The right size hardware for skateboard is 7/8″ for standard 7-ply decks without riser pads. 1/8″ riser pads require 1″ hardware and 1/4″ risers require 1 1/8″ hardware. Sometimes trucks have a thicker baseplate and 1″ is a better option. Both 7/8″ and 1″ flathead countersunk bolts always work.
Contents
- Skateboard Hardware Size Chart
- Skateboard Deck Size & Hardware Size
- Does Skateboard Hardware Size Matter?
- How to Choose Skateboard Bolts
- How Do You Put Hardware on a Skateboard?
- Allen Bolts or Philips?
- What Is Quality Hardware?
- How To Remove Stuck Hardware From a Skateboard?
- Hardware Sticking Out
- Why Are My Bolts Loose?
- Can You Ride a Skateboard With 2 or 3 Bolts?
- Where To Get Skateboard Hardware
- Final Thoughts
Skateboard Hardware Size Chart
There isn’t a golden rule when wheels size gets over 58mm and you start to add risers. I made sure you have enough clearance so you don’t get wheel bite.
| Wheel size (mm) | Riser size (inch) | 7-Ply deck Hardware length (inch) | 8-Ply or 9-Ply deck hardware lenght (inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49mm – 54mm | No risers | 7⁄8″ | 1 1⁄8″ |
| 55mm – 56mm | No need if you ride trucks tight | 7⁄8″ | 1 1⁄8″ |
| 55mm – 56mm | 1⁄8″ if you ride loose trucks | 1 1⁄8 – 1 1⁄4 | 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2″ |
| 57mm – 58mm | 1⁄8″ | 1 1⁄8 – 1 1⁄4 | 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2″ |
| 59mm – 60mm | 1⁄8″ – 1⁄4″ | 1 1⁄8″ – 1 1⁄4″ | 1 1⁄4″ – 1 1⁄2″ |
I stopped at 60mm because that’s part of my skateboard riser pad guide. Skateboarders only need 1/8″ risers in general, anything over 1/8″ risers is for cruisers and perhaps a few bowl skaters that love extra carvy setups.
I tested many cruisers, wheels, and different setups and almost everytime you can get away with 1⁄8″ risers, even if you ride 60mm wheels. It really depends on your weight, truck height, style, and the hardness of your bushings.
Skateboard Deck Size & Hardware Size
There is no correlation between the size (length) of your deck and hardware size. If you skate and 8.0″ deck, you still can use 7/8″ hardware without risers.
The exception here is 8 and 9-ply skateboard decks, not sure why anyone would pick an 8 or 9 ply for technical street skateboarding unless you want a skateboard that doesn’t snap. Moving on.
Does Skateboard Hardware Size Matter?
Skateboard hardware size matters when you ad risers or shock pads. Also, if the bolts are too long they stick out too much and can bend on impact. You can also get stuck when you grind curbs or copings resulting in nasty falls.
How to Choose Skateboard Bolts
1″ and 7/8″ bolts are compatible with every setup, the former will have 1/8″ sticking out which is fine. 7/8″ is perfect for skateboard with wheels under 57mm.
It also depends on how loose you skate your board. 58mm wheels can work without risers if you skate your trucks tight. Those who skate their trucks loose should consider risers.
Picking the right bolts depends on the size of your wheels. From (arguably) 57mm and up you’ll need risers for extra clearance to prevent wheel bite. Clearance means the space empty between the wheels and deck.
How Do You Put Hardware on a Skateboard?
It’s one of the easiest things to do, my advice is to lay your board on a table sideways first.
- Put in all 4 bolts
- Block the bolts on the griptape side with your hands to prevent them from moving
- Attach the truck
- Screw on the nuts one by one
- Get your tools and tighten them
Make sure to get the right tools. If you have tools available there’s no need for a skate tool. you’ll only need a 3⁄8 in (0.95 cm) wrench and a Phillips screwdriver or a 3⁄8 Alan key depending on your type of hardware.
Allen Bolts or Philips?
In my experience, Allen bolts are the better choice. Philips bolts heads always wear when you attach your trucks, even more so if you use a cordless drill.
What Is Quality Hardware?
Get hardware with a nylon ring, the hardware has have to put some weight to it. That’s how you know it’s quality material.
One brand that offers quality hardware is Fireball, you can feel the difference when you hold them in your hand. They weigh more compared to independent, stay put, don’t bend, and last longer.
Be sure to get the right shape, only use flatheads and avoid buttonheads, It works but you will feel them when you ollie or simply standing on your board.
The rest of this ‘article’ is about common issues and problems you will face at some point. Better be prepared and read on.
How To Remove Stuck Hardware From a Skateboard?
The easiest way is to use a hacksaw and cut it off.
Your other options are use an elastic band on top of the flathead and see if this allows get it out. You can also use a 3/8 socket and ratchet.
Be sure you’ve got a good grip on the head with the right size Philips or Allen key. Drill it if it still won’t budge but be careful and don’t use too much force.
Hardware Sticking Out
Hardware sticking out on top of a skateboard deck shouldn’t be a problem unless your shoes get stuck when flicking your board.
Just use a proper (skate) tools and tighten the nut while using a screwdriver to stop the head from turning on the other side of your deck. Too tight isn’t ideal, neither is too loose. Make sure the trucks are flush with your grip tape.
If the hardware is too long and they stick out of the trucks mounting holes, replace the hardware as soon as possible. It can bend, break, get stuck and can become razor sharp.
Why Are My Bolts Loose?
It’s caused by vibration. It’s a very common problem which can be solved by using your skate tool and tighten the bolts and nuts. Reddit suggest using Loc-Tite to prevent it from happening. Haven’t tried this myself but it makes sense.
Can You Ride a Skateboard With 2 or 3 Bolts?
You can ride a skateboard a skateboard with 2 or 3 bolts but you’re risking deforming or breaking the remaining 2 bolts. It’s not recommended when ollieing huge stairs, grinding curbs or tricks with lots of impact.
Where To Get Skateboard Hardware
You can go to your local hardware store and buy quality hardware which is cheaper than buying is from skateboard brands.
If you decide to go to Home Depot or any hardware store make sure you get the right size and the nuts contain a nylon ring.
Final Thoughts
I should have addressed this topic way sooner but it never crossed my mind that there are so many variables. Not only the hardware size and riser and or wheel compatibility, but the more hardware I handed out, the more problems surfaced.
This post should answer everything there is to know about hardware size, issues, shapes, and best practices. If I missed anything, be sure to let me know. This article is closely related to risers which will follow very soon.
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.