Skateboard Deck Rails
Understanding the Purpose of Skateboard Deck Rails
Skateboard deck rails, or simply skateboard rails, are plastic strips attached to the underside of your deck. These rails enhance your sliding capabilities by providing a smoother surface due to their plastic composition. Deck rails make performing various tricks simpler and enable you to slide over surfaces that might not typically be ideal for skating. For instance, if you struggle with boardslides and lipslides, utilising rails can help you master these techniques more quickly.
Additionally, deck rails offer other benefits. They safeguard your deck, facilitate easier board grabs, and also help in preserving your graphics.
Guide to Installing Skate Deck Rails
Fitting a new pair of rails is fairly simple, requiring only a screwdriver or a power drill. Before you begin, determine the placement for your rails. While this is a personal choice, it's generally suggested to position them approximately 1-1.5 inches from your deck’s edge.
Begin the installation by aligning the rails so they run parallel to each other and the edge of the deck. Carefully secure the provided screws, ensuring none are protruding once finished. Using a power drill will ease this process, though a standard screwdriver can suffice as well.
To upkeep your rails, you’ll need to periodically tighten the screws. This is necessary because the screws can become loose over time, and the plastic wears down with regular usage.
Explore Skate Wax if you wish to skate on a wider variety of surfaces.