How to Make Skateboard Wheels Spin Faster? Tips & tricks

Are you tired of your skateboard wheels slowing you down? Do you want to achieve higher speeds, smoother rides, and perform tricks with ease? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll be discussing how to make skateboard wheels spin faster.

Having fast-spinning wheels is crucial for any skateboarder who want to improve their performance. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional pro, faster new wheels can help you achieve your goals and take your riding to the next level. In this post, we’ll be sharing some tips and tricks that can help you make your skateboard wheels spin faster.

We’ll cover everything from cleaning and lubricating your bearings to choosing the right wheel size. After read this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to maintain your skateboard wheels and ensure they spin speeds. So, let’s dive in and know the tips that will help you get the benifit of your skateboard wheels! 

How to Make Skateboard Wheels Spin Faster

Skateboard wheels that spin slowly can be frustrating and can impede your ability to perform tricks and ride smoothly. Faster wheels can help you achieve higher speeds, perform tricks more easily, and have smoother rides. Fortunately, there are so menyl methods to make your skateboard wheels spin faster easily. 

We’ll cover tips and tricks on how to clean and maintain your skateboard wheels and bearings, adjust axle nuts, select the right wheels for your needs, and break-in new bearings.By the end of this post, you’ll better understand that how to maintain your skateboard wheels and ensure they spin at highest speeds

Clean and Lubricate the Bearings

As a skateboarder, you know that dirty bearings can slow down your wheels and affect your performance.But why do bearings get dirty to much first? Well, over time, dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate on your bearings, causing them to slow down and eventually stop spinning altogether. That’s why it’s important to clean your bearings regularly to keep them spinning at optimal speeds.

Here are the steps you can follow to clean and lubricate your skateboard bearings:

  1. Remove the bearings from your wheels using a skate tool or a bearing tool.
  2. Use a solvent such as rubbing alcohol or a specialized bearing cleaner to soak the bearings and remove any dirt or debris.
  3. After cleaning the bearings, use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry them thoroughly.
  4. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the bearings, making sure to distribute it equaly.
  5. Reinsert the bearings into your wheels and tighten the axle nuts.

 When choosing a lubricant, it’s most important to select one that is specifically designed for skateboard bearings. Avoid using WD-40 or other household lubricants, as they can attract dirt and cause your bearings to slow down even faster. Instead, opt for a high-quality skateboard bearing lubricant, which will keep your bearings clean and spinning smoothly.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your skateboard bearings clean and well-lubricated, ensuring that your wheels spin faster and your rides are smoother.

Tighten the Axle Nuts

How Wheel Size Affects Speed and Performance

Axle nuts play a crucial role in the spin of your skateboard wheels. Loose axle nuts can cause your wheels to wobble and slow down, which can be frustrating and dangerous. To ensure optimal wheel spin, it’s important to tighten your axle nuts correctly.

First, loosen the nut just a bit before tightening it back up to ensure it’s secure. You don’t want to over-tighten and strip the threads or compress the bearings too tightly. Tighten the nut until it’s snug, and then give it an additional quarter turn to ensure it’s secure.

If your wheels are still not spinning as fast as you’d like, it’s possible that your bearings need to be cleaned or lubricated. It’s also important to ensure that your wheels are the right size for your riding style and the terrain you’ll be skating on. With the right maintenance and adjustments, you can ensure your skateboard wheels are spinning at their fastest and help improve your overall performance on the board.

Check the Wheel Size and Hardness

When it comes to making your skateboard wheels spin faster, the size and hardness of your wheels are crucial factors to consider. The wrong size or hardness can significantly slow down your skateboard and affect its overall performance.

How Wheel Size Affects Speed and Performance

Wheel size plays a significant role in determining the speed and performance of your skateboard. Larger wheels have a higher top speed and roll over cracks and bumps more easily, providing a smoother ride. However, they may be heavier and more challenging to maneuver, making them better suited for cruising and long-distance rides.

Smaller wheels, on the other hand, have a lower top speed but are more responsive and easier to control, making them ideal for performing tricks and maneuvers.

How Wheel Hardness Affects Speed and Performance

The hardness of your skateboard wheels affects their grip and durability. Harder wheels (measured on the durometer scale) have less grip, which makes them faster but less comfortable on rough surfaces. Softer wheels, on the other hand, have more grip and provide a smoother ride but can be slower and less responsive.

Tips for Selecting the Right Wheels for Your Needs

To select the right wheels for your needs, consider the type of riding you’ll be doing, your experience level, and the terrain you’ll be riding on. Here are some tips:

  • For cruising and long-distance rides, choose larger wheels with a softer durometer rating.
  • For street and park skating, choose smaller wheels with a harder durometer rating for more responsiveness and durability.
  • If you’re a beginner, choose wheels with a medium durometer rating (around 90a) for a balance of speed and grip.
  • If you’re an experienced skateboarder looking to push your limits, experiment with different wheel sizes and hardness ratings to find what works best for you.

Wheel Size and Hardness Chart

To help you choose the right wheels, here’s a chart of common wheel sizes and their recommended durometer ratings:

Wheel Size (mm)Durometer Rating
50-5399a and up
54-5997a-99a
60-6595a-97a
66-6990a-95a
70+78a-90a

Keep in mind that this chart is just a guide, and you may need to experiment to find the perfect combination of wheel size and hardness for your needs.

Break in New Bearings

importance of protective gear while skateboarding
importance of protective gear while skateboarding

Break in New Bearings: Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Skateboard Rolling Smoothly

Skateboard bearings are small but essential components that keep your wheels spinning smoothly. Over time, bearings can wear out or become dirty, causing your wheels to slow down and making it harder to perform tricks. If you’ve recently replaced your bearings or purchased a new skateboard, it’s important to break in the bearings to ensure optimal performance. Here are some tips and tricks for breaking in new bearings and maintaining them to keep your skateboard rolling smoothly.

Why New Bearings Need to Be Broken In

New bearings need to be broken in because they are often coated with oil or grease to prevent rust during storage and transport. This coating can slow down the bearing’s rotation performance, making it harder for your wheels to spin. Breaking in new bearings helps remove the coating and help to allows the bearings to spin freely.

Steps for Breaking in New Bearings

  1. Remove the bearings from your skateboard wheels.
  2. Clean the bearings using a bearing cleaning kit or by wiping them down with a cloth.
  3. Add a drop or two of lubricant to each bearing.
  4. Reassemble the bearings and place them back into your wheels.
  5. Ride your skateboard for at least an hour to help break in the bearings.
  6. Check the bearings periodically to ensure they are spinning smoothly.

Tips for Maintaining Bearings

To keep your bearings in good condition and maintain the best performance, here are some tips to follow:

  • Keep your bearings clean and free of dirt and debris.
  • Lubricate your bearings regularly to keep them spinning smoothly.
  • Avoid riding your skateboard through water or in wet conditions, as this can damage the bearings.
  • Replace bearings as needed to ensure optimal performance.

Breaking in new bearings is an important step in maintaining your skateboard’s performance. By following these tips and tricks, you can help ensure that your bearings are spinning smoothly and that your wheels are rolling at optimal speeds. Remember to check your bearings regularly and replace them as needed to keep your skateboard running smoothly.

Upgrade Your Skateboard Wheels and Bearings

Correct Wheel and Truck Tightness
Correct Wheel and Truck Tightness

If you’re looking to improve your skateboard’s speed, performance, and overall riding experience, one of the best things you can do is upgrade your wheels and bearings. Investing in high-quality components can make a significant difference in how your skateboard rides and feels, whether you’re cruising down the street or performing tricks at the skatepark.

Benefits of Upgrading and What to Look For

Upgrading your skateboard wheels and bearings can offer several benefits, including smoother rides, better control, faster speeds, and more extended durability. When selecting new components, consider factors such as wheel size, shape, and hardness, as well as bearing type and material. Choosing the right components can help you achieve your specific riding goals and preferences, whether you’re into street skating, longboarding, or downhill racing.

Investing in high-quality wheels and bearings can be more expensive upfront, but it can pay off in the long run, as they often last longer and require less maintenance than lower-quality components. Plus, the improved performance and riding experience can make it well worth the investment.

Tips for Proper Installation and Maintenance

When upgrading your skateboard wheels and bearings, it’s essential to ensure they are installed correctly and maintained properly. Improper installation can lead to reduced performance, uneven wear, and even safety hazards. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the proper tools and equipment.

Regular maintenance is also crucial to keep your upgraded components in good condition and ensure optimal performance. This includes cleaning and lubricating your bearings, checking your wheels for wear and damage, and tightening your axle nuts as needed. By taking care of your upgraded wheels and bearings, you can enjoy their benefits for years to come.

In conclusion, upgrading your skateboard wheels and bearings is an excellent way to improve your riding experience and take your skills to the next level. By investing in high-quality components, selecting the right size and material, and properly installing and maintaining them, you can enjoy smoother rides, faster speeds, and more control on your skateboard.

Master Your Riding Skills

Break in New Bearings
Break in New Bearings

Skateboarding is not just about having the right equipment, but also about having the right skills. Even with the best wheels and bearings, poor riding technique can lead to slow wheel spin and a lack of performance. Here are some tips to help you master your riding skills and get the most out of your setup:

  1. Practice, practice, practice – There’s no substitute for spending time on your skateboard. The more you ride, the more comfortable you’ll be and the better your technique will become.
  1. Focus on your stance – Proper stance is key to improving your riding skills. Make sure you have a comfortable and balanced stance that allows you to control the board.
  1. Work on your balance – Balance is crucial for any skateboarder, and it’s something you can always improve. Practice standing on one foot, riding switch, and other balance exercises to improve your overall control.
  1. Learn new tricks – Learning new tricks not only keeps things interesting but also helps you develop new skills and techniques that can improve your riding overall.
  1. Pay attention to your body position – The way you position your body on the board can affect wheel spin.stay centered over the board and avoid leaning too far forward or too far backward.

By focusing on these tips and improving your riding skills, you can get the most out of your setup and achieve faster wheel spin and better performance.

Additional Tips for Faster Skateboard Wheels

Tips for Proper Installation and Maintenance
Tips for Proper Installation and Maintenance

Are you still looking for ways to increase the speed and performance of your skateboard wheels? Here are some additional tips and advice that can help you achieve your goals:

  1. Use Larger Diameter Wheels: One of the easiest ways to increase speed is by using larger diameter wheels. This will give you more speed with each rotation, making it easier to maintain momentum and achieve higher speeds.
  1. Upgrade to Higher Quality Bearings: If your bearings are old, dirty, or low-quality, they can slow down your wheels. Consider investing in higher quality bearings that are designed for speed and durability.
  1. Choose Harder Wheel Durometer: Wheels with a higher durometer rating are harder and more durable, making them ideal for faster riding. If you’re riding on rough terrain or doing tricks that require high-speed landings, harder wheels can provide the stability you need.
  1. Check for Damaged or Worn-Out Skateboard Trucks: If your skateboard trucks are damaged or worn out, they can affect the performance of your wheels. Make sure your trucks are in good condition and replace them if necessary.
  1. Improve Your Skateboarding Skills: The way you ride your skateboard can also affect the speed and performance of your wheels. Work on improving your skills, such as pumping, carving, and pushing, to get the most out of your setup.
  1. Wax Your Skateboard: Finally, make sure to wax your skateboard regularly to reduce friction between the wheels and the surface. This can help your wheels spin faster and smoother, giving you a better riding experience overall.

By following these additional tips and advice, you can make your skateboard wheels spin faster and achieve the performance you desire.

Conclusion

In this post, we have covered various tips and tricks on how to make sure that your bearings skateboard wheels spinning fast. From cleaning and lubricating your bearings to tightening your axle nuts, selecting the right wheels for your needs, breaking in new bearings, upgrading your wheels and bearings, and mastering your riding skills, we have covered it all.

By following these tips and methods, you can achieve higher speeds, smoother rides, and perform tricks with ease. Fast-spinning wheels are essential for any skateboarder looking to improve their performance, whether they are beginners or seasoned pros.

So, whether you are looking to clean your bearings, upgrade your setup, or improve your riding technique, we hope this post has provided you with valuable insights and practical advice on how to make skateboard wheels spin faster. Don’t hesitate to try out these tips and enjoy faster, smoother rides on your skateboard.

FAQs-

Why are my skateboard wheels so slow?

There can be several reasons why your skateboard wheels are slow. The most common reasons are dirty or worn-out bearings, loose axle nuts, damaged or worn-out skateboard trucks, and low-quality or damaged wheels. It’s important to regularly maintain and check your skateboard setup to ensure optimal performance.

Do softer skateboard wheels go faster?

No, softer skateboard wheels do not go faster. In fact, harder wheels are usually faster due to their ability to maintain momentum and reduce friction. Softer wheels may provide a smoother ride but they are not ideal for high-speed performance.

Do bearings make you go faster?

Yes, high-quality bearings can make your skateboard wheels spin well faster, which in turn can increase your speed. Bearings reduce friction between the wheel and axle, allowing the wheel to spin more freely and smoothly. However, it’s important to note that other factors, such as wheel size and hardness, also play a significant role in determining skateboard speed.

Are smaller skateboard wheels faster?

No, smaller skateboard wheels are generally slower than larger wheels because they have less surface area in contact with the ground, resulting in less speed and a rougher ride. However, smaller wheels may offer better maneuverability and are often preferred for technical tricks another way to make faster.

Can tightening the axle nuts make the wheels spin faster?

While it may seem logical, overtightening axle nuts can actually slow down your wheels by putting too much pressure on the bearings. Keep your nuts snug but not too tight, allowing the wheels to spin freely.

Norman J. Wells
Norman J. Wells

Hello, my name is Norman J. Wells I am the founder of Get skater which is my blog.

I specialize in skateboarding and offer skateboarding services to businesses of all sizes around the world, ultimately improving their bottom line by teaching creative solutions to their problems. Shoot me a quick email to see how I can help you!

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