What Is a Skate Tool and How Does It Work? (Explained)

A skateboard tool, or skate tool, is a small, handheld device that is used to tighten and loosen the bolts on a skateboard. Skate tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all of them have the same basic function – to make it easier for skaters to maintain their boards. You don’t exactly need a skate tool to put your skateboard together. However, it is worth the small investment and it is much easier to use and carry around than the alternatives.
What Is A Skate Tool?
A skateboard tool is a small, handheld tool that is designed specifically for skateboarding. It typically consists of a handle and a number of different heads, each of which is designed for a specific purpose. For example, one head might be used for tightening skateboard trucks, while another might be used for adjusting wheels.
In addition to being an essential tool for skateboarding, a skateboard tool can also be a great way to show your personal style. Skateboard tools come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can choose one that matches your skateboard setup. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned skateboarder, a skateboard tool is a must-have item for anyone who loves to skate.
Skateboard tools can be purchased at most skate shops, and they are an essential piece of equipment for any skateboarder. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, having a skateboard tool on hand will make it much easier to keep your skateboard in good condition.
What Are The Tools On A Skate Tool?
The individual tools on a skateboard tool can vary slightly. However, almost all come fully equipped with:
- 3/8″ socket for your bolts.
- 9/16″ socket to easily tighten or loosen your trucks.
- 1/2″ socket to tighten your wheels.
- a removable Allen wrench with 1/8″ and 7/32″
- Philips head screwdriver.
Some nice-to-haves that other skate tools have might include an axle re-threader and a bearing press.
Is A Skate Tool Worth It?
As anyone who has ever owned a skateboard knows, there is a lot of maintenance that goes into keeping one in good condition. Tightening screws, changing wheels, and adjusting bearings are all essential tasks, but they can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially for beginners.
A skate tool is a small, compact tool that is designed specifically for skateboards and can make all of these tasks much easier. It is worth noting that skate tools are not just for beginners; even experienced skaters can find them useful for making quick adjustments on the go. So if you’re serious about skating, a skate tool is definitely worth considering.
Skate tools are small and lightweight, so they don’t take up much space in your bag. And most importantly, they can help you avoid costly repairs down the line. So if you’re serious about skating, investing in a good skate tool is definitely worth it.
Can You Put A Skateboard Together Without A Skate Tool?
A skate tool is just different tools in a convenient spot. Without a skate tool handy, you want 9/16”, 1/2”, and 3/8” socket wrenches, and a Philips head screwdriver to install all the hardware and tweak it to your liking.
This can be a pain to keep track of, especially if you are constantly on the go. A skate tool ensures that you always have the right tools within reach, so you can make adjustments on the fly.
You can get at the trucks to adjust the kingpin tension, or change out the bushings. You can also use the skate tool to tighten or loosen the axle nuts. And when you’re done skating for the day, you can use the skate tool to take off your wheels and put them away. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a skate tool is an essential piece of equipment.
Are All Skate Tools The Same?
When it comes to skate tools, there are a lot of options to choose from. There are all-in-one tools that can do everything from tighten your trucks to pop your wheels off.
There are also more specific tools that are designed for one particular task, like changing bearings or mounting hardware. No matter what kind of skate tool you need, there is definitely an option out there for you. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all skate tools are created equal.
Some are better quality than others, and some will perform better for certain tasks. It is important to do your research and find the best tool for the job. With so many options available, there is no excuse for settling for a less-than-perfect skate tool.
How To Use A Skate Tool
If you’re a beginner skater, using a skate tool can seem daunting. But don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple.
Here are the basic steps:
- Locate the correct socket size for your bolts and screws.
- Insert the socket into the skate tool.
- Apply pressure to the screw or bolt with the tool and turn counterclockwise to loosen.
- If tightening, turn clockwise instead.
- Be sure to keep an eye on your hardware as you’re working; it’s easy to lose track of screws and bolts when they’re lying on the ground.
- Tighten all hardware to the recommended specs before skating.
- If you’re having trouble loosening or tightening a screw or bolt, apply more pressure until it budges.
- Be careful not to apply too much pressure or you could damage the hardware or the skateboard itself.
That’s all there is to it! With a little practice, you’ll be able to use your skate tool like a pro in no time at all.
Who Invented The Skate Tool?
In 1975, Al Hess witnessed the skateboard industry explode. He owned a machine shop, and at the time there was no single tool for putting together a skateboard. Instead, it required multiple sockets and screwdrivers. Hess knew that he could engineer the first tool that could do all the jobs necessary to assemble a skateboard.
He filed for a patent in 1977, and the first skate tool was born. Hess’ skate tool quickly become the industry standard, and to this day his design is still used by skaters all over the world.
Best Skate Tool Of 2022
The best skate tool available today is the Bona Skate Tool. It is a 10-in-1 tool that has all of the functions that you need to assemble and disassemble a skateboard.
The Bona T Tool for skateboards has everything you need to tighten up or repair your skateboard. It works with all types of skateboards, longboards, and cruisers. It’s used for tightening the screws, changing the wheels, changing grip tape, removing and cleaning bearings, and even repairing the threading.
Features include:
- 3 different size sockets
- bearing press and bearing remover
- a detachable Allen key
- an Allen wrench
- a Phillips screwdriver
- a precision file
- an axle rethreader with ratchet capabilities
Conclusion
A skate tool is a must-have for any skater, beginner or pro. It is a small and lightweight tool that can help you avoid costly repairs down the line. There are all-in-one tools that can do everything from tightening your trucks to popping your wheels off, or more specific tools that are designed for one particular task.
No matter what kind of skate tool you need, there is definitely an option out there for you. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all skate tools are created equal. Some are better quality than others, and some will perform better for certain tasks.
It is important to do your research and find the best tool for the job. With so many options available, there is no excuse for settling for a less-than-perfect skate tool. The best skate tool available today is the Bona Skate Tool.