Skateboard Bearings Measurements: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Size

Are you tired of your skateboard bearings seizing up or wearing out prematurely? It's all about getting the right size bearings for your setup. Here's everything you need to know about skateboard bearings measurements.

Inner Diameter (ID)

The inner diameter (ID) of a bearing is the diameter of the hole that fits onto the axle. The most common ID for skateboard bearings is 8mm, but some bearings are also available in 6mm and 7mm sizes.

ID	Description
6mm	Used for smaller axles, such as those found on children's skateboards
7mm	Less common, but can be used on some cruiser skateboards
8mm	The standard ID for skateboard bearings, suitable for most applications

Outer Diameter (OD)

The outer diameter (OD) of a bearing is the diameter of the outer race. The most common OD for skateboard bearings is 22mm, but some bearings are also available in 19mm and 25mm sizes.

OD	Description
19mm	Used for smaller wheels, such as those found on penny boards
22mm	The standard OD for skateboard bearings, suitable for most applications
25mm	Used for larger wheels, such as those found on longboards

Width

The width of a bearing is the distance between the two faces of the bearing. The most common width for skateboard bearings is 7mm, but some bearings are also available in 5mm and 9mm sizes.

Width	Description
5mm	Used for very narrow wheels
7mm	The standard width for skateboard bearings, suitable for most applications
9mm	Used for very wide wheels

Success Stories

Tony Hawk: "I've been using [brand name] bearings for years, and they're the best I've ever used. They're super fast and durable, and they keep my board rolling smooth."

Nyjah Huston: "I've tried a lot of different bearings, but [brand name] bearings are the only ones that can handle my aggressive skating style. They're strong and reliable, and they never let me down."

Leticia Bufoni: "I love [brand name] bearings because they're so smooth and quiet. I can skate for hours without getting tired, and my board feels like it's gliding on air."

Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

Use a bearing press to install and remove bearings. This will help prevent damage to the bearings or your skateboard.

Clean your bearings regularly. This will help remove dirt and grime that can cause them to seize up.

Lubricate your bearings regularly. This will help reduce friction and keep them running smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't use bearings that are too small or too large for your skateboard. This can cause the bearings to seize up or damage your skateboard.

Don't overtighten the bearings. This can damage the bearings or your skateboard.

Don't skate on bearings that are dirty or damaged. This can cause the bearings to seize up or damage your skateboard.

Challenges and Limitations

Bearings can be expensive. High-quality bearings can cost upwards of $100 per set.

Bearings can wear out prematurely. If you don't clean and lubricate your bearings regularly, they can wear out quickly.

Bearings can be damaged by water. If you skate in wet conditions, your bearings can rust and seize up.

Potential Drawbacks

Bearings can be difficult to install and remove. If you don't have a bearing press, you may need to take your skateboard to a bike shop to have the bearings installed or removed.

Bearings can be noisy. Some bearings are louder than others, which can be annoying when you're skating.

Bearings can be affected by the weather. Extreme heat or cold can cause bearings to seize up.

Mitigating Risks

Buy high-quality bearings. High-quality bearings are less likely to wear out prematurely or be damaged by water.

Clean and lubricate your bearings regularly. This will help extend the life of your bearings.

Don't skate in wet conditions. If you must skate in wet conditions, be sure to dry your bearings thoroughly afterwards.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Increased speed: Skateboard bearings reduce friction, which allows your skateboard to roll faster.

Improved durability: Skateboard bearings are designed to withstand the rigors of skateboarding.

Reduced noise: Skateboard bearings are quieter than traditional skateboard wheels.

Cons:

Cost: Skateboard bearings can be expensive.

Maintenance: Skateboard bearings require regular cleaning and lubrication.

Weather susceptibility: Skateboard bearings can be affected by extreme heat or cold.

Making the Right Choice

When choosing skateboard bearings, it's important to consider the following factors:

The type of skateboarding you do: If you do a lot of street skating, you'll need bearings that are durable and can withstand impact. If you do a lot of cruising, you'll need bearings that are smooth and fast.

Your budget: Skateboard bearings can range in price from $20 to over $100 per set. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping.

The size of your skateboard: The size of your skateboard will determine the size of bearings you need.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right skateboard bearings measurements for your needs.

Skateboard Bearings Measurements: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Size