Skate Parts

Wheels and bearings experience the most wear. Urethane wheels flatten or chip, while bearings lose their smoothness over time. Toe stops and bushings also need replacement when they lose rebound or wear unevenly.

Yes. Upgrading from nylon plates to aluminium or magnesium improves power transfer and durability. Just ensure the new plate’s mounting holes match your boot and that you have compatible trucks.

Most quad skates use 8 mm axle bearings. Inline skates may use 6 mm or 8 mm axles, so check compatibility. Bearings in 608 size fit standard wheels, while 627 or micro bearings fit specialised wheels.

Larger wheels (62–70 mm) roll faster and better over rough surfaces, while smaller wheels (57–60 mm) provide agility. Choose softer wheels (78A–85A) for outdoor grip and harder wheels (90A–101A) for indoor speed.

Yes. Changing the hardness or shape of bushings alters turning responsiveness. Soft bushings enable quick turns, while hard bushings offer stability. Replace them when they crack or lose rebound.

If you need to stop quickly (derby or jam), use adjustable toe stops. If you don’t use toe stops, like some dance or speed skaters, install toe plugs to protect the plate threads.

Hardware kits include axle nuts, mounting bolts, lock washers and kingpin nuts. They’re handy when building or repairing skates, ensuring all parts are fresh and secure.

Clean and rotate wheels monthly, lubricate bearings after skating in wet conditions and inspect plates and trucks for cracks or bends regularly. Replacing small parts proactively prevents bigger problems.