6 Best Skate Hardware Kits For Custom Builds For Pros

Skateboard hardware is the unsung hero of a custom build, holding the entire setup together through high-impact landings and constant vibration. While a deck or set of wheels gets the glory, choosing the wrong bolts can lead to stripped threads, loose trucks, or mid-session failure. Invest in quality hardware now to ensure your setup remains reliable throughout the most intense maneuvers.

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Indy Genuine Parts Hardware: The Pro’s Standard

Independent Trucks are synonymous with skateboarding, and their hardware follows that same tradition of durability. These bolts are designed to withstand the heavy abuse of street skating and park riding without bowing under pressure. The oversized heads provide a secure fit against the baseplate, minimizing the risk of the bolt head pulling through the deck during hard landings.

Choosing Indy hardware is the safest bet for any skater who prioritizes consistency over aesthetics. These are the workhorses of the industry, offering a perfect balance of strength and affordability. If you want a no-nonsense component that integrates perfectly with almost any truck brand, this is the definitive choice.

Diamond Supply Co. Hardware: For A Flawless Look

Diamond Supply Co. hardware bridges the gap between high-performance utility and street-style fashion. Beyond the vibrant color-coded options that make tracking your nose from your tail easier, these bolts are manufactured with superior steel alloys. They resist stripping better than generic hardware, even when tightened down with high-torque tools.

This hardware is ideal for riders who value a clean, customized look without sacrificing structural integrity. The included nut is slightly tapered to allow for easier starting, which speeds up the assembly process significantly. For those who want their setup to reflect a unique personal style while maintaining pro-grade performance, Diamond is the clear winner.

Shorty’s Silverados: The Original No-Strip Bolts

Shorty’s revolutionized the industry by introducing hardware that actually held up to the repeated tightening required by frequent park skaters. The Silverados remain the gold standard for anyone plagued by the frustration of stripped threads. These bolts are hardened to prevent the “cross-threading” phenomenon that renders many cheaper bolts useless after one change.

Opting for Silverados is recommended for riders who frequently experiment with different truck setups or swap decks often. The consistency of the manufacturing process ensures that every bolt and nut fits together seamlessly, time after time. When hardware longevity is the primary concern, Shorty’s is the only brand that consistently delivers.

Bronson G3 Hardware: Paired For Speed & Strength

Bronson is a name associated with high-velocity bearings, and their hardware line maintains that same focus on efficiency. These bolts feature a refined head shape that sits flush against the deck, reducing drag and creating a seamless connection between the truck and the board. They are engineered with a specific chemical coating that helps prevent rust and corrosion, even in humid coastal environments.

This hardware is best suited for tech skaters who demand precision and a clean aesthetic. The engineering precision ensures that vibration is kept to a minimum, which can make a noticeable difference during technical maneuvers. If you are building a high-end setup where every component is selected for maximum performance, Bronson hardware belongs on your deck.

Fireball Dragon Allen Bolts: For Secure Wrenching

Fireball Dragon Allen bolts solve the age-old problem of the Phillips head stripping out mid-session. By utilizing an Allen key socket, these bolts allow for much higher clamping pressure, ensuring that your trucks stay locked in the exact position you prefer. The heat-treated steel provides immense tensile strength, making them nearly impossible to snap under stress.

These are essential for skaters who frequently tackle large gaps and stairs where hardware failure could result in a dangerous slam. While they require a dedicated Allen key rather than a standard multi-tool Phillips bit, the trade-off for security is well worth it. Switch to Fireball if you are tired of struggling with rounded-out bolt heads after a few hard sessions.

Bones Wheels Hardware: A Name You Can Always Trust

Bones Wheels produces components for those who view skateboarding as a craft rather than a hobby. Their hardware is characterized by tight tolerances and high-grade steel, ensuring that your trucks feel as tight as the moment you first installed them. This hardware is designed to survive the impact forces that occur during heavy-duty ledge and rail grinding.

Choosing Bones hardware is a declaration of commitment to quality. The hardware is reliable, predictable, and exceptionally resistant to environmental wear, such as moisture or salt air. For the skater who wants to set it, forget it, and focus entirely on the session, Bones offers the most dependable option on the market.

How to Pick The Right Hardware Size For Your Deck

Selecting the correct hardware length is critical to the functional geometry of your board. Standard hardware ranges from 7/8 inch to 1.5 inches, with 1 inch being the industry standard for most setups. If you ride without riser pads, 7/8 inch or 1 inch bolts are usually sufficient.

• 7/8 inch: Perfect for street setups without riser pads.
• 1 inch: The versatile standard for most decks.
• 1.25 inch – 1.5 inch: Required if you are adding riser pads or shock pads.

Always test the fit before tightening everything down. If more than a few threads of the bolt extend past the nut, the bolt is too long and may interfere with your trucks’ rotation. Conversely, if the bolt doesn’t catch the nylon locking mechanism inside the nut, it is too short and poses a safety risk.

Phillips vs. Allen Bolts: Which Is Right For You?

The debate between Phillips and Allen hardware comes down to personal preference and tool availability. Phillips bolts are the classic choice, compatible with almost every standard skate multi-tool found in pockets and backpacks. They are easy to install, though they are more prone to stripping if the screwdriver slips during tightening.

Allen bolts offer superior grip and allow for much higher torque, making them ideal for heavy impact skating. However, they require an Allen wrench, which is not always built into standard skate tools. Choose Allen if you prioritize structural security above all else, or stick with Phillips for the convenience of universal compatibility.

Do You Need Riser Pads With Your Hardware Kit?

Riser pads serve two specific functions: preventing wheel bite and reducing the impact stress on the deck. Wheel bite occurs when your wheels hit the deck during sharp turns, causing an abrupt and dangerous stop. If you are riding larger wheels (above 54mm) or loose trucks, risers are a necessary safety addition.

When adding riser pads, you must increase the length of your hardware accordingly. If you use a 1/8 inch riser, move up to 1.25 inch hardware to ensure proper thread engagement. Skipping this step often results in bolts that aren’t long enough to secure the trucks safely, leading to hardware failure.

Pro Tips For Installing Your New Skateboard Hardware

Proper installation is just as important as the quality of the bolt itself. Always use the right size tool to avoid stripping the head, and ensure the hardware is tightened in a “criss-cross” pattern—similar to tightening the lug nuts on a car tire. This ensures even pressure distribution across the baseplate.

Do not over-tighten the nuts to the point where they crush the wood of the deck, as this can weaken the mounting holes. A “snug” fit that holds the trucks firmly in place is all that is required. Finally, check your hardware after the first few sessions, as new trucks and bolts often “settle” and may require a slight adjustment to reach perfect tension.

Selecting the right hardware is a small detail that yields massive returns in terms of board reliability and session longevity. By matching your bolt type and length to your specific skating style and setup, you eliminate one more variable that could stand between you and a perfect landing. Take the time to install them correctly, and your custom build will stay dialed in for the long haul.