Can You Use Skateboard Wheels on Roller Skates?

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The answer is yes! That’s right, skateboard wheels work on roller skates. Both roller skates and skateboards share the same 8mm axle diameter axles and similar core spacings, making it possible the use both types of wheels interchangeably.

All that is required to make the two types of wheels fit is to adjust the size and position of the bearings accordingly. However, there are a few downsides to using skateboard wheels as opposed to roller skate wheels; one being that pushing it will feel a bit more stressful since there’s less flexibility when it comes to skateboard wheels.

Skateboard wheels that are larger or bigger might be difficult to mount onto your roller skates, potentially leading to a heavy feeling that can harm your skating performance.

Can You Use Skateboard Wheels on Roller Skates

How do I Know If Skateboard Wheels will Fit on My Roller Skates?

To figure out if skateboard wheels are compatible with your roller skates, you’ll need to consider a few things. When beginning, make sure that your skateboard and roller skate wheels have equal diameters. The size should be between 55mm and 65mm for roller skates.

Second, check to see that the width of the skateboard wheels is around 30-35mm and matches your plate; this will help ensure a perfect fit for your skates. Lastly, make sure that the bearings of your roller skates are standard 608-size bearings (8mm). You can find standard sizes of inline skates and rollerblades, but you can also opt for larger or smaller sizes.

By taking all of these into consideration, you’ll be able to determine whether or not skateboard wheels will fit on your roller skates!

Are Roller Skate Wheels the Same as Skateboard Wheels?

The short answer to the question of whether roller skate wheels are the same as skateboard wheels is no, they are not. Roller skate wheels tend to be slightly larger than skateboard wheels, typically ranging from 55mm to 65mm in diameter in comparison to the 50-60mm average size for skateboard wheels.

Moreover, the durometer rating (level of hardness) on skateboard wheels tends to be significantly harder than roller skate wheels due to their purpose of being able to withstand rougher surfaces over extended periods.

Furthermore, while skateboard wheels are usually made of highly resilient urethane, roller skates on the other hand require softer wheels that can effectively grip surfaces so that you can take turns without slipping or sliding off your feet.

Ultimately, this means that while the purpose and function of both types of wheel sets may be similar in skating, they do have very different needs when it comes to their structure and materials used.

What Type Of Wheels Are Best For Roller Skating?

When it comes to roller skating, the type of wheel you use plays a crucial role. Depending on where you will be skating, what’s best for you can vary.

If you plan to skate indoors, such as in a rink or skatepark, then wheels with a hardness of 88A-102A are your best bet. A good starting point would be around the 88A to 92A range – this will provide sufficient grip and speed for an enjoyable experience.

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But if you intend to take your skates outdoors onto rough surfaces like asphalt or concrete floors, soft wheels are recommended. 78A is usually a good choice as it absorbs bumps better and offers more control when making turns.

Meanwhile softer wheels ranging from 78A to 87A offer great grip and control making them a popular option for beginners. Professionals or intermediates however may find harder wheels a better choice as they offer more speed and acceleration than soft wheels do.

Can you use Skateboard Bearings on Roller Skates?

Roller skate axles require a diameter of 8mm in order to accommodate skateboard bearings. If you have 7mm axles, you need to purchase bearings that are designed specifically for roller skating since they are slightly smaller than standard skateboard bearings and will not fit properly in the wrong application. It’s important to keep this in mind when selecting the right bearings for your roller skates.

How To Put Skateboard Wheels On Roller Skates?

Putting skateboard wheels on roller skates is actually easier than you might think. All you need is the right size of skateboard wheel and a few simple tools to get it done.

First, you’ll need to remove the old wheels from your roller skates by popping them off with your hands or using a screwdriver or pliers if they’re stuck.

Place the wheels on the roller skate frames, making sure the holes align and push them securely into position. If the pieces don’t fit easily, you may need to use a rubber mallet or hammer to help them go into place.

Differences Between Skateboard Wheels and Roller Skate Wheels?

There are some key differences between skateboard wheels and roller skates. Firstly, the bearings used in them are different. Roller skates have side-set bearings which fit into holes in either side of each wheel, whereas skateboards typically use center-set bearings that sit in between two rings around the wheel.

Secondly, roller skate wheels tend to be slightly bigger than those on a skateboard. Skateboard wheels have axles that are typically longer than those on roller skates.

Lastly, while the typical diameter of skateboard wheels ranges from 75mm to 110mm, roller skates tend to measure between 72mm and 80mm across.

Is It Dangerous To Use Skateboard Wheels On Roller Skates?

The question of whether it’s dangerous to use skateboard wheels on roller skates often comes up. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be dangerous if you take the proper precautions.

Before attaching skateboard wheels to roller skates, double check the wheel size and axle compatibility and make sure the bearings are working correctly. Setting up with proper measurements and taking care of your bearings will go a long way.

It’s also important to remember that skateboarding can be a risky business no matter what type of wheels you are using, so make sure that you follow safety guidelines when practicing any kind of sport. All in all, it is possible to use skateboard wheels on roller skates if done correctly and safely!

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Let’s talk about how to tell if a Skateboard wheel is right for your roller skates

When it comes to using skateboard wheels on your roller skates, the first and most important thing is to make sure that the wheel is the right size. If it’s too big, it won’t turn properly.

Additionally, you want to be sure there’s enough space between the axle and the inner part of the skateboard wheel (the hub). If there isn’t enough space in here then rubbing can occur, potentially damaging both parts.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to check your bearings. If they aren’t working properly then they could start making noise while you skate or wear out faster than usual. By taking into account these three things when choosing a skateboard wheel for your roller skates you can ensure your safety and maximize your fun!

Benefits of Using Skateboard Wheels on Roller Skates

Using skateboard wheels on roller skates can offer some major benefits. The larger footprint of the wheels improves stability and makes braking easier while the highly customizable design offers a chance to fully express yourself.

Additionally, the durable material allows you to take your skating to new heights without fear of damaging your wheels, and their suitability for concrete and asphalt surfaces means that you have greater options when it comes to taking your skating outside.

It’s not hard to make the switch either; swapping out traditional roller skate wheels for skateboard wheels is a simple process that can be done quickly. That means more time for expressing yourself and less time waiting on your skates!

Disadvantages of using Skateboard Wheels with Roller Skates

When you’re thinking about using skateboard wheels on your roller skates, it’s important to remember that there are some drawbacks. First and foremost, these wheels weren’t meant to be used on roller skates, so they won’t provide a smooth ride like regular roller skate wheels.

Moreover, with skateboard wheels, you might lose control more easily and have more potential for accidents and physical strain on your body. Also, if you attempt to use modified roller skates indoors, you run the risk of damaging the surfaces due to the nature of skateboard wheels.

Compared to roller skates, skateboard wheels tend to be farther apart and narrow. This could lead to decreased speed as there is less contact between the ground and the surface.

Tips For Using Skateboard Wheels On Roller Skates

When using skateboard wheels on roller skates, there are a few important tips to keep in mind for success. First and foremost, always follow instructions closely and be mindful of every step that you take. Doing it by hand with something separate or incorrect is never a good idea and can result in more harm than good.

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Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary tools required for the project before starting it. Double-checking ensures that you don’t miss any important components needed and that things go as smoothly as possible.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you get stuck. Any experienced skater will be more than happy to lend a helping hand with what you need assistance with as long as you take your time to understand the process clearly.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to use skateboard wheels on your roller skates without any difficulties!

Things Should Be Avoided While Using Skateboard Wheels On Roller Skates

If you’re considering putting skateboard wheels on your roller skates, there are certain steps that should be avoided.

To begin with, ensure that the wheel you choose is compatible and functioning correctly on your roller skate. It would be a bummer to take everything apart just to find out the wheel won’t work at all. Don’t hesitate to go back and find a wheel that is suitable for this situation.

It’s also important to take advice from experts in the field who know what they are doing. You may want to consider ordering some custom-made wheels or visiting your local skate shop for their expertise.

Satisfying your curiosity by putting skateboard wheels on your roller skates is all fun and games until it comes time to actually do it – so make sure it’s worth the effort before going ahead with the task. Keep in mind that riding roller skates with these kinds of wheels is different than standard roller skating, so it is important to understand the risks before committing to this endeavor.

FAQs

Why do people use skateboard wheels on roller skates?

People use skateboard wheels on roller skates for a variety of reasons, primarily for stability. Skateboards are more stable than traditional roller skates due to their wider wheel-spacing.
They also tend to give an abrupt feeling, which many skaters find preferable as it allows them to brake easier and do tricks that are similar to those done on a skateboard.

Are Skateboard Wheels compatible with Roller Skates?

Standard skateboard and roller skate wheels both use 8mm axles and have similar core spacing, so hardware installation is usually not a problem. Just be aware that removing the flexible outer lip found on most roller skate wheels when switching to skateboard wheels can make pushing more difficult.

Conclusion

Skateboard wheels can work on roller skates, but not all wheels are created equal. When it comes to choosing the best wheel for your skates, make sure you take into account the size and material of the wheel and how it will affect your performance.

With a bit of research and some trial and error, you’ll be able to come up with a setup that works perfectly for you.

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Joseph E. Bogle

This is Joseph E. Bogle, the founder and lead writer of SkateToScoot.com, an enthusiast of skating for over a decade. I'm an aggressive skater and certified skating coach, dedicated to sharing his knowledge and passion for skating with others through his blog. With my unique combination of personal experience and professional expertise, SkateToScoot.com is a valuable resource for skaters of all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.