Spacers are placed between the bearings within each wheel. They are utilised in skates, scooters, waveboards, and virtually anything that rolls using bearings.
It is essential to always employ the correct type of spacers with your wheels. Without spacers, bearings may experience excessive stress, leading to poor rolling performance and breakage over time. Incorrect spacers can result in the bearings being improperly secured, causing them to shift laterally as the wheel rotates.
Types of Spacers
The most frequently used spacers are:
- 6 mm spacers
- 8 mm spacers
6 mm Spacer
6 mm spacers feature an “extra ring” in the centre. They are compatible with 6 mm axles.
Specifically designed for 6 mm axles, this spacer is inserted between the two bearings, ensuring they remain in the correct position. It also reduces the inner diameter of the bearings to 6 mm.
Guide to removing bearings when utilising a 6 mm spacer in the wheel
8 mm Spacer
8 mm spacers fit snugly between the bearings without any “extra ring” visible from the side. They are intended for use with 8 mm axles.
These spacers, always used with 8 mm axles, are loosely placed between the bearings to centre the wheel bolt when fitting the wheels and to lessen the stress on the bearings.
Guide to removing bearings from a wheel when using an 8 mm spacer
Materials
The majority of spacers are constructed from metal; however, some are made from plastic. Plastic spacers lack the strength of metal ones and are prone to splitting. We advise using metal spacers.
Mini / Micro (688)
Certain skates come with mini/micro bearings that require specialised spacers. Due to the smaller diameter of micro bearings, standard spacers are unsuitable. SkatePro neither sells micro bearings nor the spacers needed for them.
