Precision spacers: the secret to making your wheels turn for real
To make skate wheels turn smoothly, it is not enough to mount good bearings: spacers are just as important. If the separator is not exactly wide, the wheel may rotate worse even if the material is new.
What happens if the separator is not the right one
- Too short: the bearings do not sit well and the wheel can be slowed down when the axle is tightened.
- Too long: there is slack, vibrations and the wheel does not rotate finely either.
Why a “universal” measure is not useful
Each manufacturer (and even different runs of the same model) may have a slightly different internal width. That’s why a single spacer doesn’t work perfectly on all wheels, especially if you’re speed skating or looking for the best performance.
The solution: separator kit + measuring tool
Ideally, you should have a precision spacer kit with several sizes (all marked) and, if you want to tune to the maximum, measure each wheel with a tool such as the Wicked Caliber Tool. This way you choose the exact separator or try between the two closest measurements until you find the perfect fit.
A well-chosen separator means: more real turn, less vibration and better ride feel. If you want your set to be really fine, this is the detail that makes the difference.
Conclusion
A well-chosen separator means: more real turn, less vibration and better ride feel. If you want your set to be really fine, this is the detail that makes the difference.
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