Well, if you are a frequent user of skateboards, it will be reasonable to check the condition of the sports equipment.
The required standard will enhance your skateboarding experience.
For a skateboard to perform correctly, you need to tighten it.
The best way to start is to tighten the trucks and upgrade it to the right level.
However, you must understand the tightening procedures.
Here, in this piece, we will precisely expand your understanding of the same issue.
There is more as you tighten the skateboard trucks, it will make the ride smoother. Let’s dig in:
Why should you tighten the Trucks?
a) Prevents Wheelbites
One will experience a fall when the wheels begin to rub hard against this board.
You can overcome such a challenge by screwing the trucks a little harder.
As a result, the skater may lose in turn and increase the stability.
b) Larger Skateboarding
You will need tighter trucks to perform skateboarding on steps or gaps. In the process, you will effortlessly restore the figures in place.
c) Making Curves or Speed
The big ramp will automatically trigger the skate in rolling quickly. You can still prevent the wobble effect by using a curve skater boosted by firm trucks.
It is noteworthy that tight trucks will not suit all bend skaters. The rider may decide to opt for loose trucks to allow the curve.
Tightening the skateboard Trucks
Procedure
1. Flip the Board Over
Begin by turning the board upside down. You can perform a tinkering action on the trucks to discover how they tilt.
Tilt them in up and down motion. The process will allow you to adjust if it is loose or tight.
Suppose they extremely wobble; you can turn the kingpin by using the T skate tool.
In case it is too tight, then you can loosen a bit.
It is entirely a personal preference to choose a loose or tight truck.
2. Involve an Adjustable Wrench
You can begin the actual work by using a skate tool or an adjustable wrench.
You can use the five bolts to attach your truck to the board.
Meanwhile, the main bolt goes right through the center of the truck.
You will then use the remaining four bolts to connect the base plate of the truck to the deck.
You will begin the tightening exercise by connecting the wrench to the head of the center bolt and start to turn.
Turn the bolt clockwise to enable it to tighten the trucks.
You can perform several turns until you reach your desired level.
Suppose you make it too tight, make counterclockwise turns until you get the right spot.
3. Test Your Setup
It is procedurally correct to test your setup before you arrive at the optimal tightness to match your skating style.
For instance, you can begin to hop on board, and you start to push.
You can creatively apply a few tricks like doing manuals or Fakie 180 frontlines.
If you jump and feel an improvement, then your skateboard is in the right condition.
A good stakeboard should enable the user to skate while applying less effort.
4. Keep Fine Tuning
It is unlikely that you will achieve the right set up from a first attempt.
You will need to fine-tune and keep testing until you arrive at the perfect set up.
The exercise may involve carrying your tools several times to make some adjustments as required.
Tight Back or Loose Front?
Multiple skaters prefer setting the back and front trucks differently.
A loose front truck will prevent the user from turning without involving the tail a lot.
You will have more control over making a loose front truck.
One the other hand, a tight back truck will enhance stability as you pop your skateboard.
The following are advantages of having a tight truck:
- The user will enjoy more stability.
- One will effortlessly pop the board.
- The design is suitable for heavier people.
However, the tight truck will also feature the following shortcomings:
- It will be challenging to make turns.
- It is difficult while making curves.
The loose trucks will also feature the following benefits:
- It is effortless while doing turns.
- Easier to perform skateboarding tricks.
- It is suitable for downhill skateboarding.
- Easier while curving bowls.
The following are disadvantages of loose trucks:
- It can result in wobbling.
- The curving may become challenging.
Alternatives to Truck Tightening
Tightening the trucks happens to be one of the best choices. However, there is an alternative action that you can apply to get similar results like:
1. Change the Erasers
You can change the eraser if your truck has slip gums.
The gums become so due to intense riding or poor quality gums.
In the same vein, the gums will deform and compromise on the performance of the skateboard.
2. Use Harder Erasers
You will need harder erasers as you gain your weight. You can upgrade your skateboard to meet the demands of your needs.
3. Change your Trucks
Unluckily, you can fix your truck and still encounter the wobbling effect.
Tightening can be a solution to improve the performance of your skateboard.
If the whole sporting tool fails, you can consider changing your skateboard.
The decision should come as a last resort.
The decision may favor the beginners who will use the skating board more intensely.
The new skating board will improve your training experience as you maximize its abilities.
In Conclusion
You can always improve your game by making sure that your skateboard lies in the correct form.
Every user will have a different taste when it comes to tightening.
The information in this write-up will assist you in getting the right level to operate.
You can improve your skateboarding experience by adjusting the tightening to the level of your preference.
You can do so by understanding your needs.
Stakeboard trucks are popular sporting tools that will keep you in the right state of health.
You need to train well before you become a professional.
You can begin to tighten your trucks and make them more user-friendly.
Make the right decision, and you will never drown in regrets. Happy skateboarding!