If you look after and maintain your inline skates regularly, you will skate more safely, roll more easily and enjoy your equipment for longer. You can do most of the work yourself with just a few tools. This guide shows what matters with wheels, frame, screws and brake – and where you can find suitable inline spare parts.
Rotating and replacing wheels
Wheels wear unevenly: depending on your skating style, the front and rear wheels and the inside edges take more strain. By rotating them regularly, you spread the wear and extend the life of the set of wheels.
- Swap the positions of the wheels within one skate, for example 1 with 3 and 2 with 4.
- Flip the wheels at the same time so that the worn edge faces outwards.
- If necessary, swap wheels between the left and right skate.
If the diameter has shrunk noticeably or the tread is cracked, a new set is due. Pay attention to the maximum wheel size of your frame and always replace all wheels together. You will find an overview under Inline skate wheels, and a guide on our page Changing wheels.
Checking spacers and axles
Between the two bearings of a wheel sits a spacer. If it is missing or does not fit, the bearings are loaded sideways when the axle is tightened and run stiffly. When changing wheels, check that all spacers are present and undamaged. The Spacer 8mm fits all branded wheels and bearings and is available as a standard or precision spacer.
Axles should be straight and the thread undamaged. It is better to replace bent axles or stripped hex or Torx sockets.
Frame and frame screws
The screws that attach the frame to the boot can work loose due to vibration. Check them regularly and tighten them firmly, but without force. Also look out for cracks or deformation on the frame. If you want to upgrade your boot with a new frame, you will find suitable models under Frames. Check the mounting dimension of your boot beforehand, for example 195 or 165 mm.
Replacing the heel brake
The rubber brake pad is a wearing part. If it is worn down to the mark or close to the holder, you should replace it, because a worn brake increases the braking distance. The Rubber Heel Brakes Inline Skates are available for Rollerblade, K2, Fila, Salomon and Powerslide, among others. The guide Fitting a brake shows how to replace it.
Replacing buckles and ratchet straps
Broken buckles or worn ratchet straps impair the hold in the boot. Many can be replaced individually, often via rivets or screws. For many inline skates, for example from K2 and Salomon, there is a ratchet strap cuff buckle set consisting of two straps with rivets. For speed skates and speed fitness skates, a universal micro buckle with a 14 mm wide ratchet strap is suitable.
Storing correctly
- Let your skates dry after skating, take out the liner and do not put them on the radiator.
- After skating in the rain, take the wheels off so that the bearings can dry.
- Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.
Spare parts and workshop
We stock a wide range of spare parts for inline skates of all common brands. Tell us the brand and exact model name so that we can find the right part. Would you rather have it done than do it yourself? In our inline workshop in our shop in Villingen-Schwenningen, we can help you with maintenance and repairs. You can find out when we are open under Directions and opening hours.
