There’s nothing worse than shredding your wheels on a nice skateboard. And, it seems like the plastic that protects the wheel always finds a way to come off. But don’t worry, we’re here to show you how to take plastic off skateboard wheel in just a few simple steps! So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, keep reading for the best tips and tricks.
There are a few reasons why it’s important to take the plastic off the skateboard wheel. For one, it protects the actual wheel from getting damaged. Secondly, it makes the wheel-less heavy, making skating easier and faster. Finally, it prevents the wheel from getting caught on obstacles, which can cause you to fall.
Required Materials
To take the plastic off the skateboard wheel, you will need the following materials:
- a skateboard
- a screwdriver
- a knife
- a pair of pliers
- sandpaper
How to Take Plastic Off Skateboard Wheel Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Take the Skateboard Wheel Off
To begin with, you must take the skateboard wheel off. As stated in the introduction, not having a wheel on your board can make it lighter, which makes skating easier and faster. You should know how to take the plastic off a skateboard wheel soon enough, but if you don’t, this is how:
- Place the board upside down on your lap.
- Remove the bolts that attach the trucks to the deck with a screwdriver. Remember to keep them safe.
- Gently slide the back truck off of its axel.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other side/truck, keeping track of how many bolts you use.
- You can take the wheels off the axels by pushing them to one side and then sliding them outwards.
Step 2: Remove Plastic Piece Around Axel with Knife or Sandpaper
Once you’ve taken your skateboard wheel(s) off, you will see how there’s a piece of plastic around the axel. This must be removed to take the plastic off the skateboard wheel; how you do, it is up to you.
- If the piece of plastic on your skateboard is very loose, then all you have to do is bend it into a V shape and pull it towards the center of the axle until it pops off.
- However, if the piece of plastic around your axle is tight (and appropriately shaped), you can use either a knife or sandpaper to get it off.
Step 3: Remove the Plastic Piece Around the Axel with Pliers
If you don’t have access to a knife or sandpaper, there’s still hope for taking the plastic off the skateboard wheel. You can use a pair of pliers to attach the plastic piece around your axle and twist it off.
Step 4: Smooth Out Any Rough Edges with Sandpaper
Now that the plastic piece around your axle is completely off, you need to find a way to smooth out any rough edges—the best way how to take plastic off skateboard wheel with sandpaper is due to how simple it is.
- Grab a piece of sandpaper and rub in small, circular motions over the rough area until it feels smooth to the touch.
- To avoid wearing out your board, do not use sandpaper on the bottom of it where you’ll be riding.
Step 5: Put Plastic Piece Back Around Axel with Pliers
Once the wheel is off, you need to place the plastic back around the axle. To do this, take your pliers and bend down any flaps sticking up to flush with the rest of the baseplate.
Then, line up the plastic piece how it goes back on. There will be letters either at one or two ends of the plastic piece. It should be how you left it when you took off the wheel.
Then, press down the plastic pieces together to create a single piece again. This is how it looks how it should look once both wheels are taken off, and all flaps are bent back into place:
Step 6: Put Wheel Back On Skateboard
To put the wheel back onto the skateboard, hold the axle with one hand and press down on the plastic how it split apart earlier. Now, slide both wheels through how you took them off. Make sure that you line up how they were when you took them off. Once done correctly, this is how it should look:
Step 7: Secure the Wheel in Place with Axle Nut
After placing back how you took them off, secure the wheel in place by putting on an axle nut. The axle nut will be a small silver screw next to where the wheel is going around the axle. You can tighten or loosen this until it secures the wheel as you prefer.
Step 8: Put On Top of Skateboard Deck
After all, wheels are taken off and secured with an axle nut; slide the top of your skateboard back into how it was when you started—slide on how you took them off until it clicks into place.
Step 9: Secure the Top of Skateboard with Hardware in Place
Finally, put your hardware back to how it was when you started so that you secure not only how your skateboard is going to be but how much the wheels are going to turn. Once done correctly, this is how it should look:
Congratulations! You have successfully taken off plastic from your skateboard wheels and put them back on. Please remember that the only way to do this properly is how you take them off in the first place. Look at how they were when you took them off and how they go back on to make sure how you are doing it is how it should look. Keep reading for more information about how to take plastic off skateboard wheel.
Tips
There are a few other things that you should keep in mind when taking your skateboard wheels off.
- First, if you have a locknut on your axle, it’s best to take that off before attempting to take the wheel off. This nut is located next to where the wheel is screwed on and can be tightened or loosened with a screwdriver.
- Second, if you’re having trouble getting the wheel off, make sure that the skateboard is resting on a flat surface. You don’t want the board to be at an angle when trying to take the wheel off, as it will only make it harder.
What Makes a Good Skateboard?
1. Quality Trucks
A good skateboard needs quality trucks. This is what helps you turn and control your board. Get a set of trucks that fit your skateboard deck size.
2. Wheels
The size of your wheel depends on how fast you’re going. If you’re a beginner, choose a giant wheel for more stability. A smaller wheel will be easier to maneuver and offers better speed.
3. Check the Bearings
Bearings are small metal balls that sit between your skateboard truck’s inner and outer wheel. The smaller the bearings are, the faster you’ll go. Indoor skateboarders prefer smaller bearings because they have less friction. Outdoor riders typically use bigger bearings to prevent them from wearing down too fast.
4. Grip Tape
The grip tape is what keeps you from slipping when riding. When the grip becomes worn out, replace it before or after you ride. It’s always better to replace it before because that way you still have some traction left on the board when it’s wet.
5. Skateboard Deck
The skateboard deck is the foundation of your skateboard. It’s what provides the surface for you to stand on while you’re riding. Get a deck that’s the right size for you and fits the trucks you’re using.
Frequently Asked Question
What Is the Best Way to Clean My Board After Taking the Plastic Off It?
The best way to clean your skateboard after taking the plastic off it is to use a damp cloth and soap. Wipe down the entire board and get in all the nooks and crannies. Once it’s clean, dry it off with a towel. You can also use a toothbrush to clean the harder-to-reach areas.
Where Can I Buy a Tool to Help Me Take Plastic Off My Skateboard Wheel?
If you’re looking to buy a tool to help you take the plastic off your skateboard wheel, there are many options. You can buy a skate tool specifically designed to help take trucks and bearings off of skateboards. You can also buy a pry bar, a metal bar with a curved end that can be used to remove nails or other objects from tight spaces.
Are Skateboard Wheels Supposed to Be Plastic?
Skateboard wheels are typically made out of polyurethane or plastic. Different types of skateboard wheels offer different riding experiences. For example, some skateboard wheels are designed for street skating while others are designed for park skating.
How Do You Remove Skateboard Wheels without Skate Tool?
There are a few ways to remove skateboard wheels without a skate tool. One way is to use a screwdriver. Another way is to use a wrench. The third way is to use a socket wrench. Make sure that you use how you took them off to put them back on.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Now that you know how to take the plastic off skateboard wheels, apply this newfound knowledge. It’s not as difficult as it may seem – all you need is patience and some elbow grease. And remember, if you find yourself struggling at any point, be sure to check out our video tutorial for even more guidance. Happy skating! Thanks for reading our post about how to take plastic off skateboard wheel.
You may also read: How to Protect Skateboard Graphics
