Axles for Inline Skates

When is it Time to Replace Your Inline Skate Axles?

Despite their durability, the axles on inline skates will eventually require replacement. The most frequent issue with inline skate axles is that they can crack into two pieces. Additionally, the threading may degrade through repeated changes of bearings and wheels.

Fortunately, axles for inliners are inexpensive to replace. This affordability encourages many skaters to renew all their axles when a single one fails. There is also the option to purchase individual inline skate axles, which is ideal for some skaters.

Leading skating brands advise buying new axles and screws with every wheel change. However, this isn’t mandatory unless there is evident wear on components directly interacting with wheel spacers. Typically, inline skate axles should endure several sets of wheels.

What is the Size of Inliner Axles?

Modern wheels and frames typically use 6 mm or 8 mm inline skate axles. Older models may use 7 mm axles, which require specific bearings with a 7 mm internal diameter. Always verify the specifications of your frames and wheels for accurate sizing before purchasing new inline skate axles.

Resolving a Stuck Axle

If you find yourself with an axle lodged in your skate frame, there's no need for excessive concern. This occurs to nearly everyone at some point, often affecting new skaters who over-tighten inliner axles out of fear of losing them during skating.

To free the stuck axle, apply some lubricant and allow it to sit overnight. If it hasn’t loosened by morning, try the next approach.

For this step, use a hacksaw to carve a flat groove into the screw head. Once the groove is adequately deep, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the axle. If this method fails, it's time to employ more serious techniques.

Drill it out using an electric drill and a bit approximately the size of the screw head. Proceed with caution, drilling slowly until the screw head is detached, enabling you to push the axle through. Note: Take great care to avoid damaging the frame with this method.

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