How To Loosen Longboard Wheels

Loosening longboard wheels is a simple process that can be done at home with just a few tools. Whether you prefer tighter or looser wheels is a matter of personal preference, but if your longboard wheels are too tight and you want to loosen them up, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.

1. Prepare Gear and Skate:

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools. You will need a wrench or a 1/2-inch socket. If you have specific longboard gear, it’s best to use those. To make the process easier, turn your longboard upside down and place it on a table or surface that is about chest height when sitting.

2. Determine the Wheel That Needs Loosening:

Not all longboard wheels may need to be loosened. Spin each wheel and if one of them suddenly stops and tends to reverse, that wheel is too tight and needs to be loosened.

3. Loosen the Longboard Wheel:

With the wrench or socket, place it on the nut of the longboard wheel you want to loosen and push it counterclockwise. Be careful not to loosen it too much, as it can cause the wheel to become too loose.

4. Check and Adjust:

After loosening the wheel, check its tightness by spinning it again. If it spins at a steady rate and slows down before stopping, you have successfully loosened it. To ensure the fit is right, try sliding the wheel a few turns. If you still feel some instability, adjust the wheel further.

Remember to adjust the wheel little by little, as loosening it too much can cause it to become too loose. If the wheel becomes too loose, you can tighten it by turning the nut clockwise with a wrench.

Why Must We Loosen Longboard Wheels?

Longboard wheels play a crucial role in the efficiency and performance of a skateboarder. Depending on your personal interests and riding style, you may prefer looser wheels that offer freedom and flexibility over tight wheels that provide precise and rigid shifts. Here are a few reasons why it is important to loosen longboard wheels:

• Increased Flexibility: When longboard wheels are tightened too much, they lose their inherent flexibility. This is evident when the wheels suddenly stop while the board is in motion. Tightening the nuts too tightly inhibits the wheel’s torque and increases friction, resulting in more resistance and slower movement. It also requires more effort to generate thrust and makes turning the board more difficult.
• Easier Pushing: Loosening longboard wheels allows them to spin faster. With reduced friction, the wheels can maintain a steady speed for longer periods. The quick turning of the wheels also facilitates quicker acceleration with minimal effort.
• Enhanced Performance: Loosening longboard wheels can significantly improve the overall performance of your ride. It provides a smooth and effortless carving experience, making it easier to navigate corners and perform tricks.

While loosening longboard wheels may initially be challenging for beginners, it is a skill that can be mastered with practice. Experimenting with different tightness levels can help you find the sweet spot that suits your riding style and preferences. So, give it a try and experience the benefits of loosening your longboard wheels.

When Do You Need To Loosen Your Longboard Wheels?

Tightening the wheels of a longboard is necessary when the board feels unstable, but what about loosening them? There are certain signs or cases when you need to loosen your longboard wheels to enhance your riding experience.

1. Longboard Suddenly Stops and Hard to Push: If your longboard frequently stops suddenly while in motion, it’s a clear indication that your wheels are too tight. Tight wheels create excessive friction, resulting in more drag and difficulty in maintaining momentum. This can make it hard to push the longboard forward and require more force to generate speed.
2. Difficult to Navigate: When the wheels of the longboard are too tight, they become excessively rigid, limiting the board’s flexibility. Just like a doctor splinting your neck, the over-tightened wheels restrict the board’s ability to carve and turn smoothly. It becomes challenging to navigate corners and perform tricks that require quick direction changes.
3. Loss of Flexibility: Tight wheels restrict the longboard’s ability to change direction or perform tricks with ease. The excessive fixation of the wheels prevents them from responding to subtle shifts in weight, making the board feel rigid and unresponsive. If you prefer a flexible and maneuverable ride, loosening the wheels is essential.
4. Pressure at the Tail of the Longboard: Over-tightened wheels can create pressure at the tail of the longboard, making it harder to perform tricks. Additionally, this pressure hinders the process of changing the board’s direction smoothly. By checking the wheels and loosening them slightly, you can alleviate this pressure and improve your trick execution.

Loosening longboard wheels when necessary can greatly enhance your riding experience. It allows for smoother movement, easier maneuverability, and increased freedom while performing tricks and navigating corners. Pay attention to the signs mentioned above to determine when it’s time to loosen your longboard wheels for a more enjoyable ride.

Here Are The Three Best Alternative Tools Of Longboards Tool:

1. Socket Wrench: A socket wrench is the quickest and most efficient tool for loosening longboard wheels. Its main advantage is that it allows you to adjust the wrench without having to turn it every time. This tool spins the bolts easily and smoothly, making the adjustment process hassle-free.
2. Pliers: Pliers offer a strong grip on the bolts and nuts, ensuring that the wrench remains securely in place until the process is complete. Using pliers with the wrench eliminates the risk of accidentally loosening the longboard wheels.
3. Wrench: There is a wide range of wrenches available in different sizes to suit the vehicle’s screws. Simply identify the size of your longboard’s screws and choose a compatible wrench from your toolbox. Wrenches are commonly found in households for various repair and maintenance tasks.

These alternative tools, including the socket wrench, pliers, and wrench, can be easily found at local hardware stores. They offer a convenient and effective solution for loosening longboard wheels without the need for a specific longboard tool. Ensure you select the appropriate tool size for a quality finish and better riding experience.

Loosening The Longboard Wheels Is Necessary Or Not

When it comes to longboarding, the question of whether to loosen the wheels or not is a matter of personal preference and riding style. Loosening the wheels can provide benefits for certain styles of riding, but it may not be necessary or desirable for others. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to loosen your longboard wheels:

1. Riding Style: If you primarily focus on performing tricks and maneuvers, loosening the wheels can make it easier to lift the board off the ground. This increased maneuverability can enhance your ability to execute tricks and stunts effectively.
2. Wheel Bite Protection: On the other hand, if your main concern is high-speed riding and avoiding wheel bite, tighter wheels may be more suitable. Wheel bite occurs when the wheels come in contact with the deck, causing the board to abruptly stop. Tightening the wheels can minimize the risk of wheel bite and provide a more stable ride, especially on rough surfaces.
3. Testing Wheel Rotation: To determine whether your wheels are properly adjusted, you can simply spin them and see how long they rotate. If the wheels spin for around 15 to 20 seconds, they are likely in good condition for both speed and tricks. Remember, the wheels should not be overly tight or too loose.

Ultimately, the decision to loosen your longboard wheels should be based on your skating preferences and the specific goals you have for your rides. It may be worth experimenting with different levels of tightness to find the optimal setting for your style and needs.

FAQs

Conclusion:

Learning how to loosen longboard wheels can make a world of difference in your riding experience. By following these simple steps, you can achieve a smoother, more enjoyable ride that will have you gliding effortlessly.

So go ahead, give it a try, and unlock the true potential of your longboard. Get ready to feel the freedom and thrill of the open road like never before!