Skateboarding can give you a mix of emotions – mainly, thrill, excitement, and fun! However, at some point, these things may not be attained if your skateboard bearings are not in condition. Lubricated and cleaned bearings will naturally develop better spins compared to dirty ones. You have to consider the fact that the streets are loaded with dirt, sand, and water. All these elements can accumulate in your bearings which may cause deterioration. You need to use the best lubricant for skateboard bearings and regularly lubricate them. Neglecting the maintenance of your bearings may lead to an accident.
Given the numerous lubricants that are sold in the market nowadays, it can be challenging to find the best lubricant. Whether you are new to skateboarding or a seasoned rider, lubricants are important to keep the bearings in good condition.
Don’t worry if you are still uncertain about the most reliable lubricant for your bearings. Later in this article, you will learn some of the best lubricants in the market today. Just continue reading and you will acquire the perfect knowledge about the name of lubricants that are highly trusted these days.
5 Best Lubricant for Skateboard Bearings
If you are looking for the best lubricant for skateboard bearings, you may want to check the following products to see if any of them will suit your needs. Get ready to discover the distinction with the best products in this field. Here are some of the best lubricants for your bearings:
1. Bones Speed Cream Skate Bearing Lubricant
Star Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Best Lubricant with Economic Benefits
Description:
- Makes your bearings feel new
- Increases speed
- Very effective
Features:
- Low viscosity
- Comes in a half-ounce bottle
- Refined film on the bearings
If skateboarding has been your hobby for quite a while, then there is a good chance that you are already aware of Bones. Bones is a popular company that develops various items for skateboards like wheels, bearings, and tools. Since they are manufacturing bearings, they have a better understanding of what the best lubricant for bearings is like.
If you want faster and more reliable bearings, then Bones Speed Cream Skate Bearing Lubricant is a perfect choice. It comes very handy and you can easily apply it whenever you think that your bearings are acting up or feel dry.
Bones Speed Cream Skate Bearing Lubricant is definitely one of the best lubricants for skateboard bearings. It is notable for being lightweight which makes the bearings feel smooth and more convenient to move. The wheels are also noted to revolve fast when an applicant with this lubricant. You will also love its economic benefits. Two or three drops of this lubricant are already enough to smoothen the bearings. It provides a refined film on the bearing to secure it from dust, dirt, or refraining elements.
If you have been using Bones Speed Cream Skate Bearing Lubricant for a long time, your bearings can improve their lifespan. To lessen friction, you will find it useful to apply this lubricant. It offers durable microfilm lubrication to prevent corrosion and at the same time makes the bearings roll swifter with minimal wear.
Moreover, this lubricant can endure high temperatures. Immediately after applying it to the bearings, you will immediately see how fast they deliver. You shouldn’t allow its size to deceive you, too. Although it only comes in a half-ounce bottle, a little drop of it can go a long way.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Economical
- Protects against rust
Cons:
- Negligent cleaning with the use of this lubricant can damage the bearing
2. Liberty Triple Elite Oil
Star Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Best Lubricant in Versatility
Description:
- Prevents corrosive accumulation
- Superior lubricant
- Reliable defense
Features:
- Triple barrier shield protection
- 1.5” 18 gauge stainless steel applicator
- Anti-wear properties
Liberty Triple Elite Oil is another incredible lubricant for skateboard bearings. It does not only work to clean the bearings but also protect them. Its ingredients are tri-layered which gives the most reliable defense against corrosion and decay. Furthermore, Liberty Triple Elite Oil addresses various corrosive particles like dust, moisture, salt, dirt, and sand.
This lubricant services the bearings according to the weather condition. Hence, using it during humid weather shouldn’t be an issue. It has anti-wear characteristics that lengthen its lifespan and cut down downtime. Moreover, Liberty Triple Elite Oil is known for its versatility. You do not have to buy other lubricant types to achieve the results you want. It does incredible cleaning functionality, offers protection, and is long-lasting.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for any weather condition
- Versatile
Cons:
- May not work immediately
3. SONIC Super Oil Skate Bearing Lubricant
Star Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Best Lubricant to Maximize Skateboard Performance
Description:
- 100% synthetic
- Skate fast
- Skate cool
Features:
- Dropper tip
- Screwcap
- Recyclable bottle
Sonic Super Oil Skate Bearing Lubricant is used to improve the older and slow-performing bearings. It is a superior lubricant that boosts the speed of the bearing and free spin while allowing you to keep your endurance and speed with minimal effort. Furthermore, it protects the bearings against moisture and corrosion.
This lubricant is 100% synthetic and has no fossil fuels which let the oil last longer and not dry out. It creates a protective film that sticks to the surfaces of the bearing. If you want to maintain your bearings and want to maximize the performance of your skateboard, this product is the most ideal.
Pros:
- Works effectively
- Extends the life of the bearing
- Protects against friction and heat
Cons:
- It may not work well on some bearings
4. Oust Metol Speed Oil
Star Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Best Lubricant with Oil-Based Formulation
Description:
- Synthetic lubricant
- Formulated in the USA
- Very economic lubricant
Features:
- Oil-based formulation
- Non-toxic
- Non-flammable
Oust Metol Speed Oil is one of the lubricants you should use if you are looking for something that could keep your bearing active. It can work suitably for skateboard bearings. Since it has reduced adhesiveness, it scatters on a bigger surface with a quicker mode.
This lubricant has an oil-based formulation. Its oily touch influences the lubricant to become suitable for skates. This lubricant also exhibits a high speed with great friction. You can compare this oil to a synthetic lubricant that gets through the metal surfaces to create a thin layer. Aside from bearings, Oust Metol Speed Oil can also do well on a stuck part, guns, hinges, and fishing reels.
Just like the other prominent lubricants for skateboard bearings, this lubricant is also very economic. It only takes a few drops to achieve a satisfying output on the bearings. Also, you will appreciate the fact that this product is both non-toxic and non-flammable. Thus, it wouldn’t be that threatening in case any of your kids will accidentally swallow it. However, it is still recommended that you keep this lubricant away from your kids.
Pros:
- Safe to use
- Suitable for any skate bearing
- Low viscosity
Cons:
- Thin to apply
- The design of the kit is poor
5. Monkey Loob Skateboard Bearing Oil
Star Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Best Lubricant with Water Repelling Trait
Description:
- Acts in three ways
- Can also be used in sewing machines and machinery
- Gets rid of filth and dirt
Features:
- Water repeller
- Easy to use
- Longer lubrication
Monkey Loob Skateboard Bearing Oil is another oil-based product that gives excellent protection for the bearings. In fact, it lubricates the bearings for a longer period. Furthermore, it is known to be the best repeller of water. Hence, you can expect that there will no rust to develop on the bearings even after a longer period.
Aside from skateboards, this lubricant can also be used in sewing machines and machinery. Monkey Loob Skateboard Bearing Oil typically gets rids of the filth and dirt that develops on the bearings which means that it is no longer needed to clean the bearings from rust and dust before you apply the lubricant. This lubricant acts in three ways being a cleaner, a lubricant, and a protestant.
Pros:
- Water resistance
- Lubricates longer
- Lightweight
Cons:
- There is no known drawback for this lubricant
Buyer’s Guide
There is a good chance that you have limited knowledge about the best lubricant for skateboard bearings if you have just tried skateboarding. Without gaining enough information about the product, buying the best one can get very confusing. You may even jeopardize the quality of your product if you do not have enough knowledge about it.
Furthermore, insufficient knowledge about buying the best lubricant may also lead you to pay higher than its quality. To earn the proper guidelines in buying a lubricant for skateboard bearings, you have to consider the following things:
Size of the Bearings
The size of your bearings has an important role in taking into account the severity of heat and friction that they withstand is concerned. Bigger bearings are likely to create more friction and therefore require more powerful lubricants. Smaller bearings, on the other hand, require less powerful lubricants.
Frequency of Use
You should figure out how often you do skateboarding. Surely, riding a skateboard requires that you use a relatively powerful lubricant. That is to ward off the excess heat generated by the entire system. Nonetheless, you may use the common lubricants for your typical frequency of application.
Current Climate and Weather
You should know that extreme weather conditions will likely dry the joints as compared to the patterns of the cool weather. If you happen to use the skateboard in such weather, you have to make sure that you are using a powerful lube. The grease-based lubricants are likely to dry easily and faster.
Thickness
The quality of the lubricant will depend on how much viscosity it exhibits. The best lubricants have a low level of viscosity. This kind of lubricant offers quicker spinning to the skateboard bearings as well as its other components. Also, lubricants with low viscosity do not catch dirt and dust. It also cleans rust easily.
Type
You need to figure out what type of lubricant you prefer. Lubricants can be grease-base or oil-base. Grease lubes are likely to work longer, however, it can affect the performance of the bearings and make them slower. Oil-based lubricants, on the other hand, scatter fast but are do not last long.
Price
Oftentimes, the price of the lubricant will illustrate its working advantages. Hence, if you buy expensive lubricants, it will often require minimal application to achieve the best result. Buying cheaper lubricants requires a large amount of application.
Amount Needed to Achieve Best Results
Regularly lubricating your bearings is always recommended. However, you have to execute the task well to make sure that you achieve the best results. Some brands will only require two drops to produce the best results. Other products may require more drops to achieve similar results.
You may find it more ideal to buy a lubricant at a higher price but only requires a few drops to adequately oil the bearings. Although it costs higher, it is likely more effective, long-lasting, and eventually costs less.
FAQs
Why is it important to lubricate my bearings?
Lubricating your bearings will make them free from moisture, dust, and dirt. It is just that the water will accumulate to develop rust in your bearings and damage the smoothness. After lubricating your bearings, you will see that they are regaining their smoothness and can revolve faster as compared to the times that they were not lubricated.
What are the most reliable lubricants for skateboard bearing?
Some of the most reliable lubricants for skateboard bearing are Bones Speed Cream Skate Bearing Lubricant, Liberty Triple Elite Oil, SONIC Super Oil Skate Bearing Lubricant, Oust Metol Speed Oil, and Monkey Loob Skateboard Bearing Oil. These brands are actually featured in this article. All of them are known for their excellent quality, great pricing, and efficiency.
What is the best kind of lubricant for my skateboard bearings?
You can use either grease or oil-based lubricants. However, it is often recommended that you use oil-based lubricants especially those with lower viscosity.
How do I lubricate my skateboard bearings?
First, you have to thoroughly clean your bearings and let them dry. Add one to two drops of your chosen lubricant on your bearings and let it settle for several minutes. Spin each of the bearings to smoothly lubricate the ball bearings within. Reinstall your bearings in the wheels and put them on the axles.
Can I use olive oil as an alternative lubricant for my skateboard bearings?
No. Olive oil is not ideal for skateboard bearings. It will likely attract dirt and dust to the bearings. Moreover, you cannot expect it to last longer. However, if it is impossible for you to use a reliable lubricant, olive oil can temporarily do the job. It will be better to lubricate your bearings with olive oil rather than not lubricate them.
Can I use motor oil for my skateboard bearings?
Yes, motor oil can be used for your skateboard bearings but only for cleaning purposes. However, you have to know that the motor oil is not ideal for skateboard bearings.
Is it okay to use lubes?
Yes, lubes are acceptable for skateboard bearings. However, you have to know that the majority of the lubricants have reduced viscosity which smoothens the bearings and makes them faster. Also, lubricants do not attract dirt and dust.
Can I use Vaseline?
Yes, you can surely use Vaseline on your bearings. Vaseline commonly acts as grease. It provides good lubrication to metal parts while installation. However, you must consider the fact that Vaseline occurs in liquid form when exposed to the highest temperature.
Is it okay to use a transmission lubricant for skateboard bearings?
Transmission fluid is a special lubricant. However, it is not ideal for skateboard bearings. It is designed to work well on automatic gearboxes of 4WD systems for cars and trucks. You should know that transmission isn’t oil but rather a combination of different chemical compounds.
How can I improve my bearings and make them work faster?
You can improve your bearings and make them faster by regularly applying bearing oils. However, you should always remember that it is best to use lightweight lubricants. Lightweight lubricants smoothen the bearings.
Conclusion
Explore your skills in skateboarding and do not allow ungreased bearings to restrict you from doing your favorite tricks. You can check around the market, research on the internet, or ask for recommendations from friends so you can buy the best lubricant for skateboard bearings. After getting your best weapon, you can then begin lubricating your bearings and you will see the difference once you start skateboarding again.
You can refer to the list of products above when planning to buy a lubricant. Just make sure that you thoroughly understand the features as well as the drawbacks of each item so you can easily assess them. You might also find it helpful to refer to the buyer’s guide to make sure that you choose the right lubricant for your bearings.