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Rotating Wheels on Inline Skates
Here’s our manual on rotating wheels on inline skates, whether they have 3 or 4 wheels. The wheels at the front and back generally wear out more swiftly compared to the middle ones, and the pattern of wear tends to differ between the skates on your right and left foot. By using the correct rotation method, you'll maintain a flat setup and prolong the wheels' lifespan.
Consider these methods as guiding principles. They offer simplicity yet efficiency in keeping a flat wheel configuration and boosting your wheels' longevity. While there are numerous ways to rotate wheels on inline skates, you’ll likely establish your own techniques as your skills evolve.
Overview
Technique for Rotating Wheels on Skates with Four Wheels
To rotate wheels on 4-wheeled inline skates, a common method is to exchange the two rear wheels on one skate with the two front ones from the opposite skate, as depicted in the image above.
To avoid any confusion, you can affix a small piece of masking tape to each wheel, marking its initial position.
Initial wheel positions:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 1 Left | 1 Right |
| 2 Left | 2 Right |
| 3 Left | 3 Right |
| 4 Left | 4 Right |
Positions of wheels after rotation:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 4 Right | 4 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
Note: Ensure each wheel is flipped. If the graphics were on the outside prior to rotation, they should face inward once remounted.
Technique for Rotating Wheels on Skates with Three Wheels
The method depicted in the image above is useful for rotating wheels on 3-wheeled skates, ensuring uniform wear across all six wheels, effectively extending their life.
When handling 3-wheeled skates, various rotation strategies exist. If you’re new to triskates, this pattern is an excellent starting point.
To keep track, apply a small piece of masking tape to each wheel indicating its initial position.
Initial wheel positions:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 1 Left | 1 Right |
| 2 Left | 2 Right |
| 3 Left | 3 Right |
Positions of wheels after rotation:
| Left skate | Right skate |
| 3 Right | 3 Left |
| 1 Right | 1 Left |
| 2 Right | 2 Left |
Note: When remounting, be sure to flip each wheel. Graphics that faced outward before should face inward afterwards.
What Tools are Required to Rotate Wheels on Roller Skates?
A 4 mm Allen key or Torx tool is necessary to detach and remount the wheels. Often, you’ll need two keys - one for each side of the wheel - to securely hold both the female and male sides of the wheel bolts.
Skate tools are highly useful for wheel rotation, usually containing everything needed for skate disassembly and assembly. You can find one here:
Discover how to remove wheels with this guide:
How Regularly Should Inline Skate Wheels be Rotated?
The necessity for wheel rotation hinges on your skating frequency, the type of surfaces used, and your technique.
You’ll notice it's time to rotate the wheels when the centreline begins moving away from the middle. For some, this might mean rotating after each session, while others might only need it a few times per season.
Once accustomed, wheel rotation takes roughly five minutes.
If contemplating a purchase of new wheels or skates, refer to the following guide:
