Kingpin On Skateboard Truck [Here's What To Know]

The kingpin on a skateboard truck is very important, especially when it comes to turning. Beginners may not notice the difference, but experts certainly will.

While it may not be as exciting as watching bails, the technicalities of skating are actually pretty interesting. So enjoy this deep dive into the minutia of skateboarding. 🛹

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What Is A Kingpin On A Skateboard Truck?

A kingpin is the central bolt on a skateboard truck that holds the axle in place. The kingpin is also responsible for the turning action of the truck.

When you lean to turn, the kingpin presses down on the bushings, causing them to compress and giving you resistance to help you turn. Loosen the kingpin too much, and your trucks will feel "loose" or "sloppy." Too tight, and they'll feel "tight" or "stiff." Finding the perfect kingpin tension is essential for optimal skateboarding performance.

The kingpin is also the part of the truck that is most likely to break. When landing a jump or doing any other kind of trick, the force of impact is concentrated on the kingpin. A broken kingpin can ruin your whole day of skating, so it's important to check your trucks regularly to make sure the kingpins are still intact and tight.

If you're having trouble with your trucks turning or if they feel loose or sloppy, tighten your kingpins. If they feel too stiff or tight, loosen them up. Kingpin tension is a matter of personal preference, so experiment until you find the perfect setting for your riding style.

What Does The Kingpin Nut Do On A Skateboard?

The kingpin nut is a vital component of any skateboard, and it plays an important role in the overall performance of the board. This nut helps to keep the trucks securely attached to the deck, and it also helps to provide stability and control when skating. Without the kingpin nut, your skateboard would not be able to function properly.

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What Are Skateboard Kingpins Made Of?

Skateboard kingpins are the bolts that hold the trucks to the deck. They come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and titanium. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Aluminum kingpins are lightweight and resist rusting, but they can break more easily than other materials. Steel kingpins are stronger than aluminum, but they're also heavier and more susceptible to rusting. Titanium kingpins offer the best strength-to-weight ratio of any material, but they're also the most expensive option.

When choosing skateboard kingpins, it's important to consider the weight of the rider, the terrain where the board will be used, and your budget. Lighter riders may be able to get away with using aluminum kingpins, while heavier riders will need steel or titanium for durability.

If you'll be skating on rough surfaces, titanium kingpins are a good choice because they're less likely to break than other materials.

No matter what material you choose, it's important to regularly check your kingpins for wear and tear. Over time, all materials will eventually weaken and break down.

Inspect your kingpins before each session to make sure they're tight and free of rust or damage. Replace them as needed to keep your skateboard in good condition.

Are Kingpins On Skateboard Trucks Different Than Kingpins On Regular Trucks?

The kingpin is the central bolt that holds the truck's hanger to the baseplate. It is also the fulcrum point about which the hanger turns. The term "kingpin" originally referred to the main support beam in a carriage or wagon, and eventually came to be used in reference to skateboard trucks as well.

Most importantly, the kingpin plays a crucial role in determining the turning characteristics of a skateboard truck. The height of the kingpin relative to the hanger, as well as the hardness of the bushings, are both major factors in how responsive and "carvy" a truck feels.

Kingpins on skateboard trucks are generally shorter and softer than those on regular trucks. This allows for a more responsive and "carvy" ride, but also makes the truck less stable at high speeds.

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What Is The Purpose Of A Kingpin Nut?

A kingpin nut is a small, flat, metal disc that sits between the truck's axle and hanger. It also has a small hole in the center that allows the kingpin bolt to pass through. The kingpin nut keeps the bolt from coming loose and falling out while you're skating.

What Is The Difference Between A Kingpin And A Pivot?

The terms "kingpin" and "pivot" are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a subtle difference between the two. A kingpin is the central point around which something rotates. It is the primary support or mainstay of a system. A pivot, on the other hand, is a point on which something turns or pivots. It is a point around which something can rotate.

So, in essence, a kingpin is the central support of a system while a pivot is a point around which something can rotate. This distinction may seem small, but it's actually quite significant. The term "kingpin" implies that something is couldn't function without that particular component, while "pivot" suggests that the thing in question can function without it.

For example, the kingpin of a car's suspension system is the main shaft that the wheels rotate around. The pivot point would be the point where the suspension connects to the frame of the car. The kingpin is essential to the functioning of the suspension, while the pivot point is not.

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What Are The Two Pieces Of Hardware That Hold A Truck Together?

There are two pieces of hardware that hold a skateboard truck together: the kingpin and the axle. The kingpin is a large bolt that goes through the center of the truck, holding the two halves together. The axle is a smaller bolt that goes through the middle of each wheel, attaching it to the truck. These two pieces of hardware are essential for keeping your skateboard trucks together and functioning properly.

How Do I Get Kingpin Out Of My Truck?

If you're having trouble removing a stuck kingpin from your truck, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that the kingpin is properly lubricated. You can use a lubricant spray or a light oil to help loosen the pin.

Next, try using a pry bar or a screwdriver to gently pry the pin out. If these methods don't work, you may need to use a drill to remove the pin. Be careful not to damage the surrounding area while drilling. With a little patience and the right tools, you should be able to remove the kingpin from your truck.

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How Tight Should The Kingpin Be?

The kingpin is the main bolt that attaches the truck's hanger to the baseplate. It is important to keep this bolt tight, as loose kingpins can cause your skateboard to wobble and be less stable. However, you don't want to overtighten the kingpin, as this can make turning difficult. The best way to find the perfect tension is to experiment until you find a happy medium.

Is It Better To Skate Loose Or Tight?

The answer to this question depends on what you're looking for in your skating. If you're looking for more speed, then skating loose is the way to go. Looser skates allow you to get more push per stroke, which means you can go faster.

However, if you're looking for more control, then skating tight is the better option. Tight skaters have an easier time making precise turns and stopping on a dime. So, it really just depends on your skating goals as to which is better - loose or tight.

How Loose Is Too Loose For Skateboard Trucks?

The answer to this question depends on personal preference, but there are a few general guidelines that can be followed.

For street skating, most skaters prefer their trucks to be fairly loose, since it makes grinds and other tricks easier to perform. However, if the trucks are too loose, it can affect the stability of the board and make it more difficult to control.

For vert skating or cruising, tighter trucks are often preferred since they provide more stability and control at higher speeds. Again, personal preference will play a role in how tight or loose the trucks should be.

If you're not sure where to start, it's generally recommended to start with trucks that are on the looser side and then adjust from there based on how the board feels and performs. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect setup for you.

Is It Harder To Ollie With Loose Trucks?

It is definitely harder to ollie with loose trucks. The trucks are less stable and tend to wobble, which makes it more difficult to land the trick correctly.

Loose trucks also make it harder to control the skateboard, so you're more likely to miss your mark and end up falling. If you're serious about skateboarding, it's worth tightening your trucks so you can perform at your best.

Why Do My Skateboard Trucks Lean To One Side?

If you notice that your skateboard trucks are leaning to one side, it's most likely due to an issue with the kingpin. The kingpin is the bolt that attaches the truck to the deck and holds everything in place. If it's loose, it can cause the truck to lean.

To fix this, you'll need to tighten the kingpin. First, remove the wheels and trucks from your deck. Then, use a wrench to tighten the kingpin nut until it's snug. Once you've done this, reassemble your skateboard and enjoy a smooth ride.

Why Do Skateboards Wobble?

There are two main reasons why skateboards wobble. First, the wheels on a skateboard are not perfectly round.

This means that when the skateboard is rolling, the wheels tend to wobble slightly. Second, the trucks (the metal plates that attach the wheels to the deck) are not perfectly symmetrical.

This means that one side of the truck is usually slightly higher than the other, which can cause the skateboard to wobble. These two factors combined can make skateboards wobble quite a bit, especially at high speeds. However, experienced skateboarders can usually ride without too much trouble.

Other Factors To Consider

Whether you’re riding a longboard or a popsicle board, a standard kingpin is actually pretty important. You may also want to look at the following things, which come up often in our FAQs.

-riser

-washers

-lock nuts

-skateboard wheels

-pivot cups

-low trucks

-spacers

-replacement kingpin

-inverted kingpin

-reverse kingpin

Kingpin trucks are important, as is truck height and truck size. Deck width which also factor in to maneuverability, and skateboard hardware in general is pretty important.

You may also run into wheel bites, so make sure your skateboard deck isn’t too low. Longboard trucks are equally important, and there are new products coming out all the time - like the electric skateboard.

The Bottom Line On Kingpins On Skateboard Trucks

There you have it - all the info about kingpins. While most of us never think about them, they actually play an important role when it comes to skating.

We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the details of skateboard hardware. And if you liked this article, be sure to check out some of our other in-depth reviews.