6 Best Skateboard Hardware Kits For Custom Builds

Nothing ruins a smooth day at the skatepark faster than the rattling vibration of a loose baseplate or a snapped bolt mid-session. While often overlooked as a mere accessory, hardware is the literal foundation that keeps a rider connected to the deck. Choosing the right fasteners ensures the setup remains rigid, responsive, and ready for whatever terrain lies ahead.

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Independent Genuine Parts: Best Overall Kit

Independent Genuine Parts are the gold standard for a reason. These bolts offer an ideal balance of steel strength and head design, making them compatible with almost any truck and deck combination on the market. They resist vibration exceptionally well, staying tight through long sessions at the park or rough street skating.

The finish is highly resistant to stripping, which is a major advantage for riders who frequently swap trucks or adjust their setups. Because they are widely available and consistently manufactured, they serve as the perfect benchmark for quality. Anyone seeking a reliable “set it and forget it” solution should prioritize this kit.

Shorty’s Silverados: Top Durability Choice

Shorty’s Silverados are engineered for those who demand maximum resilience from their gear. These bolts feature a unique alloy composition designed to withstand the sheer forces of repeated high-impact landings and heavy ledge grinding. If a board setup frequently suffers from hardware shearing, switching to this option provides an immediate, noticeable upgrade.

The threads on Silverados are exceptionally clean and deep, preventing the “wobble” that often occurs with lesser-quality fasteners. While they are a bit more robust than standard hardware, they fit flush into almost every modern deck. Investing in this kit is a smart move for street skaters who prioritize long-term durability over weight savings.

Diamond Supply Co. Allen: Best Allen Option

Diamond Supply Co. Allen bolts are the go-to for riders who prefer the security of a hex-key interface. The Allen head design offers superior leverage and torque when tightening, allowing for a rock-solid connection that is far less likely to strip compared to traditional Phillips heads. This design feature makes them indispensable for tech-heavy skaters.

Beyond functionality, these kits often include an extra bolt, providing peace of mind during a long day of travel or remote skating. The Allen wrench provided in the packaging is typically high-quality, ensuring the hardware is tightened correctly from the start. Choose these if the primary goal is a secure, heavy-duty connection that resists accidental loosening.

Bones Wheels Hardware: Reliable Classic Pick

Bones is synonymous with precision, and their hardware line reflects that same dedication to performance. These bolts are known for having clean, non-binding threads that make installation incredibly quick and simple. They offer a smooth, flush fit that keeps the top of the deck clean and free of snag points for the rider’s feet.

The metal composition is balanced—hard enough to resist bending, but ductile enough to avoid snapping under extreme pressure. This is a dependable choice for park skaters who appreciate subtle, understated gear that performs exactly as expected every single time. It is a solid, mid-range option that rarely disappoints.

Thunder Trucks Hardware: Best Value Fasteners

Thunder Trucks hardware is designed for the rider who needs functional gear without unnecessary bells and whistles. These kits are remarkably affordable, making them an excellent choice for those who swap out their hardware every time they get a new deck to keep the threads fresh. They perform reliably in all weather conditions, from dusty park sessions to damp street environments.

The bolt heads are low-profile, which minimizes the chance of “wheel bite” or catching on clothing during technical maneuvers. While they lack the specialized coatings of premium kits, their performance-to-price ratio is difficult to beat. For those stocking up for a season of heavy skating, this is the most logical budget-conscious path.

Bronson Speed Co. Pro: Best High-Impact Kit

Bronson Speed Co. Pro hardware is built specifically for the demands of high-impact skating. These bolts are crafted from high-tensile steel capable of absorbing massive shock, making them the top recommendation for those who spend their time hitting stairs or large gaps. The design effectively distributes force across the truck baseplate, reducing the likelihood of fatigue.

The black-oxide finish not only looks clean but also offers an extra layer of rust protection for those skating in humid coastal environments. This kit is an essential component for any high-performance build where gear failure is simply not an option. Expect these to last through several deck changes without any loss in structural integrity.

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Setup

The standard length for most skateboard hardware is 7/8 inch to 1 inch. This size is perfect for standard setups without risers, ensuring the bolts are long enough to pass through the deck and truck baseplate while leaving enough thread for the nut. Always verify the thickness of the deck, as some specialized decks might require slightly longer hardware.

If a riser pad is being added to the setup, hardware length must increase accordingly. A 1/8-inch riser generally requires 1 1/8-inch bolts, while a 1/4-inch riser requires 1 1/4-inch bolts. Using bolts that are too short is dangerous, as the nylon locking nuts will not fully engage, leading to loose trucks and potential injury.

Phillips vs. Allen: Which Head Type Is Best?

The choice between Phillips and Allen heads often comes down to personal preference and tool availability. Phillips heads are the classic standard, allowing for quick adjustments with almost any common household screwdriver. However, they are more prone to stripping if the screwdriver is not held perfectly straight or if the bolt is overtightened.

Allen (hex) heads provide significantly better torque and are much harder to strip. Because they require a specific key, they are less likely to be tampered with, and they allow the rider to tighten the bolts down more securely. For technical street skating where precision is key, the Allen head is consistently the superior mechanical choice.

When Should You Replace Skateboard Hardware?

Hardware should be inspected whenever a new deck is purchased or if any rattling sound emerges from the trucks. If the threads are flattened, the bolt head is stripped, or the nylon in the locking nut has become loose and worn, it is time for a fresh set. Never attempt to reuse hardware that shows visible signs of metal fatigue or rust.

Leaving compromised hardware on a board is a risk that outweighs the cost of a new kit. A snapped bolt can cause a truck to shift during a maneuver, leading to a sudden loss of control. Replacing the full set at once is an inexpensive way to ensure the entire assembly remains safe and responsive.

Avoiding Stripped Bolts and Loose Baseplates

The most effective way to keep bolts from stripping is to ensure the screwdriver or Allen key is pushed firmly into the head before turning. Avoid using power tools to tighten skateboard hardware, as it is far too easy to exceed the torque threshold and snap the threads or crack the deck’s mounting holes. A steady, manual hand is the best tool for the job.

To prevent loose baseplates, always tighten the nuts in a “criss-cross” pattern rather than going in a circle. This ensures even pressure distribution across the baseplate, preventing it from warping over time. Adding a small drop of thread-locker to the threads is an optional step, but usually unnecessary if the nylon-locking nuts are in good condition.

Choosing the right hardware is a small investment that pays off in long-term stability and rider confidence. Whether skating street or transitions, prioritizing quality fasteners allows the focus to stay exactly where it should be: on the next trick. Get the right gear tightened down, grab the board, and head outside.