Shocking Truth: Do Skateboard Trucks Come With Screws?

Table of Contents

So, you're getting into skateboarding? Awesome choice! One of the first things you'll encounter is the vast world of skateboard parts. Among these, the trucks are super important – they're what let you turn and grind. A common question pops up for new skaters: do skateboard trucks come with screws? It's a fair question, and knowing the answer can save you a trip back to the skate shop. This article will break down exactly what comes with your new skateboard trucks and what extra bits you'll need to get rolling. We'll look at the standard components, the necessary hardware, and how to make sure you have everything for a smooth setup. Let's get started and make sure you're not left with trucks and no way to attach them!

Understanding What Skateboard Trucks Typically Include: Do Skateboard Trucks Come With Screws?

What's Usually in the Box?

So, you just got your shiny new skateboard trucks. Sweet! You rip open the box, eager to bolt them onto your deck. But wait, where are all the little bits and pieces? Well, most of the time, when you buy just the trucks themselves, you'll find the main metal part, of course. Think of it like the bones of your skateboard's turning system. You'll also likely see some squishy rubbery things – those are called bushings. They're super important because they let you lean and turn. Plus, there are usually some metal washers and nuts to keep everything snug. You'll spot the big nut on the main bolt (that's the kingpin nut) and smaller nuts for the axles, where your wheels go. But hold up... something's missing.

The Missing Link: Where Are the Screws?

Here's the thing that might surprise you: those little screws you need to actually attach the trucks to your wooden deck? Yeah, they usually don't come with the trucks. It's like buying a super cool toy and then realizing you need to buy the batteries separately. Annoying, right? But that's just how it usually is with skateboard trucks. Don't go blaming the skate shop just yet! They're not trying to trick you. It's just standard practice. Think of it this way: the truck makers focus on the turning and grinding parts, while the little screws are considered "hardware," which is a whole other category. Want to know what your trucks are made of? That's a whole different story!

Why You Need to Grab Extra Hardware

So, if the screws don't come with the trucks, what do you do? Easy! You need to buy a separate pack of skateboard hardware. This is a little baggie that contains all those crucial screws and nuts. Usually, you get eight bolts and eight nuts in a standard pack – enough for both your front and back trucks. These aren't just any old screws, mind you. They're designed specifically for skateboards, with a flat head that sits nicely against the grip tape on your deck. Trying to use regular screws from your dad's toolbox? Probably not a good idea. They might not fit right, or worse, they could damage your board. It's all about using the right tools for the job. Ever wondered why they're even called trucks? It's a bit of a history lesson!

The Essential Hardware Needed for Skateboard Trucks: Beyond Just the Screws

Alright, so we've established that skateboard trucks usually don't come with the screws you need to stick 'em to your board. Think of the trucks themselves as a race car – super cool and ready to go fast, but it can't even leave the garage without wheels! In the skateboard world, those "wheels" are the hardware pack. It's more than just those eight little screws, though. You also get locknuts in that pack. These aren't your everyday nuts and bolts. The nuts have a special nylon ring inside that grips the screw threads super tight, so they don't vibrate loose when you're landing sweet jumps or cruising down the street. Trust me, you don't want your trucks falling off mid-ride! It's like thinking you can bring skateboard trucks on a plane without checking the rules – a recipe for frustration.

Beyond the screws and nuts for mounting the trucks to your deck, the trucks themselves come with some other important bits. Remember those squishy bushings I mentioned? They fit onto the kingpin – that big bolt in the middle of your trucks. Bushings are like the suspension in a car; they let you turn smoothly. You'll usually find two bushings per truck, one on top and one on the bottom of the hanger (that's the main part of the truck that holds the axle). Plus, there are washers that go along with the bushings. These little metal discs help distribute the pressure and make sure the bushings work properly. And don't forget the axle nuts! These are what hold your wheels onto the axles. So, while the mounting screws are a separate purchase, the trucks do come with the hardware needed for turning and rolling. Ever wonder, "are skateboard trucks aluminum?" The main parts often are, but these smaller bits are usually steel.

Purchasing and Assembling Your Skateboard Trucks: Ensuring You Have All the Screws and Parts

Alright, so you're at the skate shop, ready to make your board whole. Think of buying skateboard trucks like adopting a pet – exciting, but you gotta make sure you have all the supplies! You've picked out your trucks, maybe some that are even aluminum, making them nice and light. Now, the big question: are those little mounting screws hiding somewhere in the box? Usually, nope! It’s like buying a video game and realizing you need to buy the controller separately. Don't sweat it; just grab a pack of skateboard hardware. It's usually right there near the trucks, a small baggie packed with those essential bolts and their matching locknuts. These locknuts are key because they have a special grip inside, kind of like a tiny hug, to stop them from wiggling loose while you're trying out some new tricks. It's super important to get this hardware because, without it, your awesome new trucks are just fancy paperweights. You can't just use any old screws; they need to be the right length and have a flat head so they sit flush against your deck. Speaking of your deck, you'll need to know how trucks are measured to make sure they fit properly. Once you have your trucks and your hardware, putting them together is pretty straightforward. You just line up the holes on the baseplate of the truck with the holes on your deck and push the bolts through. Then, flip it over and tighten those locknuts. Don't go crazy tightening them, though; you don't want to damage your board or over-tighten your trucks. You still want them to be able to turn! Remember those bushings that came with your trucks? Make sure they're sitting snugly on the kingpin. If your trucks start to squeak later on, a little bit of lubricant can help. Getting all the right parts might seem like a small thing, but it's what lets you actually ride. So, double-check that hardware pack before you leave the shop – it's the secret ingredient to getting your board rolling!

Rolling Away with Knowledge

Ultimately, while skateboard trucks are a foundational piece of your setup, they usually arrive without the screws necessary to attach them to your deck. Don't let this catch you off guard! Knowing that you'll need to purchase hardware separately is key to a successful skateboard assembly. This extra step ensures you have the right size and type of screws for a secure and safe ride. So, next time you're buying trucks, remember to grab a hardware pack too – it's a small price to pay for the freedom to shred.