How to Measure Skateboard Trucks?

Navigating the world of skateboarding, especially when it comes to assembling or upgrading your board, can often feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. One crucial piece of this puzzle is choosing the right skateboard trucks, a decision that hinges heavily on understanding truck sizes and measurements. If you’re scratching your head over terms like “axle width” and “hanger width,” you’re not alone. That’s why I’m here to break it down for you, making it as simple as possible.

To measure skateboard trucks, measure the width of the hanger or the axle width. The width should match the skateboard deck width for optimal performance.

Measuring skateboard trucks correctly is key to ensuring your board rides smoothly and suits your style, whether you’re cruising city streets or dropping into halfpipes. With various labels and specifications thrown around by manufacturers, it’s easy to get lost. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. I’ll guide you through the essentials of truck measurements, what parts to measure, and how these dimensions impact your skateboarding experience. Let’s dive into the world of skateboard trucks together and demystify the process once and for all.

Tools Needed for Measuring

When it comes to accurately measuring skateboard trucks, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial. I’ll break down the essential tools needed to ensure precise measurements. These tools are not only readily available but also easy to use, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater. Let’s dive into the specifics.

Axle Nut

First up, we have the axle nut. This small but mighty component plays a pivotal role in securing the wheels to the trucks, and it’s essential for the measuring process. To measure axle width, you’ll need to remove the axle nuts from your trucks. Therefore, having a skateboard tool or a wrench that fits your axle nuts is necessary.

It’s important to keep in mind that the size of the axle nuts can vary between skateboard brands, so ensuring you have the right size tool is key. Once the axle nuts are removed, you’ll be ready to measure the axle width, which is crucial for identifying the right truck size for your deck.

Ruler or Tape Measure

Next, you’ll need a reliable ruler or tape measure. This tool is indispensable for obtaining accurate measurements across different parts of the skateboard truck. When measuring the axle width, a ruler or tape measure should be placed directly across the length of the axle, from one end to the other, including the hanger.

For measuring truck height, position your ruler vertically next to the baseplate of the truck, ensuring it’s flush with the skateboard deck to get a precise measurement.

It’s essential to choose a ruler or tape measure that offers clear and easy-to-read markings, preferably in both inches and centimeters, as some measurements might require a specific unit. A flexible tape measure can be especially handy for measuring curved surfaces, although most truck measurements can be done with a straight ruler.

Having these tools at your disposal simplifies the measuring process, ensuring that you can select the right truck size for your skating needs. Remember, accurate measurements lead to a smoother ride and better performance on your skateboard.

Measuring the Skateboard Trucks

As we continue delving into how to best measure your skateboard trucks for an impeccable setup, it’s crucial to understand that accuracy in these measurements will greatly impact your skateboard’s performance. Let’s break down the process into manageable steps to ensure we’re doing it right.

Step 1: Remove the Wheels

First off, to get an accurate measurement of the trucks, I’ll need to remove the wheels. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s an essential step in the process.

Using a skateboard tool or a suitable wrench, I loosen the axle nuts securing the wheels to the trucks. It’s imperative to keep these nuts safe as they’re crucial for reassembling the skateboard. Once the wheels are off, it becomes much easier to access the parts of the truck we need to measure.

Step 2: Measure the Axle Width

With the wheels removed, I now have clear access to the axle. Measuring the axle width is pivotal as it determines the stability and turning radius of the skateboard. To do this, I use a reliable ruler or tape measure, placing it horizontally across the length of the axle.

It’s vital to measure from one end of the axle to the other, ensuring to include the threading where the wheels attach.

The axle width is typically noted in inches, and this measurement helps in selecting the optimal wheel size for the board.

Step 3: Measure the Hanger Width

Next, I focus on measuring the hanger width, which is equally crucial. The hanger is the T-shaped part of the truck that holds the axle and pivots in the bushings. A precise measurement of the hanger width is essential for understanding how the trucks will handle turns and overall maneuverability.

To measure the hanger width, I align the ruler or tape measure across the widest part of the hanger, making sure to record this measurement accurately. This step is fundamental in matching the truck size to the skateboard deck width to ensure a balanced and responsive ride.

Interpreting the Measurements

After carefully measuring your skateboard’s trucks as guided, it’s crucial to understand what these measurements mean for your riding experience. I’ll break down the significance of axle width and hanger width measurements, ensuring you can make informed decisions about your setup.

Understanding Axle Width Measurements

The axle is the long rod that runs through the truck’s hanger and extends out on either side to hold the wheels. The axle width is paramount because it directly impacts your skateboard’s stability and how well your wheels align with the deck. Ideally, you want the outer edges of your wheels to match up closely with the edges of your deck.

This alignment influences not just the aesthetics but more importantly, the functionality of your skateboard. A mismatch could lead to decreased balance and increased wheel bite, where the wheels rub against the deck during sharp turns, potentially causing falls.

Axle width measurements are usually noted in inches, and the optimal width depends on your deck size. Here’s a quick reference:

Deck Width (inches)	Axle Width (inches)
7.5 – 8	7.75
8 – 8.5	8.0
8.5 – 9	8.5
9 – 10	9.0

Selecting an axle width that matches or is very close to your deck width is key to achieving a balanced ride.

Understanding Hanger Width Measurements

The hanger width is equally crucial as it plays a significant role in your skateboard’s maneuverability and response to turns. The hanger is the T-shaped part of the truck that holds the axle and attaches to the skateboard deck. A wider hanger offers more stability, especially at higher speeds or when landing tricks, but can make sharp turns more challenging. Conversely, a narrower hanger enhances maneuverability, allowing for tighter turns but may feel less stable in high-speed scenarios or when performing broad maneuvers.

To determine the best hanger width for you, consider your skateboarding style. Street and technical skaters often prefer narrower hangers for agility and ease in performing tricks, whereas downhill or cruisers might opt for wider hangers for increased stability. Unlike axle width, there’s more room for personal preference with hanger width, based on your riding style and comfort.

Measuring and understanding these components of your skateboard trucks ensures you can tweak your setup for optimal performance, safety, and enjoyment. Whether you’re cruising city streets, bombing down hills, or hitting the skate park, the right measurements can make all the difference in how your skateboard handles and responds to your maneuvers.

Conclusion

Measuring skateboard trucks correctly is key to tailoring your board to your unique riding style and preferences. By focusing on axle and hanger widths you can significantly influence your skateboard’s performance from stability during high-speed rides to agility in making sharp turns.

Remember it’s not just about the technical specs but also about how the board feels under your feet. Whether you’re a beginner aiming for a safer ride or an experienced skater looking to fine-tune your setup finding the right balance between axle and hanger width will elevate your skating experience. So grab your measuring tape and let’s make every ride better than the last.