Skateboard Survival Kit: Essentials for On-the-Spot Repairs

Skateboarders need to travel light for obvious reasons, but what happens when you’re out on the pavement and things go wrong? There’s no skateboard AAA to send a tow truck your way. Sure, you can walk home… but what if you had just the right kit to MacGyver your way out of a jam? On-the-spot repairs can save the day, if you’re prepared. So, a quick rundown of essentials that just might get you back in action…

1. Skateboard T-Tool

A skateboard tool or T-Tool (named for its shape) may be the most crucial item in your survival kit. It’s only a wrench, but at six bucks (and up), well, you need it. This multi-tool allows you to tighten or loosen all the nuts and bolts on your skateboard. Small enough to carry in a pocket, it’s the Swiss Army knife of skating. No, your fingers just aren’t strong enough to tighten those nuts. You need mechanical advantage.

2. Spare Hardware

What are you, a pack mule? You can’t carry all the things. This is where you need to know your board’s history. If you’ve had trouble with a certain lost nut before, keep an extra. Or two. Carrying a small bag of nuts, bolts, and washers is a great way to ensure you’re always prepared for any unexpected issues. Common sense rules here. Tighten it BEFORE it falls off. But if you’ve lost one before, keeping a spare is smart.

3. Spare Bearings

Bearings can wear out, get dirty, or even break, leaving you with a rough, sluggish ride. When you feel that wheel drag, a set of spare bearings can restore a fast, smooth ride. Spare bearings are lightweight and small, easy to add to your survival kit. Two per wheel, no big deal—you can pry them out on the axle itself, replace and get rolling again in a few minutes.

4. Wheel Risers and Spacers

If your wheels grind the underside of your deck during turns or tricks, that’s “wheel bite,” which can lead to “face plant.” You just need a bit more wheelbite clearance. You could change to smaller wheels, or just add risers to lift the deck above the fray. You may prefer to repair this at home, but risers are small enough to pack, so having them on hand gives you the option to fix wheel bite anywhere—no dentist needed, assuming you didn’t face plant!

5. Skateboard Oil/Lubricant

Moving parts like to be oiled, to reduce friction and increase speed. Many oils will work, but of course a small, leakproof bottle with a precision nozzle will help you squirt the oil only where it’s needed: bearings, axles, and trucks. Help these parts work better and last longer! But keep excess oil in check—it can collect gritty dirt that might create its own problems.

6. Duct Tape

Desperate times call for desperate taping. Whether your board is cracking, your shoe is losing its sole, or you have to tape your hair back to reduce wind resistance… well, you never know when tape can save the day. Get duct tape in the flat roll to save space!

And, a home for the kit…

This will surely depend on your personal style. A simple Ziploc bag within a backpack can hold your survival kit, or you might opt for a nicer, compartmentalized fanny pack or satchel. Batman has his utility belt; how you carry your own lifesaving gear is really up to you. Just take care that the small items are secure, not escaping into the street each time you pop a curb. All these things in one reliable, flexible package can save an otherwise doomed skate session and keep you rolling!