Inline skate wheels are small hard pieces that rotate inside the gear that changes the direction of the skates forward or back. Inline skate wheels can also be referred to as “rollers”. In this article, I’ll show you how to change inline skate wheels.
Types of Inline Skate Wheels
There are many different types of wheels on the market today. The type of wheel you choose is based on personal preference, the terrain you will skate on, and the type of event the inline skater participates in. If you are looking for a different feel when skating, it is best to experiment with your wheels before committing to purchase them.
Aspects that should be considered when choosing wheels include:
- material composition,
- hardness rating,
- size of the wheel,
- the shape of the wheel,
- wear rating.
Inline skate wheels can be divided into a few categories.
The first is the “hard” category
The hard category includes all wheels that have a harder composition and, depending on the hardness, feel better on dry pavement and are safer to ride in. These wheels are typically steel, a non-metal material.
The second category is the “soft” category
The soft category includes all wheels that have a softer composition and are safer to ride on wet or icy surfaces when compared to the hard category. These wheels are typically made of a rubber blend that usually is more expensive than the hard category.
The third category is the “pro” category
The pro category includes all wheels that have a harder composition and feels better on hard concrete and ice. These wheels are typically made of a plastic material.
Reasons why you would want to change your wheels
The average person changes their inline skate wheels every six months or so because they begin to lose performance and can become dangerous if not changed. If a wheel becomes damaged, for example by a pebble, the wheel will need to be replaced promptly. Other reasons you might want to change your wheels are:
- For a different look
- For a smoother ride: changing your wheels to outdoor wheels can help you to get out of the way of cracks and potholes
- To change up your skating style
- To get faster
Steps on how to change inline skate wheels
Have you ever tried to change inline skate wheels? It may seem like a simple task at first, but it can be difficult without the right tools. Fortunately, with some work and patience, you should have your wheels changed in no time!
Always wear safety gloves when changing the wheels on your skates. This ensures that cuts or scrapes are prevented. Along with this, make sure the surface on which you are working is level, clean, and dry.
To change out the wheels, you need a few essential tools: a skate tool, a screwdriver/Allen wrench, and a replacement wheel.
- Using your screwdriver or Allen wrench, loosen the screw
- Remove the screw and the axel
- Then remove the old wheel
- Insert the new wheel
- Put in your axel and screw – and tighten it back down
Tip: If you are struggling to put your axel and screw through the hole of the new wheel, it could be because the spacer is not centered. You can use your Allen wrench to move the spacer to make sure it’s centered
If you need to clean the bearings, you can check out our detailed guide here on how to clean your wheel bearings.
FAQs
How do I know what size of wheels to buy?
Wheels come in different sizes and shapes. The size of the wheel you should buy is determined by what you want to use them for. If you’re just looking to skate around your neighborhood, then a smaller wheel will work fine. If you’re looking to go on longer distances, then a larger wheel will work better because it’ll be less likely to get stuck in cracks and holes.
The next factor is how fast the person skates. If you are looking to go fast, then you would want to purchase a smaller wheel size. However, if you are looking for more stability and endurance, then go with a bigger wheel size.
The size of the rollerblade wheels you buy will depend on your weight and the surface you plan to use. A heavier person might need a larger wheel size for more stability, or a lighter person might need less-sized wheels to be able to move quickly.
There are a few different factors to consider when deciding on the size of inline skate wheels.
What is the best way to clean the inside of the wheel?
The best way to clean the inside of the wheel is to use a brush.
- If you have a brush with bristles, you can use that. If not, you can use an old toothbrush or some other object that will fit into the wheel well.
- Once you have your brush, take it and dip it in soap water.
- Then scrub the wheel well until all dirt and grime are gone.
Check out our detailed guide on how to clean your bearings.
How do I know if my inline skate wheels are worn out?
If your inline skate wheels are worn out, they will start to feel loose and you’ll notice that you’re not getting the same grip on the ground. This is a good time to replace your inline skate wheels.
If they are really worn out, you will notice that the wheel is no longer round. This means that the metal inside the wheel has been worn away and it is no longer providing the necessary support to allow the wheel to roll smoothly. You should replace your inline skate wheels.
What are the best inline skate wheels for beginners?
The best inline skate wheels for beginners depend on the type of skating you want to do. For speed and agility, a hard wheel is best. For street skating, a soft wheel is best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most inline skate wheels need to be replaced after a few months. Replacement is easier than one might think and can save future foot or ankle injuries.
Users may want to replace their inline skate wheels if they see visible signs of wear and tear, such as cracks and holes in the wheel. Replacing inline skate wheels will allow for a smoother and faster skating experience, which is beneficial for beginner skaters. Many people don’t change their wheels because they don’t know how to, however, it is not as hard as you might think and can save you from injuries that could arise later on.
To change inline skate wheels, start by removing the wheel’s axle using a wrench. Next, remove the wheel’s ring and replace it with a new one! If replacing both wheels, repeat this process for the second wheel. Finally, put the axle back in place and tighten it up!
