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Guidelines for Changing Wheel Positions on Inline Skates
This tutorial will teach you how to alter wheel positions on inline skates with either 3 or 4 wheels. Typically, the front and rear wheels experience more wear compared to the middle ones, and the pattern of wear varies between the right and left skates. By adjusting your wheel positions correctly, you can keep the wheel setup even and prolong the wheel's life.
The techniques outlined here serve as simple yet effective suggestions for maintaining an even wheel setup and extending wheel lifespan. There are numerous ways to reposition wheels on inline skates, and with experience, you’ll discover your personal preferences and techniques.
Overview
What is the Procedure for Rotating Wheels on 4-Wheeled Inline Skates?
The usual approach for adjusting wheel positions on 4-wheeled inline skates involves exchanging the two back wheels on one skate with the two front wheels on the corresponding skate, as demonstrated in the picture above.
You might find it helpful to label each wheel with a small piece of masking tape, marking its initial position to avoid any confusion during the process.
Original wheel positions:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 1 Left | 1 Right |
| 2 Left | 2 Right |
| 3 Left | 3 Right |
| 4 Left | 4 Right |
Wheel positions after rotation:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 4 Right | 4 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
- Note: Each wheel should be turned over. If the graphics faced outwards before, they should be inward-facing once remounted.
What is the Process for Rotating Wheels on 3-Wheeled Inline Skates?
A suitable method for altering wheel positions on 3-wheeled inline skates is depicted in the above image. The objective is to achieve consistent wear across all six wheels, enhancing their durability.
Various methods exist for repositioning wheels on 3-wheeled skates. If you're new to triskates, the rotation pattern illustrated below offers a solid starting point.
Labelling each wheel with a small piece of masking tape and recording its initial position ensures nothing is mixed up during the process.
Original wheel positions:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 1 Left | 1 Right |
| 2 Left | 2 Right |
| 3 Left | 3 Right |
Wheel positions after rotation:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
- Note: Each wheel should be turned over. If the graphics faced outwards before, they should be inward-facing once remounted.
What Equipment is Required to Rotate Inline Skate Wheels?
To detach and reattach the wheels, you will require a 4 mm Allen key or Torx tool. In most cases, you will need two of these tools—one for each side of the wheel—to hold both the female and male sides of the wheel bolts simultaneously.
Skate tools are exceptionally useful for changing wheel positions on inline skates, as they generally come equipped with everything necessary for assembling and taking apart your skates. You can find one here:
This instructional guide will help you learn how to remove inline wheels:
How Frequently Should I Rotate Wheels on Inline Skates?
The need to rearrange your wheels depends on the frequency of your skating, the type of surfaces you skate on, and your skating technique.
Your wheels need rotation when the centreline drifts from the middle. For certain skaters, this rotation might be necessary after every session, while for others, it might only need to be done a few times each season.
Once you become accustomed to it, repositioning your wheels takes merely five minutes.
If you're considering whether it's time for new wheels or new skates, consult this guide:
