Best Skateboard Tools to Keep Your Board Tuned (2026)
A good skate tool tightens trucks, swaps wheels and mounts hardware. Here are five, plus the extras worth having.
What a Skate Tool Does
A skate tool combines everything you need to set up and adjust a skateboard. The common sockets are 3/8 inch for mounting nuts, 1/2 inch for axle nuts and 9/16 inch for the kingpin nut, plus an Allen key or Phillips driver for mounting bolts. Some tools add re-threaders and a griptape file. Here are five tools for every budget.
Ace AF1 Skate Tool
Best all-in-one
- Axle and kingpin re-threaders
- Phillips and Allen bits
- Griptape file
Independent Best Skate Tool
Best from a truck brand
- From Independent Trucks
- Sockets for trucks and wheels
- Classic design
Pig Tri-Socket
Best simple tool
- Three-socket design
- Compact
- Easy to carry
Skate Tools Compared
| Tool | Type | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Ace AF1 | All-in-one | Re-threaders, griptape file |
| Independent Best Skate Tool | All-in-one | Check listing |
| Pig Tri-Socket | Three sockets | Check listing |
| All-in-One T-Tool | T-shape | Check listing |
| Bones Bearing Press | Bearing tool | Press and puller |
The Best Skateboard Tools
1. Ace AF1 Skate Tool
Ace says the AF1 is even smaller than its Classic tool, with hardened steel axle and kingpin re-threaders recessed into the wrenches, plus Phillips and Allen bits and a griptape file, made from tool steel.
Good to Know
- Re-threaders fix damaged threads
- Compact
Watch Out For
- Check bolt type matches the bit you need
2. Independent Best Skate Tool
A skate tool from Independent, one of the best-known truck brands, for assembling and adjusting your setup.
Check Price on Amazon3. Pig Tri-Socket
A simple three-socket tool from Pig that covers the main nut sizes.
Check Price on Amazon4. All-in-One Skate T-Tool
An affordable all-in-one T-shaped skate tool. Check the listing for the bits included.
Check Price on Amazon5. Bones Bearing Press / Puller
Not a skate tool in the usual sense, but it makes pressing in and pulling out bearings much easier.
Check Price on AmazonWhich Socket Does What?
| Size | Part | Job |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8" | Mounting nuts | Attach trucks to the deck |
| 1/2" | Axle nuts | Hold wheels on |
| 9/16" | Kingpin nut | Adjust truck tightness |
| Allen / Phillips | Mounting bolts | Hold bolts while tightening nuts |
Build a Complete Skate Kit
- Skate tool
- Razor blade: for trimming grip; see how to apply grip tape.
- Spare hardware: mounting bolts and axle nuts.
- Bearing lube: see cleaning wheels and bearings.
- Skate wax for ledges.
Put your tools to work with how to replace bearings and how tight trucks should be. Carry it all in a skateboard backpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes does a skate tool need?
Most skateboards use 3/8" for mounting nuts, 1/2" for axle nuts and 9/16" for kingpin nuts, plus an Allen key or Phillips driver for bolts.
Can I use regular tools on a skateboard?
Yes. Wrenches or sockets in those sizes and a screwdriver or Allen key work, but a skate tool puts them all in one pocket-sized piece.
What is a re-threader?
A built-in die that cleans up damaged axle or kingpin threads so nuts go on smoothly.
Do longboards use the same tool?
Usually yes, since most longboard trucks use the same nut sizes. Check your trucks' hardware.
What else should be in a skate kit?
A razor blade for grip, spare hardware, a bearing press and bearing lube.