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Do you need speed washers on a skateboard?

Do you need washers for skateboard bearings? Normal skate bearings need speed washers (or “speed rings”) to stop the bearing from fouling on the axle nut or the hanger face. Some trucks also don't have enough thread on the axle to tighten the nuts down enough if you don't have speed rings.

Do you need speed rings on a skateboard?

Speed Rings are an often overlooked part of your skateboard, but not having them could be greatly jeopardizing your performance! Speed rings go on the outside of your bearings to give more clearance, allowing an uninhibited continuous roll.

Should I use washers on skateboard wheels?

Washers are needed in roller skates because they prevent bearings from rubbing up against the hanger and axle nut. Washers help provide the rider with a smooth ride while using a roller skate. It reduces friction and increases a skate's durability.

Are speed washers important?

Nope not needed. People lose them all the time and just skate without them. They help your bearings performance during slides if you want to crank the nut down all the way & have minimal side-play (wheel wiggle).

What are the washers for on skateboard trucks?

Speed washers increase speed and promote longer bearing life by reducing friction between the bearing and axle nut and hangar. They also help to protect your bearings from dirt and debris.

45 related questions found

Do bearing spacers slow you down?

This will slow your bearings down and wear them out super fast! Skaters without bearing spacers might find it easier to just run their axle nuts a bit loose to keep the wheels spinning freely. This is even worse! A wheel that is loose on the axle will give a noisy, chattery ride.

Where do the washers go on a skateboard?

These washers should go on either side of wheel to help it spin smoothly. To attach each wheel, slide on the first washer followed by the wheel with bearings followed by the second washer. The last piece is the lock nut, which secures the entire wheel setup into place.

Do pros use bearing spacers?

Bearing spacers are totally optional; longboarders and casual skaters likely won't put enough pressure on their boards to ever need them, though they are definitely a good investment if you want to slide, do a lot of tricks, and generally skate hard.

What do washers do on a skateboard?

Then there's those flat ordinary spacers (also called speed washers) on the outside of the bearings between the truck and the nut on each side. They are not stricly necessary, but they make the bearings last longer and roll more smoothly overall.

Do trucks come with speed washers?

Trucks come with a hanger, baseplate, kingpin, bushings, speed washers and axle nuts (nylon locknuts). Unscrew the nuts on the end of the axles (the ends of the hanger) and put them aside.

Are speed rings the same as washers?

What's the difference? Speed Rings are tiny washers that go on either side of the outer bearings when putting a wheel on. Their main purpose is to prevent rubbing between the bearings and the Nut / Truck, especially during side loads.

What are speed rings for?

A speed ring is a solid metal ring-shaped disk which is used to attach a soft box to a studio (strobe) or continuous (hotlight) light source. There are 4 to 8 holes drilled into the circumference of the ring which receives the metal rods of the soft box; they are held in place by tension.

Do Bones Reds come with spacers?

Includes a set of 8 Bones Reds Bearings, 8 Speed Washers, and 4 Bearing Spacers. Instructions and Sticker are included in the box of Bones Reds Bearings. Bones Reds Bearings fit all skateboard wheels.

What size are skateboard speed rings?

Skateboard Axle Washers / Speed Rings 8mm Pack of 8.

Do you need spacers and washers for skateboard bearings?

Bearing spacers are totally optional; longboarders and casual skaters likely won't put enough pressure on their boards to ever need them, though they are definitely a good investment if you want to slide, do a lot of tricks, and generally skate hard.

Do skateboards need risers?

Skateboard decks that use wheels smaller than 55mm do not typically require risers; however, even 1/8" risers can help keep your hardware in place. Skateboard decks that use wheels smaller than 55mm do not typically require risers; however, 1/8" risers can help keep the hardware from vibrating loose.

Should skateboard wheels wiggle?

Your skateboard wheels should be tight enough that they spin freely. However, you don't want the wheels so loose that they wiggle on the truck's axle. To see if you need to tighten your wheels, put the board on its side, and flick the wheel as fast and as hard as you can with one hand.

What bearings do pro skaters use?

What Are Best Skateboard Bearings?

  1. Bronson Speed Co. G2 (Winner) ...
  2. Bones Reds (Runner-up) Bones Reds are the most popular bearings because they are cheap and just work for all skateboards. ...
  3. Bronson G3. ...
  4. Bones Super Reds. ...
  5. Bronson Raw. ...
  6. Bronson Ceramics. ...
  7. Bones Swiss 6 balls. ...
  8. Bones Red Ceramics.

How tight should skateboard bearings be?

The nuts should be tightened as far as they can be without impeding the spin of the wheel. Generally you should feel only a very minor amount of play if you try to move the wheel side to side. Occasionally a nut might work itself tighter or looser than originally set and should just be corrected.

Are titanium skateboard bearings good?

Titanium coated ball bearings are more resistant to pitting and damage from skating, as titanium is a tougher and more dense material than steel. Titanium coated ball bearings are more precise than steel ball which means less friction and heat, thus more speed.

What does a skateboard need?

What you need to build your own skateboard

  • Grip tape.
  • 1 Razorblade or crafting knife.
  • 1 Skateboard hardware kit (8 nuts and bolts)
  • 1 Skate Tool.
  • 1 Skateboard deck.
  • 2 Trucks (includes required hardware)
  • 4 Wheels.
  • 4 Bearing spacers.