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How to Build Longboard Skateboards Yourself

Longboards are put together in exactly the same fashion as a short skateboard and the same components are needed for completing the assembly. The only difference between them are their shapes. Knowing how to replace each piece of equipment is important for fixing issues that arise while out skateboarding. Build your longboard properly, without any additional assistance, in less than 30 minutes.

Things You'll Need

Grip tape
Box cutter
Phillips head screwdriver
Skate tool
8 - 1 1/4 inch bolts
8 - 3/8 inch nuts
2 - 10 inch trucks
4 wheels
8 wheel bearings
8 - 7/16 inch washers

Instructions

- 1
  Put the grip tape on. Unroll the grip tape onto the upper-side of the deck, pressing it down as it is unraveled. Make sure there are no air bubbles as the tape is being applied. Cut along the edges of the longboard with a box cutter to separate the unused portions of tape.
- 2
  Put the trucks on the longboard. Push the end of a screwdriver through grip tape to make the eight holes for the bolts, then insert the bolts into each hole. Slide the truck onto the bolts, place the nut onto it, insert the Phillips screwdriver into the bolt, then tighten the nut with your skateboard tool. Repeat for the second truck.
- 3
  Install the wheel bearings. Place a bearing onto your truck's axle, then push the wheel onto it to pop it into place. Repeat for the other side of the wheel and for the other wheels and bearings as well.
- 4
  Attach the wheels. Place a washer before and after the wheel when sliding it onto the truck's axle, then tighten the axle's nut with a skate tool. Repeat for the other three wheels as well.

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