One of the reliable ways of getting ideas on the best rollerblades for adults is visiting famous online groups and forums for inline skates[Popular Inline Skate Forums & Groups]. Except for the wheels and bearings that may need replacement after a while, such inline skates have a long lifespan.
At the same time, some people prefer building a custom inline skate from scratch. Whichever way you consider it, the skill on how to assemble inline skates is very vital. So here are the crucial steps to follow when putting together rollerblades.
What You Need for the Assembly
If you decide to assemble skates from zero, ensure that the boot fits you snugly before beginning the process. To pull through with the process, you need the following items;
- Boots
- Wheels
- Ball bearings and spacer
- Frame
- Axle
- A 4mm Allen tool
- A thread locker
Steps
Mount the Frame to the Boots Using the Bolts
The initial step is fixing the frame (chassis) to the boot. So hold the boot with the laced side facing down. Next, identify the side of the framework that faces up and the side that touches the boot.
Usually, the chassis has some graphics or prints to denote the right side to face up. Bearing that in mind, carefully place the frame on the boot sole such that the mounting points (on the chassis and boot) align correctly. While doing so, ensure that the heel of the boot rest moderately higher than the toe end.
Insert the Bolts
Apply the thread locker onto each of the fastening bolts. The function of the thread lock is to give the bolt secure tightness such that it doesn’t come loose during intense skating exercises.
Insert the bolt into one of the holes and tighten it to hold the frame. However, the tightness of the bolt should still leave room for adjusting the frame position. Complete the process for the remaining holes on the skate.
Fine-Tuning the Position of the Frame
Then adjust the frame position to reflect how you step on the ground with your feet. Some skaters are prone to stepping on the ground with the ankles tilting slightly outwards, supination. A supinator needs to adjust the front part of the frame towards the pinky toe.
On the other hand, some suffer from pronation, where the ankle tends to roll inward. Accordingly, shift the frame slightly in the direction of the big toe.
Fasten the Mounting Bolts
After achieving the necessary frame alignment, the next step is fastening the bolt freehand. The 4mm Allen key tool proves helpful for the task. It isn’t advisable to employ any electric power tool to tighten the bolts.
Before proceeding to the next step, pick up the remaining boot and repeat the process up to successful mounting of the frame.
Install the Bearings and Spacer
Each wheel requires dual bearings. That is, two bearings sandwiching a spacer between them. Take a closer look at the bearings. You’ll notice that one of the surfaces has a dirt shield.
Pick up one of the wheels and place it on an even surface. Select a bearing and let the shielded part face up. And then carefully align it with the wheel hub.
Next, apply pressure onto the bearing using your thumb or an aftermarket skate tool. Do so carefully until the wheel sinks flat with the wheel.
After that, flip over the wheel so that the bearing faces down. Carefully slide in the spacer such that it rests on the edge of the previous bearing. Pick up the remaining bearing, align it on the hub and press down.
If you inserted the spacer appropriately, the second bearing would slide in effortlessly. In case it doesn’t, then don’t force it. Instead, realign the spacer with the help of the skate tool. After fitting the bearings and spacer on the first wheel, proceed to the remaining pair of wheels.
Install the Wheels
Take the first wheel and insert it into the frame. Ensure that the two holes on the chassis and the wheel’s hollow center align perfectly. Then take the axle and insert it carefully from one side of the frame to the next. Note that if you insert it from the wrong end, the wheels won’t spin freely.
It should pass through without any trouble. Fix the nut on the axle and tighten using the skate tool such that it doesn’t wiggle from side to side.
Over tightening the axle prevents the wheels from rolling freely. In effect, it negatively affects the speed of the inline skates[How Fast do Inline Skates Go]. So test and confirm using your fingers that each wheel rotates freely.
Otherwise, if it doesn’t spin smoothly, loosen the nut slightly. If you still can’t get it right, then either the spacer or the axle wasn’t inserted correctly.
Conclusion
Before you think of assembling rollerblades, ensure that you buy only the quality certified inline skate components[Parts of An Inline Skate]. Most probably, the initial time you try the assembly process you may encounter minor challenges. But the more you practice, the easier it gets.