How to Tighten or Loosen Skateboard Trucks?

The amount the wheels tilt back and forth depends on how tight the trucks are. If you have a board (or a friend’s board) that you like, test the tightness on it and try to replicate it on your own board. The amount they wobble right and left relates to how tight they are.

Test the trucks by Tilting Back and Forth:

One of the best ways to tighten or loosen your skateboard trucks is to find a board that you like the feel of and use that as a guide. The amount the wheels tilt back and forth should be similar on your own board. You can also use the amount of wobble right and left as a guide for how tight to make your trucks.

Use a skate tool

One way to tighten or loosen trucks on a skateboard is by adjusting the kingpin nut. This nut is located between the wheels and controls the tightness of the trucks. To tighten the trucks, turn the kingpin nut clockwise. For a softer turning feel, turn the kingpin nut counterclockwise. When making adjustments, do so in small increments to avoid over-tightening or loosening the trucks., which can drastically affect the skateboard’s performance.

Always Ride and Test Your Trucks:

The best and easiest way to tighten or loosen your skateboard trucks is to simply ride around a bit after you’ve made your adjustments. Try out some turns, ollies, and other basic skating maneuvers to get a feel for the new tightness level. There is no “right” level of tightness, so it’s important that you experiment to find what works best for you.

Always Have Skate Tool With You:

The best and easiest way to tighten or loosen your trucks is to use a skate tool. The kingpin is the nut that holds the truck in place, and there is a strip of nylon on top called locking nylon. This should always be at least flush, otherwise, the trucks will eventually loosen and fall apart while you’re riding. Always keep your skate tool with you and use the best of it when needed.

Keep in Mind Truck Tightness Varies from Skater to Skater:

There is no one perfect way to tighten your trucks. The amount of tightness you use should be based on your own skating style and preferences. Looser trucks will be more forgiving on turns and landings, while tighter trucks will provide more resistance, which is ideal for high-speed skating. Ultimately, it comes down to what you feel most comfortable with.

Try To Re-pack Your Bushings:

If you want to tighten your trucks, you can compress the bushings. This will make it harder to turn, but it will be more stable. You can also change the bushings altogether to get a similar effect. Many skaters have this done at a local skate shop for convenience.

Get A New Brand Truck:

Different skateboard trucks have different specs and styles, so it’s important to test out different boards to see what you like best. Some things to consider for all trucks include the height of the kingpin and the width of the wheels. Higher pins are usually best for grinds, manuals, and other tricks, while lowered pins are better for popping ollies and kickflips. Wider wheels are often better for distributing the weight of heavier riders, which leads to smoother control.

Tight Vs Loose Skateboard Trucks

Different skaters have different opinions on whether tight or loose trucks are better. Some believe that tighter trucks offer more control and stability, while others say that loose trucks allow for better carving and turns. There is no right or wrong answer, as it depends on personal preference. However, there are some situations where one or the other may be preferable. For example, if you’re skating in a particularly crowded area, you may want to keep your trucks tighter to avoid accidentally hitting someone. Alternatively, if you’re looking to do some tricks that require more maneuverability, you may want to loosen your trucks for better turning. Ultimately, it’s up to you to experiment and see what works best for you.

How much to Tighten or Loosen Skateboard Trucks

How Much to Tighten Trucks

For larger individuals, it is best to keep the trucks as tight as possible. Loose trucks can cause wheel bite and wheel burn, which are both unpleasant. Additionally, it can be difficult for a heavier person to stay balanced on an unstable board. With loose trucks, the wheels constantly touch the ground, making it easy to fall. Heavier skaters should also install the hardest bushings they can find. There is no debate about how your trucks should stay when you are heavier.

When to Keep Your Trucks Loose

When you’re traveling at high speeds, you need trucks that are loose enough to allow for better carving and turning. However, if you’re a beginner, it’s generally advisable to start with tighter trucks. This is because they provide more stability and control. Different tricks also tend to be easier to set up with loose trucks. In addition, you’re generally more comfortable skating lose, and board control is somewhat easier. Nevertheless, landings can be a little wobbly. But with time, most people get used to it.

Tight Trucks Pros

• Higher stability
• You can easily pop your board
• Perfect for heavier people

Tight Trucks  Cons

• More Difficult to take turns
• Harder to do carves

Loose Trucks Pro

• Easier to set up skateboarding tricks
• Easier to do turns
• Easier to carve bowls and more
• Best setup for downhill skateboarding

Loose Trucks Cons

• It can get all wobbly if too loose
• Carving is tricky if trucks are too loose

Turning is harder with Tight Trucks:

The main downside of tighter trucks is that they make it harder to turn your skateboard. This is because you need to have a bit of ‘play’ in the trucks in order for them to be able to steer and correct themselves.

If your trucks are too tight, your skateboard won’t be able to turn at all.

Therefore, it’s important to balance too tight and too lose trucks.

FAQ’s

When Will You Need To Tighten Your Skateboard Trucks?

Your truck bolts are loose

Your trucks feel wobbly

Your trucks make noise

Your trucks turn too easily.

How Often Should You Check Your Skateboard Truck Bolts?

It is a good idea to check your skateboard truck bolts every few weeks or so. You don’t want your trucks to be too loose or too tight.

What Part of the Truck Do You Need to Tighten?

There are two bolts on each truck that you will need to tighten or loosen. These are the kingpin and axle bolts.

To tighten your trucks, start by turning the kingpin nut clockwise with a skate tool. Next, use the same tool to turn the axle bolt clockwise. Check that both bolts are tight before you ride.

To loosen your trucks, start by turning the kingpin nut counterclockwise with a skate tool. Next, use the same tool to turn the axle bolt counterclockwise. Check that both bolts are loose before you ride.

Why You Should Adjust Skateboard Trucks?

It is important to adjust your skateboard trucks because they affect the way your board rides. If your trucks are too loose, your board will be unstable and may even make noise. If your trucks are too tight, your board will be hard to turn.

How can I make my skateboard less wobbly?

If your skateboard feels wobbly, it is probably because your trucks are too loose. Try tightening the kingpin and axle bolts on your trucks.

My skateboard is making noise, what should I do?

If your skateboard is making noise, it is probably because your trucks are too loose. Try tightening the kingpin and axle bolts on your trucks.

How do I make my skateboard turn better?

If your skateboard is not turning well, it is probably because your trucks are too tight. Try loosening the kingpin and axle bolts on your trucks.

Should skateboard wheels be tight or loose?

Skateboard wheels should be tight enough that they do not fall off, but loose enough that they can spin freely.