Find What?! Do Skateboard Trucks Come With Hardware?

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Excitement bubbles when those fresh skateboard trucks arrive. Shiny, new, promising countless smooth rides. But a nagging question often pops up as you unpack them: do skateboard trucks come with hardware? It's a valid query, and understanding the answer can save you a trip back to the skate shop or an annoying delay in hitting the streets or the park. Knowing exactly what's in the box, and more importantly, what isn't, is key to a successful skateboard setup. This guide will break down the nuts and bolts – literally – of what to expect when you purchase new skateboard trucks, ensuring you have everything you need to get rolling. Let's clear up the confusion and get you skating sooner.

What Hardware Do Skateboard Trucks Typically Come With?

Alright, so you just got some new skateboard trucks, that's awesome! It's like getting a new pair of shoes, but for your board. You rip open the box, and you're probably wondering what all those little bits and pieces are. Well, most skateboard trucks are pretty generous and come with some essential goodies already inside. Think of it as the truck maker giving you a head start.

The most important things you'll find are the bushings. These are like squishy donuts that sit on the kingpin, that big bolt in the middle of your trucks. Bushings are what make your board turn when you lean. They come in different levels of squishiness – some are soft for easy turning, and some are harder if you like things more stable. You'll usually get two on each truck. Speaking of turning, you might be curious about how tight your trucks should be for optimal performance.

Next up, you'll usually find washers. These are thin, flat rings that go in a few places. Some go around the kingpin, sitting on top and below the bushings. Others might go on the axles, the parts where your wheels spin. Washers help things stay snug and prevent parts from wearing down too quickly. It's kinda like adding extra padding so nothing rubs the wrong way.

Then there's the kingpin nut. This little guy screws onto the end of the kingpin and holds everything together – the bushings, washers, and the truck itself. It's a super important nut because if it's loose, your trucks will feel wobbly, and that's no fun. You can learn more about what skateboard trucks are made of, which can affect how tight you want this nut.

Last but not least, most truck packs include axle nuts. These are the nuts that keep your wheels on the axles. Unless the box says otherwise, you should find four of these, one for each wheel. Imagine if those weren't there! Your wheels would go flying off, and you'd be going nowhere fast. It's worth noting that skateboard trucks are usually sold in pairs, so you'll get enough hardware for both.

Essential Hardware You'll Need to Buy Separately for Your Skateboard Trucks

So, you've got your awesome new trucks, but hold on a sec! Think of your skateboard like a sandwich. The deck is the bread, the trucks are like the tasty filling, but you still need something to hold it all together, right? That's where extra hardware comes in. Even though your trucks come with some bits, they're missing the special screws and nuts you need to actually attach them to your skateboard. It's like getting a toy that needs batteries – gotta get those separately!

The main things you'll need to buy are bolts and locknuts. Bolts are like the little screws that go through the holes on your deck and then through the baseplate of your trucks. They're the things that keep your trucks from wobbling off while you're trying to land that sweet kickflip. You can even find cool colors sometimes to match your board! Ever wondered why they're called trucks? It's a question for another time, but understanding how they attach is key.

Now, the locknuts are super important. These aren't just any old nuts. They have a special little plastic or nylon ring inside that helps them grip the bolt really tight, so they don't come loose from all the vibrations when you're skating. Imagine shaking a soda can really hard – you wouldn't want the lid to pop off, would you? Locknuts are like that super-grippy lid for your skateboard trucks. And just like trucks are usually sold in pairs, you'll find that , but the mounting hardware is almost always separate.

You'll usually buy these bolts and locknuts in a set. Most sets come with eight bolts and eight locknuts, which is exactly what you need to attach two trucks to your deck. It's like buying a pack of crayons – you get all the colors you need to create your masterpiece. Make sure you get the right size, though! Most skateboards use 7/8 inch or 1-inch bolts. Thinking about customizing your setup? You might even wonder, can you paint skateboard trucks? While you're at it, ensure you have the right hardware to keep them secure!

Understanding What Skateboard Trucks Come With: A Complete Guide

The Goodies in the Box

Alright, visualize this: you've just snagged a brand-new pair of skateboard trucks. It's like Christmas morning, but for your board! You tear open the packaging, and you're faced with a bunch of shiny metal bits. Don't worry, it's not as intimidating as it looks. Most skateboard truck companies are pretty cool and throw in some essential hardware to get you started. Think of it like getting the ingredients for a simple recipe – they give you the basics.

The real MVPs in that little baggie are the bushings. These are like the squishy shock absorbers for your trucks. Imagine them as tiny rubbery donuts hugging the kingpin, that big bolt in the center. Bushings are what let you turn and carve on your board. The squishier they are, the easier it is to turn. Stiffer ones? They keep you more stable, especially if you're bombing hills. You usually get two bushings per truck – one on top and one on the bottom. Ever wondered when setting these up? It's a balancing act!

Little Rings, Big Help

Next up, you'll usually find a bunch of thin, flat metal rings called washers. Now, these might seem insignificant, but they're actually super helpful. Think of them like tiny bodyguards for your other parts. Some washers cozy up around the kingpin, chilling above and below the bushings. Others might hang out on the axles, where your wheels spin. These little guys help distribute pressure and prevent parts from grinding against each other. It's like putting coasters under your drinks – keeps things smooth and prevents damage. Speaking of axles, you might be curious about how these trucks are sized to fit different boards.

Then there's the mighty kingpin nut. This is the boss nut that screws onto the very end of that central kingpin bolt. It's like the lid on a jar, keeping all the important bits – the bushings and washers – snug and secure. If this nut's loose, your trucks will wobble like jelly, and nobody wants that. It's crucial for keeping everything aligned. You know what else is crucial? Knowing in the first place!

Last but not least, most truck sets include axle nuts. These are the tiny heroes that keep your wheels from flying off into the sunset. Unless the packaging specifically says otherwise, you should find four of these little guys, one for each wheel. Imagine the chaos if these weren't included! Your wheels would bail on you faster than you can say "ollie." And hey, just a heads up, , so you'll get enough hardware for both.

Rolling Away with Knowledge

Ultimately, getting your skateboard ready to ride shouldn't be a puzzle. While skateboard trucks do include some crucial components, remember they don't come with everything needed to mount them to your deck. Being aware of this distinction empowers you to make informed purchases and avoid frustrating setbacks. So, next time you're setting up a new board, you'll know exactly what to expect and what extras to grab. Now, go build that board and enjoy the ride!