Axles for Inline Skates

When is it Necessary to Replace Inline Skate Axles?

While the axles on your inline skates are built to be robust, a time will eventually come when they need replacing. A frequent issue with inline skate axles is that they can simply snap in two. Another common issue arises from the threading, which can become worn out after numerous changes of bearings and wheels.

Fortunately, replacing inliner axles is quite inexpensive. This is why many skaters opt to replace all their axles when one fails. You also have the choice to purchase individual inline skate axles, which may be the ideal solution for certain skaters.

Leading skating brands advise purchasing new axles and screws with each wheel replacement. However, this is only necessary if there's observable damage on the parts that interact with the wheel spacers. A set of inline skate axles should withstand several sets of wheels.

What Size are Inliner Axles?

Most current wheels and frames utilise 6 mm or 8 mm inline skate axles. Older models, however, use 7 mm axles that require specialised bearings with a 7 mm inner diameter. Before purchasing new inline skate axles, verify the specifications of your frames and wheels to ensure the correct size is chosen.

How to Release a Stuck Axle

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where an axle is stuck in your skate’s frame, there is no need to be overly concerned. This problem occurs for almost everyone at some stage, particularly beginners who overtighten the inliner axles due to fear of losing the axle or wheel while skating.

To remove the stuck axles, first apply some lubricant and allow it to sit overnight. If the axles don’t loosen by morning, you can try a different approach.

In this case, use a hacksaw to create a flat slot in the screw head. Once the slot is sufficiently deep, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the axle. If unsuccessful, it is time to resort to more forceful measures.

You will need to drill it out. Use an electric drill with a bit roughly the same size as the screw head, and very gradually let the drill penetrate the screw head. Once it comes off, you should be able to push the axle through. Caution: Be extremely careful not to damage the frame when using this method.

Need tools for axle replacement? Visit our Inline Skate Tools page.