How to assemble a skateboard

• Skate tool (or spanners and a Phillips or Allen driver)
• Utility knife with a fresh blade
• Screwdriver or file (for edge marking)

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Deck
• Grip tape
• Two trucks
• Four wheels
• Eight bearings and bearing spacers
• Mounting hardware (bolts and nuts)
• Riser pads (optional)

1. 1

   Step 1: Peel the backing from the grip tape and lay it on the deck from one end, pressing it down from the middle outward to push out air bubbles.

2. 2

   Step 2: Run a screwdriver or file around the edge of the deck to score a line in the grip, then trim along it with a sharp knife, cutting away from yourself.

3. 3

   Step 3: Find the eight mounting holes from underneath and push a screwdriver up through the grip to pierce each one.

4. 4

   Step 4: Push the mounting bolts down through the deck, add risers if you use them, and fit each truck with its kingpin nut facing the middle of the board.

5. 5

   Step 5: Tighten the mounting nuts evenly until the bolt heads sit flush with the grip, without cracking the deck.

6. 6

   Step 6: Press a bearing into each side of every wheel using the truck axle, fitting a spacer between the two bearings if your wheels use them.

7. 7

   Step 7: Slide a speed washer, the wheel, then another washer onto each axle, and tighten the axle nut until the wheel spins freely with only a tiny amount of side play.

8. 8

   Step 8: Set the kingpin nut tighter or looser to suit how easily you want the board to turn, then check every nut once more.

• Fitting a truck back to front, so the kingpins do not face inward.
• Overtightening the axle nuts so the wheels barely spin.
• Trimming grip tape with a dull blade, which tears the edge.