Thunder Hardware

To connect the skateboard deck and trucks you need a bolt pack. There are different bolt packs for skateboards, cruisers & longboards. They differ in the length of the bolt and the bolt head. When buying skateboard kits you should make sure that you choose the right length of the bolts. You'll find a wide range of mounting kits from well-known brands such as Independent, Shake Junt & Antix in the skatedeluxe skate shop.

Frequently asked questions about skateboard bolts and mounting kits:

• What are bolt kits & what parts do they consist of?
• Which bolt length fits my skateboard, cruiser or longboard?
• How do I screw my skateboard together with the mounting kit?
• Where can I find more information, help, recommendations?

Basically, an assembly kit consists of eight bolts and nuts each. The older generation also likes to call them "Shorty's". There are also some things to consider when choosing a mounting kit.

The most crucial consideration for making the right choice is the length of the bolts. The information is given in inches [″]. 1 inch corresponds exactly to 2.54cm. What´s more, there are screws with countersunk head and lens head, which have either a Phillips or an Allen drive.

The biggest difference between bolts for skateboards and longboards is the length. Longboard bolts are usually slightly longer. Lens head bolts are mainly used in longboarding. Because of its slight curvature this type of bolt is rather annoying when skating. It is best to check if your bolts have a countersunk head or a lens head before you buy them. This way you can be sure that you choose the right mounting kit.

The bolts for skateboards and cruisers are usually 7/8″ to 1 1/2″ long. A skateboard deck is usually about 1cm thick and the baseplate of your truck is 5-8mm. Consequently, bolts with a length of 7/8″ are sufficient. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also use 1″ bolts. This way you don't lose the nut if it gets loose.

If you ride larger wheels, it makes sense to mount riser or shock pads from time to time. This reduces the risk of annoying wheelbites. This is what you call it when the wheels touch the deck when steering or landing tricks. The thicker the pad is, the longer the bolts should be. The following table will help you choose the right bolt length for your skateboard or cruiser.

Choosing either Phillips or Allen is completely up to you. Tip: Many Allen mounting kits have a matching Allen key in the set! More information about skateboard bolts can be found in our Wiki.

Tip: Our skatedeluxe Premium Bolts hardware is available in pretty much any bolt type and the reusable packaging is ideal to store your odds and ends elegantly.

For longboards 1″ long bolts are usually the right choice. Again, you should choose the length of your bolts to match the height of your riser pads. If you want to ride with 1/8″ pads, you normally need a 1/8″ mounting kit. For drop-through decks we recommend 1″ - 1 1/4″ pan-head bolts so that the bolt head rests on the baseplate of the truck. The following table helps you to choose the right bolt length for your top mount longboard. More information about longboard bolts and riser pads can be found in our Longboard Wiki.