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Rotating the Wheels on Inline Skates
Here’s our guide to the process of wheel rotation on inline skates featuring either three or four wheels. The wheels at the front and back frequently show more wear and tear compared to the central ones, and there are also distinct wear patterns between the right and left skates. By rotating the wheels properly, you can keep an even wheel setup and lengthen the durability of your wheels.
The methods outlined here serve as guidance. They are simple yet highly effective in maintaining a level wheel setup while increasing the lifespan of your wheels. There are numerous ways to rotate wheels on inline skates, and with time and practice, you’ll likely have your own methods as you become more adept and precise.
Overview
Guide to Rotating Wheels on 4-Wheel Skates
A common method for rotating wheels on skates with four wheels involves switching the two back wheels on one skate with the two front wheels on the other skate, as illustrated in the image above.
Mark each wheel with a small piece of masking tape to record its original position to ensure no mistakes are made during the switch.
Initial wheel positions:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 1 Left | 1 Right |
| 2 Left | 2 Right |
| 3 Left | 3 Right |
| 4 Left | 4 Right |
Wheel positions after rearrangement:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 4 Right | 4 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
Note: Flip each wheel during the process. If the graphics were facing outward before the switch, they should be facing inward when mounted again.
Guide to Wheel Rotation on 3-Wheel Skates
Displayed in the image above is a useful technique for wheel rotation on skates with three wheels, aimed at achieving uniform wear among all six wheels to extend their lifespan.
There are various approaches to rotating wheels on skates with three wheels. If you are new to triskates, this pattern is an excellent place to start.
Ensure you do not confuse any wheel during the switch by marking each wheel with a small piece of masking tape and noting its initial position.
Initial wheel positions:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 1 Left | 1 Right |
| 2 Left | 2 Right |
| 3 Left | 3 Right |
Wheel positions after rearrangement:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
Note: Each wheel needs to be flipped. Ensure that if the graphics pointed outwards before the rotation, they are turned inwards when re-attached.
Required Tools for Wheel Rotation on Roller Skates
A 4 mm Allen key or a Torx tool will be needed to detach and reattach the wheels. You might need two tools – one for each side of the wheel – to simultaneously manage both the female and male sides of the wheel bolts.
Skate tools are immensely helpful for wheel rotations as they generally contain all that you need to put together and take apart your skates. You can find one here:
Learn to remove the wheels through this guide:
Wheel Rotation Frequency on Inline Skates
How often you need to rotate your wheels relies on how frequently you skate, the surfaces you skate on, and your technique.
It’s time to rotate wheels when the centre line begins to deviate from the centre. While some skaters may need to rotate after each session, others might only need to do it a few times throughout the season.
After some practice, it will only take five minutes to rotate your wheels.
If you're contemplating whether it is time for new wheels or new skates, take a look at this guide:
