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Rotating Wheels on Inline Skates
Here is our guide to the rotation of wheels on inline skates, whether they feature 3 or 4 wheels. The front and rear wheels tend to wear out more swiftly in comparison to the middle ones, and there is usually a disparity in wear between the right and left skates. By rotating your wheels using the correct method, you can maintain a flat wheel setup and prolong the life of your wheels.
These methods serve as guidelines for achieving a flat wheel setup and extending the durability of your wheels. There are several techniques to rotate wheels on inline skates, and you are likely to develop your own preferences as your skills improve and your technique becomes more advanced.
Overview
What is the Process for Rotating Wheels on 4-Wheel Skates?
The commonly used approach for rotating wheels on 4-wheeled inline skates involves exchanging the two rear wheels on one skate with the two front wheels on the opposite skate, as illustrated in the image above.
Attach a small piece of masking tape to each wheel and indicate the wheel’s initial position to prevent any mix-up during the process.
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 following rotation:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 4 Right | 4 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
Note: Every wheel should be flipped. If the graphics faced outward before the rotation, they should face inward when mounted again.
What is the Process for Rotating Wheels on 3-Wheel Skates?
A reliable method for rotating wheels on 3-wheeled skates is depicted in the image above. The aim is to achieve uniform wear across all six wheels, thus increasing their longevity.
There are a variety of ways to rotate wheels on 3-wheeled skates. For those new to triskates, this rotation method provides an excellent starting point.
Attach a small piece of masking tape to each wheel and indicate the wheel’s initial position to prevent any mix-up during the process.
Initial wheel positions:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 1 Left | 1 Right |
| 2 Left | 2 Right |
| 3 Left | 3 Right |
Wheel positions following rotation:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
Note: Every wheel should be flipped. If the graphics faced outward before the rotation, they should face inward when mounted again.
Which Tools are Needed to Rotate Roller Skate Wheels?
A 4 mm Allen key or Torx tool is needed to take off and put back on the wheels. Typically, two keys are required – one for each side of the wheel – to hold both the female and male sides of the wheel bolts at the same time.
Skate tools are particularly useful when rotating wheels, as they usually contain all that is needed for assembling and dismantling your skates. You can find one here:
Refer to this guide for instructions on removing the wheels:
How Frequently Should Wheels on Inline Skates be Rotated?
The necessity to rotate your wheels depends on how often you skate, the nature of the surfaces, and your skating technique.
The time to rotate wheels is evident when the centreline starts drifting from the centre. For some skaters, this means rotating wheels after each use, whereas for others, a few rotations per season are sufficient.
Once you become accustomed to the process, rotating your wheels only takes five minutes.
If you're contemplating whether it’s time to acquire new wheels or invest in new skates, you can follow the guide below:
