Everything about Inline Skating Axles
Short answer:
Inline skate axles are essential for holding your wheels in place. They come in various sizes, lengths, and types, and choosing the right one is important for performance and compatibility with your skate setup. There are different axle systems depending on whether you're using metal or plastic frames, and some special axles allow for advanced features like rockering.
Axles may be small, but they are nevertheless a crucial component of inline skates. They hold the wheels in place and ensure smooth rotation. In this guide, we’ll dive into the history, types, and technical details of skate axles, covering everything you need to know.
History of inline skate axles
In the early days, skate axles were just simple bolts with a regular nut, similar to what you'd find in a hardware store. As skates evolved, axle technology improved. Companies like Senate began making specialized axles. Today, axles come in many forms, each designed for specific needs.
Types of axles
There are two main types of axles:
- Steel frame axles: These axles thread directly into the metal frame, making them ideal for high-end or speed skates with metal frames.
- Plastic frame axles: Typically, these axles have a screw head on both sides. As a result, they are commonly found in plastic-framed skates. You’ll see them used frequently in aggressive and children's skates.
Thickness: standard axle sizes
Axles come in different thicknesses:
- 8mm: The current standard for adult skates. Most high-quality skates use 8mm axles.
- 6.3mm: Common in older skates and children's skates. You’ll also find this size in some retro models.
- 6mm: Only used by Roces, this size requires special spacers to fill the gap between the axle and the bearing.
Length: how to measure correctly
Axle length, however, varies depending on your skate’s frame. For steel frame axles, you measure the length from one end of the axle to the other. In contrast, for plastic frame axles, you measure from the inside of the screw head across the entire axle length. Some frames have slim walls, while others are wider, so getting the right length is crucial for ensuring a secure fit.
On our website, we list the minimum and maximum axle lengths, especially for flexible ones that fit various frame widths.
Special edition axles
Some axles have unique features:
- One-Tool Axles: These are designed to be removed with just one tool. Early models, like the Roces M12 or Rollerblade Dirks, pioneered this, and today, many brands like Ground Control and Them Frames offer this feature.
- Rockerable Axles: These axles, found in brands like FR, Powerslide, and Iqon, have an oval shape that allows you to change the wheel height. This creates a "rocker" or banana shape, making your skates more maneuverable. Salomon was one of the first companies to offer this option.
- Brake Axles: These axles are special because they include a thread inside them, allowing you to mount a brake. These are typically found on recreational skates with metal frames.
Tools: allen key, torx, and phillips
Most axles can be removed with a 4mm Allen key, the standard tool included with most skates. However, some brands are starting to use Torx screws, which offer more durability and reduce the risk of stripping the head. We recommend carrying the right tools for your axles, as Torx and Allen are not interchangeable. For more details on tools and how to remove damaged bolts, check out our dedicated video on our YouTube channel.
Conclusion: choosing the right axle
Understanding the different types of axles, their sizes, and the tools needed to maintain them is key to keeping your skates in top condition. Whether you need a standard 8mm axle or a special rockerable version, our website offers a wide range of axles to fit any skate setup. Visit Thisissoul.com for detailed specs and the right axles for your skates.
If you have any questions about skate hardware or need help finding the right parts, feel free to contact us or visit our store in Amsterdam. We release new videos every week, so if you enjoy content like this, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips, tutorials, and skate reviews.