What Are Spacers for Inline Skates?

Inline skate wheel spacers are the small pieces placed between the two bearings in each wheel of your inline skates. They come in different sizes (6 mm or 8 mm), so ensure you know which spacers your wheels use before purchasing new ones. This information is usually stated on the wheel or your old spacer.

Having quality spacers for inline skates ensures that your bearings are held securely in place and that your wheels spin freely. The spacers take some weight off the bearings and also reduce friction. They are usually made from metal or plastic, but it is more common to get spacers made from longer-lasting metal, often aluminum.

Choosing the Right Inline Skate Spacers

There are two types of spacers you can choose from: 6 mm or 8 mm. This number refers to the axle diameter, so the size you need depends on your axle size. A 6 mm spacer, also known as a long sleeve spacer, will work for a 6 mm axle. Likewise, an 8 mm spacer, also called a floating spacer, will fit an 8 mm axle. If you want to know more about the differences between the two types of spacers, head over to our Spacers Guide.

If you’re planning on getting some spacers, you might also want to consider upgrading your Bearings, so you can get that optimal skating experience.