There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to get the plastic cover off a skateboard wheel. You can spend minutes tugging and pulling, but it seems like the darn thing just isn’t going to budge. Well, fear not! We’ll show you how to do it quickly and easily. So read on for tips and tricks that will help you remove that pesky cover in no time at all.
Getting the plastic cover off a skateboard wheel can be tricky, but with a few simple tools and techniques, it can be done quickly and easily.
How to get the plastic cover off a skateboard wheel?
If you’re trying to remove the plastic cover from a skateboard wheel, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier.
1: flathead screwdriver
One of the most common tools used to get plastic covers off skateboard wheels is a flathead screwdriver. Simply insert the blade under the edge of the cover and push inward, prying it up slightly.
2: warm water
If you find that your cover isn’t budging, try heating it up with a bit of warm water. Simply dip a cloth in warm water and wrap it around the wheel, leaving it there for several minutes. The heat from the cloth should help loosen the cover, making it easier to remove.
3: Heat Method
One of the most common methods for getting the plastic covering off of your skateboard wheels is to use heat. You’ll need an oven or heat gun to accomplish this, as well as some patience.
If you’re using an oven, preheat it to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skateboard wheel on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for about 10 minutes. This will soften the plastic enough that you should be able to peel it off relatively easily.
If you’re using a heat gun, hold it about six inches away from the skateboard wheel and move it around in a circular motion. Again, you’ll need to be patient as you don’t want to melt the plastic. After a minute or two of heating, the plastic should be soft enough to peel off.
Once the plastic is removed, you may notice that there is still some adhesive residue on the skateboard wheel. This can be removed with a little elbow grease and a solvent such as acetone or rubbing alcohol.
How do you open a bearing seal or shield?
Most bearings have a seal on one or both sides to keep the lubricant in and contaminants out. There are several ways to open a bearing seal, depending on the type of seal and the equipment you have available. Always take care not to damage the seal or the bearing when opening it.
To open a contact seal, start by prying up one side with a small screwdriver. Insert the blade of the screwdriver under the seal lip and lever it up slightly. Work your way around the seal until you can pull it off completely.
If the contact seal is stubborn, you can try heating it with a heat gun or hairdryer. Be careful not to damage the bearing with too much heat.
Should I take the shields off my bearings?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. On one hand, taking the shields off of your bearings will allow them to spin more freely, which could potentially improve your skating performance. On the other hand, removing the shields puts your bearings at risk of collecting dirt and debris, which can cause them to degrade more quickly.
Ultimately, the decision to remove the shields depends on your preferences and skating style. If you’re mainly a street skater and tend to skate in well-maintained areas, removing the shields may be fine. However, if you often skate in rough or dirty terrain, it’s probably best to keep them on.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best way to get the plastic cover off of your skateboard wheel will depend on your preferences and style of skating. If you have a flathead screwdriver handy and are confident in your ability to use it safely, that may be your best bet. Alternatively, if you prefer not to take any risks with tools or prefer a more hands-off approach, heating up the cover with warm water or a heat gun may be more your speed. Whichever method you choose, make sure to take care when removing the cover so as not to damage the skateboard wheel itself.