Crack and Chip Repair: Salvaging Your Skateboard Deck Like a Pro

Skateboard decks take a beating through normal use, and most avid skaters will see evidence of this in deck cracks and chips. Before you fork over the cash for a new board, consider whether you can save that money and repair your existing one. We’ve researched how to salvage your skateboard deck and get months to years of additional use out of it. We’ll share that information with you in this article.

Some might be tempted to slap a little tape on their skateboard and get moving. But that’s not going to work. Learning about proper skateboard deck repair is essential to lengthening the lifespan of your board and ensuring your safety as you ride. Keep reading for three secure ways to repair chips and cracks in your skateboard deck. 

Duct Tape for Board Decks Cracked in Half – 15 Minutes 

The first and easiest skateboard deck repair method involves duct tape. You can use it if your board is cracked in half.  

Note: This repair method isn’t the most durable. Even after the fix, your board will become weaker and weaker with each ride, and you’ll need to eventually find another method for a longer-term fix. But if you have access to nothing else and need to make your skateboard rideable, this will work. 

Follow the below steps for the best results:  

1. For boards that are cracked in half, overlap the two sides of your skateboard. The overlapped portion will add some durability to the repaired area. Remember, the more you overlap, the shorter the skateboard will be. 
2. Wrap the duct tape around the overlapped portion several times. The more times you wrap it, the more durable your repair will be. 

If you want to enhance the longevity and durability of your tape-based repair, shop around for some specialized tape. Fiber Fix 10 Tape and carbon fiber tape add additional structure to the damaged area to strengthen the repair.  

Wood Reinforcement for Cracked Board Decks – 1 Hour

Maybe you’re looking for a longer-term repair that’ll enable you to do most tricks. Wood reinforcement will be more appropriate for you. 

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, get yourself a drill, some wood, a saw, wood glue, flat screws, and measuring tape; here are the instructions to follow: 

1. Grab your measuring tape and measure your skateboard’s width. 
2. Use a saw to cut the wood to the width of your board. Lengthwise, the wood should cover the broken area and extend past it for added security. 
3. Glue the wood to the bottom of the board deck and then reinforce things further by drilling flat screws into the board and then through the wood.  

After completing the above steps, you’re ready to go! Your board should be as good as new. But there is one downside to this repair method. If you normally grind, you may have some difficulty doing it with wood attached to the bottom of the board. This is something to consider. 

Epoxy for Cracks and Chips  – 24+ hours 

If your skateboard deck is cracked or chipped but not yet broken, epoxy can fix it right up. Epoxy is a plastic material known for its durability and adhesive benefits. You can purchase some at your local hardware store or order some online on Amazon. 

You’ll essentially fill the crack with adhesive. Once you finish the repair, your board will function as it did before. Here are the steps to follow to fix a cracked skateboard deck: 

1. If your skateboard has grip tape (most do), you’ll need to first remove that. 
2. Use a bristle brush and water to scrub the exposed area where the crack or chip is. 
3. Fill the cracked or chipped portion with epoxy. Don’t worry about things looking perfect yet. You’re not done. 
4. Put your board somewhere and leave it undisturbed for 24 hours. This will allow the epoxy some time to set. 
5. Smooth out the area where you applied the epoxy. It’s best to use sandpaper with a fine grit. 

At this point, your skateboard’s crack or chip should be hidden and reinforced. But if you want to completely camouflage it, you can. Just add more grip tape to your skateboard deck. 

If you don’t have epoxy, you can also use wood putty. Putty will only need about an hour to set. 

When Do You Need a New Skateboard?

Have you repeatedly broken, chipped, or cracked your skateboard? You might be wondering whether it’s time to skip the at-home repairs and get a new board. Here are some signs that you need a board replacement rather than a repair: 

• Having a ton of issues with the board – Does it break again shortly after repairing? This is not a good sign and could indicate that the board is at the end of its useful life. 
• A high number of cracks or chips – One crack or chip isn’t usually a problem. But if you have a lot of them, there’s an increased risk of injury if you keep using the board, even after a repair. 
• Frustration with the state of your board – If you feel like you maintain your board more than you ride it, there’s a good chance it’s time to get a new one. 

Can You Prevent Skateboard Damage?

If you are trying to stretch out your skateboard’s lifespan, know that there’s no way to stop all damage. But you’re not powerless. There are several things you can do to minimize damage, and they include: 

• Prevent cracks by sanding down splinters and chips. 
• Examine your grip tape now and then and snip off any that might be peeling. 
• Keep your board dry by storing it in a dry place and wiping away any moisture immediately. 
• Avoid using your board when it’s going to be wet outside. 

So, there you have it – three ways to repair cracks and chips in your skateboard deck and answers to related questions you might have. We hope you found all the information you were looking for. Happy skating!