Do skateboard trucks come with hardware? (Answered)

Whether you’re a beginner or expert skateboarder, one of the most important components of your board is the truck.

Both stylish and practical, skateboard trucks come in various sizes and shapes to help skating enthusiasts customize their boards for improved performance and maneuverability-but do they come with hardware?

No, usually skateboard trucks do not come with hardware included. In order to complete your setup and make sure all parts are securely fastened, you’ll need to purchase the proper mounting hardware separately.

In this article, we’ll discuss different types of skateboard truck hardware as well as how to use them correctly.

What are skateboard trucks?

At the heart of every skateboard is a set of trucks, the metal mechanism that attaches the wheels to the deck. Skateboard trucks consist of a baseplate, a kingpin, and an axle.

The baseplate is screwed into the deck, while the kingpin holds the hanger, which houses the axle and wheels.

The width of the truck should correspond with the width of the skateboard deck to help ensure optimum stability and control.

In essence, the trucks serve as the backbone of the skateboard, allowing the rider to perform various tricks, turns and grinds with ease.

For this reason, it’s essential to choose the right kind of trucks based on your skill level and riding preference.

How do I choose the right size skateboard trucks?

When choosing the right size skateboard trucks, there are various things to consider.

Consider your skateboard deck width

The skateboard deck’s width determines the appropriate truck size you need.

Generally, the truck’s width should match the deck’s width to provide optimum stability and balance. It is vital to choose the right width to avoid any mishap during a ride.

If you opt for a broader truck size, it will overhang; thus, causing your wheels to stick out, making it difficult to perform skateboard tricks.

Conversely, choosing a narrower truck size will make your skateboard unstable, causing you to lose control while riding or performing tricks.

Choose the right skateboard height

The skateboard height is the distance between the baseplate and the hanger.

It affects how low or high your skateboard will be, thus directly influencing your riding experience. If you are a beginner skateboarder and want to improve your stability, choosing a taller skateboard truck is advisable.

Contrarily, seasoned skateboarders tend to prefer a lower skateboard truck since it makes their turns tight and allows them to perform tricks efficiently.

Determine your skating style

The skating style plays a crucial role in choosing the truck size.

If you prefer cruising, such as using your skateboard for transportation or commuting, choosing a broader and taller truck is ideal for maximum stability.

On the other hand, if you enjoy performing tricks, such as kickflipping or ollie, a narrow and lower skateboard truck allows for better maneuverability and balance.

Consider your weight

Your weight will determine the skateboard trucks’ stability and durability, affecting their ability to handle tricks, turns, and stunts.

The trucks’ weight capacity should match your body weight to avoid bending or breaking them while skating.

Take note of the manufacturers’ recommended weight limit when choosing the appropriate truck size.

Try different sizes out

Finally, the best way to determine the appropriate truck size is to try out different sizes to find the one that suits you best.

Visit your local skate shop, and they will help you find the perfect size based on your preference, skating style, weight, and experience level.

How do I install hardware on my skateboard trucks?

Before we dive into the installation process, it is essential to ensure that you have all the tools you need. The essential tools include a skate tool, a screwdriver, and the hardware (bolts, nuts, and washers). Once you have all the required tools, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1: First, you need to remove the old hardware from the skateboard trucks. Use a skate tool to loosen the bolts that are holding the trucks to the deck. If your board has grip tape, you may need to remove it to access the hardware underneath.

Step 2: After removing the old hardware, clean the area where the new hardware will go. Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe off any dirt, debris, or rust from the trucks’ holes.

Step 3: Now you can insert the bolt through the top of the skateboard deck, then add the washer to the bolt’s end on the other side of the deck. The washer provides extra support to the bolts when you screw the nut on.

Step 4: Hold the bolt’s head while screwing the nut onto the other side of the truck until it is secure. Tighten the nut evenly, so it sits flush with the top of the hardware.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining three bolts. Use a skate tool to tighten the bolts. Ensure that you tighten each bolt as equally as possible to ensure stability and balance.

Conclusion

Skateboard trucks on their own don’t come with hardware, but a good one is the key to having a great skateboard experience.

Whether you opt for an independent skate truck company or another brand, remember that higher quality components mean higher strength and durability—which means your board will last longer.

The right set of skateboard truck can take an average deck and turn it into something special, so don’t be afraid to look around at different options and make sure you get just what you want out of it.

With some help from the right parts, your skateboarding journey will be smooth sailing.

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