If you don’t have the right knowledge, it can be tough to take off skateboard trucks for replacement or to clean them.
Taking trucks off a skateboard is easy especially if you have the right tools. We have brought this guide on how to take trucks off a skateboard. This will help you get the task done in no time without the use of any specialized equipment. So, let’s get the show started.
Essentials For Skateboard Trucks Removal
How to get trucks off a skateboard? There are a few tools that you will need to remove the skateboard trucks without damaging them. Each tool serves its purpose and is essential for the accurate process of removing trucks. These are discussed below.
1. Cross Head Screwdriver
Crosshead screwdrivers are used for removing nuts. Here they will serve the same purpose. You can use the screwdriver you already have but make sure it fits the skateboard bolts. If you use a too wide or too narrow screwdriver, the removal of bolts can be hard. Another tip is to use one with a good rubber grip so that you do not have to apply much force.
2. A Socket Or Spanner
A socket or spanner is important for holding the nuts while you loosen the screws. This is also required for rotating the nuts so they can be loosened and bolts can be easily removed. Make sure they are the size of the nut so that they fit well and you do not have to apply any extra force.
Another recommendation is to use a ball ratchet. This will prevent any injury to the hand during the removal of screws. This is because its length will help keep your hand away from the nut.
3. Flat Surface
For removing your skateboard trucks, you will need to keep your skateboard upside down. In the process, your skateboard deck will be compromised. Therefore, make sure you keep it on a flat, smooth surface. Another tip to prevent your deck from any scratches or dents is by placing it on a smooth non-slippery cloth. This way, you can easily take the bolts off and remove your skateboard trucks.
How To Take Trucks Off A Skateboard?
Removing skateboard trucks is quite an easy procedure especially if you have all the tools. To further save you from technicalities, we have brought a stepwise guide on how to get trucks off a skateboard. So, let’s see how it is done.
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools And Surface
Make sure you have all the tools handy and that your skateboard is placed on a smooth surface. Here a smooth surface is as essential as having the right tools for performing the task without damaging the deck. Therefore, place your skateboard upside down on the surface to get the work started.
Step 2: Remove The Nuts
Removing nuts is crucial when it comes to how to loosen a skateboard truck. To remove the nuts, you need pliers and a screwdriver. Make sure that the screwdriver is the size of your bolts and does not slip away when untightening the bolts. To remove the screws, hold the nut in place with the help of a wrench and then press the screwdriver tightly.
After this, turn the screwdriver in the direction of loosening the screws. This step will bring all the screws off. Repeat the steps for all other nuts.
Related Article: How to Tighten Skateboard Trucks?
Step 3: Take Off The Trucks
Once you have loosened all the screws, carefully take out the trucks. Take these out gently so that the trucks do not get damaged. Now, you will be left with 8 screws only. It’s your choice to remove the screws or leave them there.
Step 4: Remove The Screws
Removal of screws is an optional step. You can entirely skip it if you want. For removing the screws, you need to pat the skateboard deck, but do not hit it with excessive force, otherwise, there is a chance of deck breaking.
Another way to remove the screws is by hammering the screws out of the board. However, this should be used only when you do not want to use the trucks and the screws again.
Check Out Our Guide: A Comparison Guide Between Loose Vs Tight Trucks.
How To Install Skateboard Trucks
Whether you are installing new trucks or re-installing your older ones after cleaning them, the steps to be followed are the same. You might think that it involves a lot of technicalities but worry not. We have got you covered. Check Out Our Complete Guide on How to Put Trucks on a Skateboard
Voila! It’s done. Your skateboard is ready to give you a thrilling skating experience.
Conclusion
You cannot ride with the same skateboard trucks forever. There will come a time when you will have to replace or clean your skateboard trucks. This is where our guide on how to take trucks off a skateboard will come to your rescue.
Putting on skateboard trucks is not a difficult task when you have the right tools and the right surface. Just a bit of tightening and loosening here and there will help you install and uninstall your skateboard trucks respectively.
FAQ’s
1. How to loosen trucks on skateboards?
Loosening trucks on skateboards is not a hard task. All you need is a skate tool or a wrench. Using this, you need to rotate the bolts anticlockwise. This will in turn loosen your skateboard trucks. You can loosen them as per your likening.
2. What to use if I do not have a skate tool?
You do not need to worry if you do not have a skate tool. You can tighten the trucks or even remove them using other tools. In this case, you will need a wrench and a screwdriver. To prevent your fingers from any injuries, you can also use a ratchet.
3. Can I remove skateboard trucks by myself?
Yes, you can perform the procedure by yourself. However, it is good to have an extra pair of hands. This is needed to hold the skateboard in place when you are loosening the bolts.
