Choosing the right lubricant for skate bearings is very important. This determines how well they perform and last. Some people wonder if olive oil is good to use on these bearings. We will look closely at this question. We’ll check technical facts and expert advice to give you a full picture.
Key Takeaways
- Skate bearings help make skating smoother by reducing friction.
- Olive oil can work as a temporary fix but isn’t the best long-term choice.
- Right lubrication cuts down heat, wear, and chances of bearings breaking.
- Cooking oils, like olive oil, pull in dust and dirt. This can harm the bearings.
- It’s best to use professional skate lubricants like Bones Speed Cream for top performance.
Understanding Skate Bearings and Their Needs
Skate bearings help skate wheels move smoothly and quickly. It’s important to take care of them with proper bearing maintenance. You should know the different skate bearing types and how to clean skate bearings the right way.
Skateboard bearings are ranked by ABEC ratings, like:
- ABEC 1 bearings are cheap but not very precise or smooth. They’re made from lower quality steel.
- ABEC 3 bearings are also low-cost but don’t roll very fast or smooth.
- ABEC 5 bearings are great for longboarding. They offer good speed for the cost.
- ABEC 7 bearings are quick and smooth but might get damaged by tough skating.
- ABEC 9+ bearings are made for very fast speeds but are more expensive.
Taking care of your bearings can make them last longer and save money. Use skate-specific oils like Bones Speed Cream or Sabre Bearing Lube to keep them fast and protected from water. Clean and oil your bearings after each skate for best results.
There are various skate bearing types, and each has its benefits. For example, ceramic bearings don’t rust with moisture like steel ones do. Steel bearings need careful bearing maintenance to avoid rust. Bearings filled with grease also help block water and dirt, meaning less cleaning.
It’s key to know how to clean skate bearings correctly. Skating in wet conditions can ruin bearings quickly. Use a well-lit space for cleaning to keep track of small parts. Don’t use WD-40 for lubrication; it doesn’t protect bearings well enough.
Here’s a quick guide on popular skate lubricants:
| Product | Viscosity | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bones Speed Cream | Low | Rust resistant, long-lasting, made for skate bearings |
| Tri-Flow TF21010 | Low | Reaches tight spots, comes with a straw applicator |
| 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose | Medium | Good for many uses around the house |
| Super Lube Synthetic | High | Built for heavy machines, very tough |
| Park Tool PolyLube 1000 | High | Works well under tough conditions, strong |
Choosing the right oil and regular bearing maintenance help your skate bearings work well and last long. Always clean and re-oil your bearings properly to keep them in good shape.
The Appeal of Olive Oil as a Lubricant
Olive oil is a top pick for natural lubricants in bearings. It’s perfect for eco-friendly skate maintenance. It’s found in many homes and used in different ways, making it a good choice for lubricating.
One key feature of olive oil is its viscosity. This means it can effectively reduce friction in mechanical parts. That’s why some skaters think about using it for their bearings.
Olive oil’s natural makeup adds to its appeal as a lubricant. It’s more eco-friendly than synthetic options. Choosing it for bearings shows care for the planet and reduces environment damage.
Olive oil has many uses, from cooking to home care. So, using it for skate maintenance might seem like a smart move. But, it’s important to check if it meets your skate bearings’ specific needs first.
Risks of Using Olive Oil on Skate Bearings
At first, using olive oil on metal parts like skate bearings seems natural and easy. But, it can hurt your skateboard bearings’ performance and life. Olive oil can thicken and stick when it meets air and moisture. This increases friction and leads to skate bearing damage.
Experts think olive oil on metal isn’t the best for skate bearings. A guide on cleaning skate bearings says wrong lubrication can lower bearing performance over time. Regular oils, like olive oil, only work for a short time and don’t keep bearings clean and efficient.
Olive oil on skate bearings can also pull in dirt, making a sticky mess. This speeds up wear and tear. Specialized lubricants offer better protection in different conditions. The right lubricant can even make your skate bearings last longer and perform better.
Most experts (98%) prefer a specific thin bearing grease for skateboards. This type of lubricant doesn’t get thick or sticky easily. It’s better at handling nature’s elements and fights off dirt and grime. Also, avoid using WD40, which can strip away grease without adding new lubrication, causing skate bearing damage.
Another issue with olive oil on metal skate bearings is losing lubrication when you skate. This can make the wheels overheat or melt. Picking the right lubricant can save you from these issues, helping your skateboard work its best.
Alternatives to Olive Oil for Skate Bearings
It’s important to use the right lubricants for skate bearings to keep your ride smooth and quick. Olive oil might seem like a good choice, but there are better ones out there. Let’s look at some of the best options that can keep your bearings in great shape.
Bones Speed Cream is a favorite for skaters, costing around $7.95 for a 0.5 oz bottle. This synthetic product is made to boost the performance of skateboard bearings. But, in tests against corrosion, it starts to fail in just 20 minutes and stops working after 3 hours.
The Oust Met Ol is another good choice, priced at about $9.95 for a 0.5 oz bottle. You should put this grease on your bearings every 6 hours of skating for the best results. Like Bones Speed Cream, it also faces corrosion quickly and stops working after 3 hours.
Archoil AR9100 is for those looking for lasting performance. It’s priced at about $45 for 16 oz, making it less than $1.5 per 0.5 oz, so it saves money over time. Archoil keeps clean in corrosion tests for 20 minutes and still works pretty well after 3 hours, despite a slight crunchiness.
| Lubricant | Cost for 0.5 oz | Corrosion Resistance (20 min) | Corrosion Resistance (3 hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bones Speed Cream | $7.95 | Corroding | Seized |
| Oust Met Ol | $9.95 | Corroding | Seized |
| Archoil AR9100 | Under $1.5 | Clean | Slightly crunchy but spins |
If you’re skateboarding often, you should oil your bearings every few weeks. Casual skaters can do it once a month. Using the right synthetic lubricants or bearing grease is key to your skateboard’s performance and the life of your bearings. While options like coconut oil and PAM might seem okay for a short fix, they can’t compare to specific lubricants.
Best Practices for Maintaining Skate Bearings
Skate bearing maintenance is not just about the right lubricant. It’s a continuous effort. This involves a robust maintenance routine to guarantee the best performance and long life. Regular cleaning, checks, and replacing bearings on time are key to extending their life.
Clean your skate bearings with isopropyl alcohol for the best results. This cleans without leaving behind any residue. Avoid using WD-40 for upkeep, as it attracts dirt. After cleaning, dry the bearings fully, then apply a skateboard-specific oil like sewing machine oil. This keeps your bearings moving smoothly.
You should lubricate your bearings every 1-2 months or when they spin slower or sound gritty. Too much oil is as bad as too little; it can block bearings and slow down your skateboard. The right amount of lubricant makes a big difference in maintenance and bearing life.
Regularly check your skate bearings for signs of damage or wear. This is crucial after skating hard or in wet conditions. Water can cut bearing life in half. Clean your bearings every three months if you skate all year. Following these tips will make your rides smoother and make your skateboard bearings last much longer.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!