Whether you’re at your local skate shop or out at the skatepark, it seems like everyone’s using a skate tool, but do you actually need one? For most skaters, board maintenance isn’t an “if” but a “when,” and when it comes time to tighten something on your board, a skate tool sure comes in handy.
Before I bought my first skate tool, I used a lot of different things to avoid needing one. I used to pull together a random collection of sockets and screwdrivers scattered around my house. I eventually got tired of using a hodgepodge of tools, so I decided to finally buy a tool.
And let me tell you, since the moment I built a board with a proper skate tool, I have never looked back.
Do You Need A Skate Tool?
You do not necessarily need a skate tool, but it does provide a convenient and cheaper alternative to a collection of sockets, screwdrivers, and wrenches. Skate tools are specifically designed with every type of tool you need to build and maintain your skateboard, all in a single place.
So for the 15-20 dollars it costs to buy a skate tool, it saves you a ton of time, and it is easy to take on the go. They are handy for building a new setup, but I always like keeping one in my bag or car while I skate. You never know when you need to tighten your trucks or fix a loose screw while you’re skating.
Although you don’t technically need a skate tool, the benefit and affordability factors make them extremely worthwhile.
What Are The Advantages Of Using A Skate Tool?
Ok, so you get that skate tools are probably good to have, but what exactly are the benefits?
1. Convenience
The biggest advantage to using a skate tool is the convenience factor. A skate tool has every tool you need to work on any piece of your skateboard. From the hardware, bearings, trucks, wheels, and more, these tools have it all.
Except for maybe a small knife for when you grip a fresh deck… I digress.
Without a skate tool, you would need the following tools to keep up maintenance on your board:
- Allen Keys
- 1/4″ Phillips Head Screwdriver
- 1/2″ Socket
- 9/16″ Socket
- 3/8″ Socket
Or with a skate tool, you would need:
- Just your skate tool
I don’t know about you, but that convenience factor is off the chart in my books.
2. Easy To Carry
The second advantage to using a skate tool is how easy it is to carry. Even if you’re skating to school or work, it’s easy to leave in a backpack wherever you go. Some are even small enough to fit in your pocket.
If you were to carry around individual tools for each screw and nut on your board, you’d be jangling around like a Christmas tree. Not to mention they’d be a lot heavier and larger to pack.
3. They’re Cheaper Than Regular Tools
Lastly, the big advantage of skate tools is that you don’t have to buy regular building tools. Like, have you seen the price of socket sets recently? Yikes, I just want to skateboard, man.
If you were to buy all the tools from a local hardware store, you could easily be looking at $50+ for everything you need. However, compare that to a skate tool, and you have it all for under $20.
What Makes A Good Skate Tool?
A good skate tool has a removable Allen key and Phillips head screwdriver, along with a 1/2″, 9/16″, and 3/8″ socket. These basics are enough for a good skate tool, but you can find even better ones with an axle threader, a bearing press, and a grip tape file for a few more dollars.
Heck, some even have a bottle opener (which proves real valuable on a hot summer’s day).
Virtually every kind of skate tool on the market comes with the standard 1/2″, 9/16″, and 3/8″ sockets which are compatible with most skateboard setups. Some tools take things one step further with a ratchet on the 3/8″ socket for easier adjustment when installing your trucks.
Meanwhile, the 1/2″ socket is meant for adjusting your wheel nuts, while the 9/16″ socket adjusts the tightness of your trucks.
With most of the higher-end skate tools, you also get a 5/16″ self-aligning axle threader, which helps if your wheel nuts won’t thread. This can happen over time as your skateboard lands on its side, wearing away the thread on the tip of your truck axles.
There are two main shapes of skate tools, the first being a T-handle shape while the second is a Y shape. There isn’t a huge difference in capabilities between the two, but I find T-handles a bit more comfortable to use.
I use the Reflex Skate Tool (click here to find it on Amazon), but the Zeato skate tool is an excellent second choice.
Can You Build A Skateboard Without A Skate Tool?
Yes, you can build a skateboard without a skate tool, but you will need a variety of other tools instead. At the minimum, you will need an Allen key set, a Philips head screwdriver, and 1/2″, 9/16″, and 3/8″ sockets.
If you already have these tools handy, then great! Build away. However, if you don’t yet have them, a skate tool is a cheaper and more compact way of doing things, as I mentioned earlier in this post. Especially if you’re building a new setup while skating the streets or at your local park, a skate tool ensures you have everything you need, no accidentally forgetting a socket at home.
So although you can get by without a skate tool, having one makes life a whole lot easier. Starting at $10 for a basic skate tool and going up to $25 for more premium ones, these tools are incredibly cost-effective, especially compared to regular construction tools. If you’re looking to get a skate tool, you can find a massive selection here on Amazon.
Happy Shredding!
