Choosing mounting hardware comes down to one practical question: how much material must each bolt pass through? Deck thickness, truck baseplates, and riser pads all affect the length you need. Bolts that are too short may not hold securely, while excessively long bolts can protrude and get in the way. Use this guide to understand common skateboard hardware sizes, check your setup, and choose a length that fits.
What Hardware Length Measures
Skateboard mounting hardware length refers to the threaded portion of each bolt, measured from beneath the head to the tip. Hardware is commonly sold in inch fractions, such as 7/8 inch or 1 inch. The bolt passes through the deck and the truck baseplate; if you add riser pads, it must pass through those too.
The right bolt needs enough thread to engage the locknut securely after passing through the full stack. Don’t judge length by the bolt head or by how much thread you can see above the nut. Check that the nut catches several threads and sits fully engaged, following the hardware manufacturer’s guidance.
Match Length to Your Setup
For a standard deck-and-truck setup without risers, 7/8-inch hardware is a common starting point. A 1-inch bolt may also suit some setups, depending on the deck and truck dimensions. Because components can vary, treat these as common options—not a guarantee. Check the fit on your actual board before skating.
Riser pads add material between the deck and truck, so the bolts need to be longer. As a practical starting point, a 1/8-inch riser often calls for about 1-inch hardware, while a 1/4-inch riser often calls for about 1 1/8-inch hardware. Confirm that the bolt reaches through the truck and gives the nut secure thread engagement.
Check Before You Ride
To choose a length, identify whether your setup has risers, then compare the bolt length with the combined thickness of the deck, riser, and truck baseplate. If you’re changing from no riser to a thicker pad, don’t assume your old bolts will still work. Lay out the parts and test one bolt and nut before installing the full set.
After tightening, check that each locknut is secure and that the bolt tips don’t extend far enough to interfere with your setup. If a bolt won’t catch the nut properly, use longer hardware rather than riding with a weak connection. If it sticks out substantially, select a more suitable length instead of relying on cutting or forcing it into place.
Choose the Right Hardware Type
Mounting hardware typically comes with either Phillips or Allen heads. Both can work; choose a type that matches the tools you have and keep the tool handy for adjustments. A set usually includes eight bolts and nuts for one skateboard. Check the package for length and head style, especially when buying hardware for a board with risers.
If your deck has unusual thickness or your truck and riser combination makes the fit unclear, ask a skate shop to check the hardware against your parts. Bring the board or note the deck thickness, riser thickness, and truck model. That makes it easier to confirm length without guessing.
Start with the thickness of your complete setup, then confirm that the bolts engage the locknuts securely without excessive protrusion. Recheck the fit whenever you add or change risers. If you’re unsure which length suits your board, ask Kanawha Skate Supply to help you check your setup.