Skateboard Bearings

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Skateboard bearings at Blue Tomato: Small parts, big impact

Ball bearings may seem small, but they play a crucial role in the speed and performance of your skateboard or longboard. Each skate setup requires two skateboard bearings per wheel, for a total of eight for a complete deck. Whether you're looking for ball bearings for relaxed cruising or dynamic skate park action, at Blue Tomato you'll find the right model for every application.

Technical aspects of skateboard bearings

The size of bearings is standardised, which means that bearings from all skateboard brands should fit your skate wheels.

However, there are a few differences you should be aware of:

If you mainly skate outdoors, you should choose sealed ball bearings to keep out dust and dirt. In skate parks, you can use open ball bearings, which are easier to clean. Many brands also offer versions with shields that can be opened for maintenance purposes.
The ABEC rating, which indicates the precision of bearings from 1 (low) to 9 (high), determines their quality. Lower ABEC ratings can mean faster wear and tear, even though the bearings can run at similar speeds to higher-rated ones.
The material of skateboard bearings is also crucial: steel bearings are standard, but chrome, titanium or Swiss steel increase their service life. Ceramic bearings containing industrial ceramic silicon nitride balls are popular for longboards as they are rust-free and offer greater durability.

Assembly and maintenance of skateboard bearings

Here are some tips for assembling and maintaining your skateboard bearings. For more information or assistance with installing ball bearings, visit our Bearings and Skateboard Wheels Buyer's Guide or contact our Customer Service. Our experts at Blue Tomato shops are also happy to help.

Easy installation – here's how
Inserting new skateboard bearings is easy: the bearings should be carefully pressed into the wheels with your thumbs. Avoid using tools, as these can damage the bearings. If the bearings have an open side, install them facing inwards to minimise the ingress of dirt.

How to care for your skateboard bearings
To maximise the life of your bearings, it is important to clean them regularly and protect them from dirt, water and moisture. Using spacers between the bearings in your wheels can also help to protect the bearings from damage and ensure smooth rotation.