Introduction
Grip tape is an essential part of any skateboard. Grip tape provides the rider with an ample amount of grip on their skateboard, but grip tape wears out. This guide aims to teach a skateboarder with any amount of experience how to change the grip tape on their skateboard. Grip tape should be changed whenever your feet begin to slip on the board, or when tricks such as ollies or kickflips become more difficult due to lack of grip.
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Remove the bolts from your trucks using the 3/8 inch side of a skate tool and the included Phillips head screwdriver.
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22.225mm Phillips head screw. (These should be standard for most skateboards)
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Use a hairdryer (on its highest setting) about three inches from the board to warm the glue of your old grip tape.
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Heat the grip tape in a horizontal line pattern, making sure that the glue is soft before you begin peeling.
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Once the glue is warm on one end, peel the old grip tape off of the skateboard deck.
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Peel the grip tape from one end of the board to the other.
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Continue steps 2 and 3 down the length of the skateboard.
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Take your time and heat all parts of the grip tape. This will help you remove the old grip tape in one large piece.
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Before peeling the backing off of the new grip tape, line up the grip tape with the deck to make sure it is centered and the correct size.
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Once you are satisfied by the centering of the grip tape, peel the backing off of the old grip tape.
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Apply the grip tape from one end to the other.
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Press out as much air as possible while applying the grip tape to avoid forming air bubbles under the grip tape.
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Once the new grip tape has been applied to the deck, use your box cutter to poke holes in any air bubbles that may have formed.
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After poking holes in the air bubbles, press down the grip tape to make it flat, removing any excess air.
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Using the screwdriver that came with your skate tool, file the edges of the grip tape down to the board.
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Make sure that the outline of the deck is visible on the grip tape to create a guideline for cutting off excess grip tape.
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Following the outline of the deck created by filing the grip tape, cut the grip tape at one end using your Exacto knife/box cutter.
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Take your time and try to cut the grip tape in long, continuous motions.
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Use the leftover grip tape like sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the grip tape around the skateboard.
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Line up your trucks with their corresponding holes on the back of the board.
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Place bolts through the board and truck holes, lightly screwing on the nuts.
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Use the screwdriver and the skate tool to tighten truck nuts and bolts onto board.
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After making sure trucks are secured properly, and your brand new grip tape is nice and grippy you are ready to ride!
One comment
You can clean your grip tape on a skateboard or longboard with a portion of sanding belt cleaner or the entire block. Holding the sanding belt cleaner, begin section-by-section rubbing it on your grip tape from top to bottom in a straight line. But pay attention to the locations of the bolts. Gently wipe these areas down.