Inline skating cuff bolts are perhaps the most important piece of hardware in the sport. These bolts, which are used to attach the cuff of the skate to the boot, have been around since the earliest days of inline skating and have played a crucial role in the evolution of the sport. Ever since there have been cuff bolts, the skates have become decent.
Rivited vd screws
Cheaper skates have cuff bolts that are riveted onto the boot, which means they are unlikely to come loose during skating. This is important because it ensures that the cuff remains securely attached to the boot, which is essential for maintaining control and stability while skating. The downside is that a rivited connection can not be unscrewed, so this makes it hard to replace cuffs if you want to switch colors. There are ways to drill out rivited cuffs! contact us if you want this done on your skates.
Types of bolts
When it comes to dimensions, there are a few different options to consider. M6 cuff bolts are the most common, but M8 cuff bolts are also used on certain models of skates, such as Seba CJ/FRX/FR3/Micro MT. It's worth noting that these M8 cuff bolts have a different pitch than the frame mounting bolts, so be sure to use the correct size. The length of cuff bolts can vary, with L10 and L12 being the most common options. If the bolts are too long, it's easy to simply cut them down to size. In terms of diameter, 23mm is the standard size for brands like USD, Powerslide, RB, and Razors.
Adjustablility
There are also a number of cuff bolts that are designed to allow for height adjustments. These include the Razors Flex Change for SL, Shift, and Genesys, as well as the Them, Next, and Aeon cuff bolts. Other brands, such as FR 1, Seba High, and Fila NRK, use a 4 point system for height adjustments.
Tools
To install cuff bolts, you'll need the right tools. An Allen 4mm is the most common tool for this task, but some cuff bolts may require a Torx 2.5. If you're using a cuff bolt from RB or Them, be sure to use the special RB tool, as these bolts have a washer that needs to be tightened properly. If you're having trouble with a M12 cuff bolt, you may need to drill it out in order to get it to fit properly.
It's also worth noting that some cuff bolts come with a foam pad like on the FR skats to provide a bit of cushioning against the hard t-nut. However, these pads can create a pressure point, so it's a good idea to try both options to see which works best for you.
Find the right cuff bolt
If you're not sure which cuff bolt will fit your skate, our part finder tool (located in our drop down menu under "parts") is a great resource. Simply enter your skate model and we'll help you find the right cuff bolts to keep your skates in top condition.
Browse all cuff bolts
https://www.thisissoul.com/collections/cuff-bolts