Skateboarding In

If you ride a skateboard regularly you already know that wheel bite is one of the worst experiences, you can ever have. Wheel bite on skateboards occur when the wheels touch the board during a ride. You may wonder how to prevent wheel bite on a skateboard. In this article, you will find the solution to this issue.

There are a couple of ways to prevent wheel bite. One of the common ways is using riser pads on your skateboard. It will create additional distances between the wheels and the board. However, there are some other ways too to solve the problem.

Stay with me throughout this article to know everything about the solution to this issue.

What Does Wheel Bite Look Like?

Wheel bite is a common occurrence for a skateboard rider. It happens if your wheels rub against the deck of your board. Sometimes we lean or turn excessively during the ride. In that case, your board will stop fully and throw you forward. In many cases, you will see that paint of your skateboard has been rubbed away right above the wheels. That’s due to wheel bite and it looks like that.

Because of this phenomenon, many skaters got injured. As the skateboard stops suddenly, you will fall unexpectedly and may face an awkward situation. It is a wise decision to ride carefully to avoid wheel bite. But still, many skaters face this issue in many cases. I hope now you know about the wheel bite meaning and how it happens.

Read: What are skateboard decks made out of?

What Causes Wheel Bite?

I mentioned earlier that if the wheel touches your skateboard’s deck, a wheel bite happens. There are some reasons for which you may experience wheel bite. Explore those responsible causes below-

Cause 1- Loose Trucks

Both of the skateboards and roller skates come with fixtures called tucks. They attach the wheels to the deck of the skateboard. If the trucks are attached loosely, they will move under the boot or deck.

As a result, the steering will be more responsive and the deck or boot will move more frequently. If the deck dips excessively deeply, you will end up having a wheel bite.

Cause 2- Too Large Wheels

The too large size of wheels can be a significant reason for a wheel bite. When it comes to a standard skateboard, there is enough clearance under the deck so that the wheels can roll smoothly.

If the clearance is not enough, wheel bite will occur. In the case of bigger wheels, they take up more space which will reduce the clearance. So, the chance of wheel bite will increase.

Cause 3- Lacking Wheel Walls

When you talk about wheel walls, they will enhance the distance between the wheels and the deck. This distance is known as clearance. So, lacking wheel walls mean less amount of clearance and a high risk of getting a wheel bite.

How To Prevent Wheel Bite?

Now that you already know about the causes and consequences of a wheel bite, you may also want to know how to fix wheel bites. There are some simple solutions to this problem.

If you think wisely, you will realize that the problem causes too much movement when the space is not adequate. So, either you need to reduce the movement of the trucks or increase the clearance. Below I will show you some easy ways to fix the issue.

Solution 1- Tighten the Trucks

When the trucks of your skateboard are so much loose and you can’t stand properly, you will need to tighten the steering up. If you want to reduce the movement, tightening the trucks is a great way. The rule is simple here. If you reduce the intensity of dipping of the trucks, wheel bite will not happen again. So, tighten the trucks of your skateboard to fix the wheel bite issue.

Solution 2- Change the Wheels

If you are tired of experiencing wheel bite in your skateboard or roller skates, changing the wheels can be a great solution. If you face wheel bites even when the steering and trucks are properly tight, the problem maybe be in the wheels.

As I mentioned earlier, larger wheels will reduce the clearance between wheels and the deck. In that case, you will need to replace the wheels. Go for smaller-sized wheels to get enough clearance. It will stop getting wheel bites unexpectedly.

Another point is, you may want to keep your trucks a little loose. In that case, decreasing the wheel’s size will help you to prevent wheel bites in your skateboard.

Solution 3- Install Risers

Installing risers is a popular method when it comes to preventing wheel bites. This method can be applied both to skateboards or roller skates. If you want to keep trucks loose and get additional clearance, installing risers can be the best solution.

There is no denying that losing trucks or steering will offer you some benefits. But, you are already aware of the fact that it is one of the main reasons for wheel bite. So, you need to give the wheels a little more space so that they can turn properly.

Fortunately, risers are specially designed to serve this purpose. You can install risers between the deck and baseplates of the trucks. If you are fixing a roller skate, you need to install it between the plates and trucks.

If you install risers correctly, you will be able to keep trucks looser along with having bigger wheels. Trust me, in that case, there will be less likelihood of wheel bite.

Related Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdk2WCU3GIA

Why is Wheel Bite Bad?

If you are a skater, wheel bite is bad in many ways. I have already discussed the cause and preventive measures of wheel bites. The incident happens suddenly and you will not get any time to balance yourself. So, it may cause serious injuries to your body.

As you have little to no control over your body balance, during the wheel bite you may fall into rocks or stones. No wonder, it is good enough to destroy your riding mood. For these reasons, skaters don’t like wheel bites.

How To Test For Wheel Bite?

To check for wheel bite in your skateboard, you should check that whether the trucks are properly tight. When you ride, try to check how it steers. You have to be skeptical to find out any noticeable things that can cause wheel bite.

If you feel any kind of change in the steering, you should check the bushings or cushions properly. Try to check the clearance of your skateboard. If it is not adequate, you may end up having a wheel bite.

Wheel Bite Maintenance

To prevent wheel bites from your skateboard, you should do the following maintenance works.

• Tighten the trucks properly regularly.
• When you notice any difference in steering, check up the bushings.
• Replace or upgrade wheels to maintain proper clearance.
• Check the installed risers to confirm everything is right.

Read: Do longboards need maintenance?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does wheel bite happen?

When the wheels of your skateboard rub against the deck, the board will stop completely and you will fall forward. It is called a wheel bite. More responsive decks, or a low level of clearance between the wheels and the deck cause wheel bites.

2. Are wheel bites normal?

It is a normal phenomenon. But, most of the skaters don’t like it as it can cause serious injuries. You can prevent it by taking some simple measures.

3. What is a wheel bite on a longboard?

During the turn on a ride, when the wheels of a longboard rub against its deck, the board will suddenly stop. Plus, you will unexpectedly fall forward. That’s how to wheel bite happens in a longboard.

Final Words

A wheel bite is a common occurrence when you ride a skateboard. It can happen due to loose trucks, large wheels, or even for not having wheel walls. However, you can prevent it if you follow some simple steps that I discussed in this article. I hope now you know how to stop wheel bites. Happy skating!

Hanging a skateboard on the wall is an awesome way to display your board. It’s also a fun way to decorate your room. This article will teach you how to hang a skateboard on the wall attractively and conveniently. We will see four different methods but you will have to do two things first. 

1. Choose Your Wall Space

First, choose where you would like to place your new artwork. You should choose a spot that has enough space for it to stand out without being too large. If you have a small room, then this may not work well for you. However, if you have a larger area, such as a hallway, living room, garage, etc., then you might find that this works very nicely.

2. Measure Out The Board’s Size

Once you know what size of art piece you wish to display, measure out its dimensions. This includes width, length, height, and depth. Make sure that these measurements fit within the walls of your chosen location. For example, if you plan to put your skateboard against a wall, make sure that the entire thing does not extend past the edge of the wall.

How To Hang Skateboard On Wall?

Now there are four easy ways you can try hang your favorite skateboard on the wall:

1. Using Fishing Line
2. Using a Rope
3. Using a Skateboard Wall Mount Kit
4. Hanging without using nails or drills

Let’s discuss each of the methods in detail below.

Method 1: Hanging a Skateboard Deck with Fishing Line

This is the most common method to hang a deck vertically. It requires no tools at all. All you need to do is tie a fishing line around the top of the board and attach it to something sturdy. Then just pull down until the board hangs straight. You don’t need any special skills to accomplish this task. Just follow our simple instructions below for mounting a skateboard on the wall.

Materials Needed:

• Fishing line
• Nails
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Scissor

Detail Instructions:

Step 1: If you’re using a regular skateboard, remove both truck assemblies from the bottom of the board by unscrewing the bolts holding them onto the deck. Use pliers to keep the bolts in place and remove the corresponding screw by using a screwdriver.

Step 2: Feed one end of the fishing line through the center holes aka screw holes located near the nose of the board. Cut the opposite side of the fishing line with a scissor keeping 1-foot distance off the board. Now knot the loose ends together. Also, make sure the knot isn’t too close to the deck to make hanging easier.

Step 3: Now, hammer a nail into the wall where you’d like the deck to display. Hammer until the nail is flush against the wall. Once done, hang the fishing line over the head of the nail.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1–3 for every skateboard you’d like to mount on the wall. Use a scale and pencil to measure and draw lines between each board so that they can all be hung at the same distance and height. Make sure that each of them is evenly spaced out. Mark the wall using a measuring tape and pencil.

Method 2: Hanging a Skateboard Deck Using A Rope

Another way to hang a skateboard on the wall is to use a rope instead of a fishing line. This is one of the best methods because it allows hanging a skateboard with wheels on the wall. Many people prefer ropes because they tend to last longer. They also require less maintenance since they won’t get dirty easily. Plus, they look more professional. 

Materials Needed:

• Rope
• Screws/Nails
• Scissor

Detail Instructions:

Step 1: You have to cut a thick rope, 1/4 inch in diameter and 64 cm long. The rope should be durable enough to withstand the weight of your board for a long period of time.

Step 2: Tie a knot at both ends of the rope and burn for a couple of seconds under each knot so that they don’t fry.

Step 3: Draw 2 horizontal lines on the wall in equal height. Make sure they’re not too close together so there’s enough space between them.

Step 4: Now you’ll push a screw through the center of each knot into the wall at each marked spot. This will give you a nice rope hanging between the two horizontal spots in the wall. Place one of your skateboard trucks on the rope. This will hang up your board vertically on the wall.

A word of caution though– Always double-check that the rope isn’t going to cause harm to anyone who walks nearby. Secure the rope to a strong point on the wall. And if possible, try to avoid putting the rope anywhere close to electrical outlets.

Method 3: Hanging a Skateboard With Wall Mount Kit

The third option involves installing a skateboard wall mount kit. You’ll find various types of wall mount kit in the market, but we’ll be using the Sk8ology Skateboard Deck Display Rack for this example. This is a great wall mount kit for skateboard wall art. The kit hides behind the board once installed, giving an impression that it is floating into the air.

This skateboard rack consists of two simple components: metallic arms and a plastic base plate. Both components work together to provide a stable platform for your skateboard. Installing these types of mounts requires only basic carpentry skills.

Materials Needed:

• Drilling Machine
• Measuring Tape
• Philip Screwdriver
• Sk8ology Deck Display Rack

Detail Instructions:

Step 1: First of all, you need to decide on which part of the wall you want to hang up your skateboard deck. Mark your spot on a suitable place not too close or too far from the top and the side wall.

Step 2: Now drill hole on that particular spot of the wall where we will be installing the deck display rack. Insert a drywall anchor into the hole.

Step 3: Insert the provided screw into the display fixture and screw it into the wall. Once the display is up press the board onto the T-nuts (metallic arms). If the board doesn’t fit the display precisely, drill out some wood from the lower front holes of the nose.

Step 4: If you want the board to be locked on to the wall so that it can’t be taken off easily, you’ll need to remove the black T nuts from the arms and move the bolts down about an inch first.

Once done, slide the board though the mounting arms and re-attach the black t nuts. Make sure the wide part of the nut is facing outside. Finally fix the board’s position on the arm and tighten up the bolts on the back of the deck. If you do all these steps properly you should end up with your skateboard deck floating perfectly off the wall.

Method 4: Hanging a skateboard Without Nails or Drills

If you don’t feel like drilling holes into the wall, you could opt for hanging the board using adhesive tape. The best thing about this method is that it doesn’t require any tools and can be done in just minutes!

Step 1: Measure your walls and find out how much space there will be between them. You need enough room so that when you put up the board on both sides, they won’t touch each other. If you have two-inch gaps all around, then you’ll only need one piece of tape per side. However, if you’re going to use more than three inches of the gap, you might want to buy extra pieces of tape. It’s better to overdo it rather than underdoing it.

Step 2: Place the first strip of tape horizontally across the top edge of the backside of the board. Make sure that the edges of the tape overlap slightly at least ¾-inch. This way, you get an additional layer of protection against scratches.

Step 3: Now place another horizontal strip of tape vertically along the bottom edge of the same side. Again make sure that the ends of the tapes are overlapping.

Step 4: Repeat steps 2 & 3 with the remaining strips of tape until you’ve covered every surface of the board.

Step 5: Once you’re finished, take off the excess tape from the corners and smooth down the entire surface using your fingers.

Step 6: Use some spray paint to give the whole setup a fresh look.

A Word Of Caution- Despite being the simplest method for hanging decks, it has the potential to backfire in the long run because the strips aren’t going to last forever. They may fall off as a result of a loss of adhesive strength induced by the application of board weights, or simply as a result of the aging process. They are expected to last less time than drills. So keep your eyes open and replace the strips before it’s too late.

Conclusion…

Nothing could be more frustrating for a skateboarder than not being able to display his unique collection of boards in front of the world. But thanks to our guide above, we hope that you now know exactly what options are available to you.

Having said that, when it comes to hanging a skateboard on the wall there are many ways, but none of them are perfect.  Each comes with its own set of pros and cons. As such, we recommend trying different methods and see which works best for you. We wish you good luck and happy skating!

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