Spacer Terminology Clarified

Spacers are placed between the bearings within each wheel. They are utilised in skates, scooters, waveboards, and virtually any equipment that incorporates rolling bearings.

It is crucial to select the appropriate type of spacers for your wheels. Without spacers, bearings may experience undue stress, poor rolling, and potentially break quickly. Using incorrect spacers might result in bearings not being properly secured, causing them to shift from side to side during wheel movement.

Types of Spacers

The most prevalent spacers include:

• 6 mm spacers
• 8 mm spacers

6 mm Spacers

These spacers feature an "extra ring" at their centre. They are designed for use with 6 mm axles.

Always paired with 6 mm axles. These spacers are placed between the two bearings, ensuring they remain securely in position, and they reduce the bearings' inner diameter to 6 mm.

Removing bearings with a 6 mm spacer

8 mm Spacers

Fitting snugly between bearings without an "extra ring" visible, these spacers work with 8 mm axles.

Always matched with 8 mm axles. These spacers sit loosely between the bearings, aligning the wheel bolt when fitting wheels and reducing stress on the bearings.

Removing bearings from a wheel with an 8 mm spacer

Materials

Spacers are typically made from metal, although plastic alternatives exist. Plastic spacers lack the strength of metal ones and tend to break easily. It is recommended to use metal spacers.

Mini / Micro (688)

Some skates feature mini/micro bearings requiring unique spacers. Due to their smaller diameter, standard spacers are not compatible. SkatePro does not stock micro bearings or the corresponding spacers.