateboard deck is improper foot placement.
If you tend to place your feet in the center of your board regularly, then you are overloading the middle of the deck and making it more prone to cracking.
Also, if you stomp your foot when performing tricks, you’re likely to place a massive amount of force in one spot, causing the skateboard to crack.
Poor Quality Construction:
The quality of construction of a skateboard also plays a critical role in pressure crack formation.
A poorly constructed skateboard will not hold up as well under stress, and cracks can occur more rapidly than on a well-made skateboard.
Always ensure that you maintain the highest quality of your skateboard from board to hardware.
Improper Storage:
Finally, improper board storage also contributes to pressure cracks on a skateboard.
Skateboards are susceptible to weathering and can develop cracks as a result of improper storage.
The board should always be kept in a cool and dry place and stored vertically, as storing it horizontally can bend the deck and cause pressure cracks to appear.
Things Required for its fix:
Tools and Materials | Description |
---|---|
Skateboard deck with pressure cracks | The deck with the pressure cracks that needs to be repaired |
Epoxy or Resin | Two-part epoxy or resin for filling in cracks and reinforcing the board |
Wood Filler | Wood filler for larger cracks |
Fiberglass | Fiberglass cloth for reinforcing the board |
Sandpaper | Sandpaper for smoothing the surface of the board |
Razor Blade or Utility Knife | Razor blade or utility knife for cutting the fiberglass cloth |
Paint or Clear Coat (Optional) | Paint or clear coat to cover the repaired area and protect it from further damage |
Riser Pads or Shock Pads (Optional) | Riser pads or shock pads to prevent future pressure cracks |
Fix Pressure Cracks on Skateboard:
Skateboarders know that pressure cracks can be a huge problem.
Pressure cracks are caused when the skateboard deck is exposed to too much pressure, usually from harsh landings or tricks.
To fix pressure cracks on your skateboard, start by:
Step 1: Identifying Pressure Cracks
As exhilarating as skateboarding can be, it can also be quite daunting when your trusty board is compromised by cracks.
When it comes to identifying pressure cracks, it is important to keep a sharp eye out for any signs of damage.
Take the time to closely inspect your board for any visible lines or fractures that are present, especially around the wheels or trucks.
These can be a tell-tale sign of pressure cracks caused by the constant stress of routine wear and tear.
If you do identify any signs of damage, you should move onto the next step.
Step 2: Sanding Down The Cracks
Once you have identified the cracks on your board, it is time to start sanding them down.
You can use a variety of different materials for sanding; these include coarse-grit sandpaper, a file, or even a grinding wheel.
Using your chosen tool, carefully sand down the cracks until they are no longer visible to the naked eye.
Depending on the level of damage, you may need to use multiple tools and/or different levels of grit until all signs of cracking are gone.
Step 3: Applying Resin
After you have sanded the cracks down, it is time to apply resin. This will help to seal the cracks and prevent them from worsening or spreading further along the deck.
You can purchase a specific type of skateboard resin for this purpose, or you can use epoxy resin if that’s what you have on hand.
Apply the resin directly to the affected area, and make sure to cover all of the cracks completely.
Allow the resin to dry for a few hours before continuing any further steps.
Step 4: Finishing Up
Once your board is completely dry, it’s time to finish up. To give your board an added layer of protection, you can apply a thin layer of wax or clear coat over the area that was repaired.
This will help to reduce the chances of further wear and tear on your board, as well as make it look shiny and new!
You should also take the time to check for any other signs of damage before heading out for another session.
And there you have it – your skateboard is ready to hit the streets again.
Final Verdict
Pressure cracks on skateboards can be a source of great frustration.
They prevent you from doing tricks and stunts that you would otherwise be able to do, and at the same time, weaken the board’s structural integrity.
Thankfully, there are several quick and easy steps that anyone can take in order to repair these cracks.
From finding and identifying the crack, to removing it with basic household materials like baking soda and nail polish remover; skateboarders can now extend the life of their decks with a few hours of work.
In the end, nothing is more satisfying than getting back out on the street or ramp after repairs have been made.
FAQs
What are pressure cracks on a skateboard?
Pressure cracks are small cracks that develop on the surface of a skateboard deck due to the pressure and stress put on it during use.
Can pressure cracks be repaired?
Yes, pressure cracks can be repaired using various methods such as epoxy, wood filler, fiberglass, or by replacing the deck entirely.
Which method is the best for repairing pressure cracks?
The best method for repairing pressure cracks depends on the severity of the crack. Epoxy or resin works well for minor cracks, while wood filler or fiberglass is more suitable for larger cracks.
How long does it take to repair pressure cracks on a skateboard?
The time required to repair pressure cracks depends on the method used and the severity of the damage. Minor cracks can be repaired within an hour or so, while larger cracks may take several hours or even a day to repair.
Can I prevent pressure cracks from occurring on my skateboard deck?
Yes, you can prevent pressure cracks from occurring by using riser pads or shock pads between the trucks and the deck. Avoiding rough surfaces or landing hard tricks in the same spot repeatedly can also help prevent pressure cracks.