Preventive skate maintenance can ensure that each part of a skate
functions for a long period of time, and also functions correctly.
Are you totally baffled by the parts of a quad skate. Look no further: article by Dave VanBelleghem
WHEELS
It is essential to rotate your wheels every 12 hours or 4 sessions. After you skate a few times you will notice that your wheels will be wearing more to one side usually inside of foot). Just like a car, the wheels on your skates must be periodically rotated to even out the wear and maximize their usable life. Wheel wear is affected by many different factors including: skating surface, frequency and length of outings, skaters weight, skating style and activity, temperature, wheel size and shape, urethane quality, etc. For this reason, your wheels may need rotation as often as every day or once a week. Test the tightness of the wheel nuts. These should be tightened until there is very little play in the wheel but does not hinder the wheel from rolling smoothly.
How to rotate quad skate
wheels:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elbzA9amtS0
How to rotate inline skate or rollerblades:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmao5_o6h5A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srwpANGGX_8&feature=related
How to rotate quad skate
wheels:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elbzA9amtS0
How to rotate inline skate or rollerblades:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmao5_o6h5A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srwpANGGX_8&feature=related
BEARINGS
Keep your bearings dirt-free, moisture free, and lubricated. Water will rust your bearings and dirt will destroy the smoothness and increasing friction.Bearings need to be kept clean to maintain their top performance. Your bearings probably won't require complete cleaning every time you rotate your wheels, but if they become wet it is advisable to remove both (two) bearings and the bearing spacer from each wheel and wipe them dry/clean. Never lubricate the outside of a bearing. Bearings are either serviceable or non-serviceable. Serviceable bearings have a metal shield with a removable "C" ring, or have a plastic/rubber style removable shield. Bearings with removable shields may be opened/disassembled and serviced. Servicing involves using a solvent to remove the old lubricant and accumulated contamination, rinsing and drying the parts, and re-lubricating and reassembling the bearings. Non-serviceable bearings that have a metal shield which are staked/crimped metal edges (folded/pressed under the outer ring). These need only be wiped off
with a clean, dry cloth.
http://diaryofarollergirl.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/how-i-clean-my-roller-skate-bearings/
with a clean, dry cloth.
http://diaryofarollergirl.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/how-i-clean-my-roller-skate-bearings/
TRUCK ASSEMBLY
The truck assembly is the part of the skate that is subject to the most torque action. This also requires the truck assembly to be the most stable part of the skate. The action cushions (bushings) are the primary working parts of a truck. Because of their functions, cushions are made of rubber or urethane. As skates are used, cushions will crack and split. Cushions are the skate's shock absorbers. Cushions come in different colours which indicate whether they are soft, medium or hard. Softer cushions will give more manoeuvrability on corners while hard ones will offer more stability at higher speeds. It is important to be aware of the conditions of all cushions, as they may need replaced frequently. Another common maintenance issue with truck systems are bent axles. As weight and torque is distributed throughout the skate, the axles can bend as well, causing wheels to roll irregularly. Bent axles must be hammered out of the truck system carefully, so as to not damage the truck.
http://diaryofarollergirl.wordpress.com/2011/08/18/trucks-hangers-cushions-taking-apart-your-skates/ or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwUCCtipgCs
Deciding how tight to tighten the trucks is a personal choice. Make sure that they are tight enough so that they do not slip. Looser trucks are more flexible but harder to control at higher speed.
A roller dancer, slalomer or roller hockey player would need more movement in the cushions to allow for the constant change in direction needed to perform quick stops, turns and maneuvers, so would require a looser setup of the trucks.
Single action trucks are more for derby and are sensitive to the slightest move of the skater's foot and are not usually used for artistic or dance type skating which requires more control.
Double action trucks dampen the movements a little bit and make one footed spins and trick movements more manageable.
http://quadskating.com/skates/roller-skate-trucks.htm
http://diaryofarollergirl.wordpress.com/2011/08/18/trucks-hangers-cushions-taking-apart-your-skates/ or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwUCCtipgCs
Deciding how tight to tighten the trucks is a personal choice. Make sure that they are tight enough so that they do not slip. Looser trucks are more flexible but harder to control at higher speed.
A roller dancer, slalomer or roller hockey player would need more movement in the cushions to allow for the constant change in direction needed to perform quick stops, turns and maneuvers, so would require a looser setup of the trucks.
Single action trucks are more for derby and are sensitive to the slightest move of the skater's foot and are not usually used for artistic or dance type skating which requires more control.
Double action trucks dampen the movements a little bit and make one footed spins and trick movements more manageable.
http://quadskating.com/skates/roller-skate-trucks.htm
PLATES
The plates basically connects the skate parts to the boot and to evenly distribute support for the front and rear truck systems. Regardless of the makeup of the plate, the hardest working part of the plate is the toe stop. Depending on how it is used, toe stops tend to wear faster than any part of the skate. Most toe stops can be rotated to even the usage, however it is recommended that toe stops be replaced.
Plate setting vary for artistic skating, freestyle skating or any other position that may better suit your personal style. A wider spacing (like the default recreational outdoor position) will allow for greater stability and control at fast speeds. A tighter spacing, like that used for artistic and rhythm skating, allows for small precise foot movements, spinning and overall tighter turns.
Plate setting vary for artistic skating, freestyle skating or any other position that may better suit your personal style. A wider spacing (like the default recreational outdoor position) will allow for greater stability and control at fast speeds. A tighter spacing, like that used for artistic and rhythm skating, allows for small precise foot movements, spinning and overall tighter turns.