In this guide
There is no single correct tightness for longboard trucks. The right setting depends on your weight, how fast you ride and how you like the board to turn. What matters is understanding what the adjustment does and finding a setting that feels stable and controllable.
What the kingpin nut does
Each truck has a large nut in the centre, on the kingpin. Tightening it squeezes the rubber bushings, which makes the truck turn less. Loosening it lets the truck pivot more freely.
- Tighter: more stable, especially at speed. The board turns less readily and feels more upright.
- Looser: easier, more responsive turns, but less stable and more prone to wobble at speed.
How to find a good setting
- Start with the trucks fairly snug, so the board turns when you lean but does not feel twitchy.
- Ride on flat, smooth ground and try a few gentle turns.
- Loosen the nuts a quarter turn at a time until the board turns as easily as you like.
- If the board feels unstable, wobbly or nervous, tighten a little.
- Keep both trucks similar at first. Many riders run the rear slightly tighter for stability.
What affects the right setting
- Rider weight: heavier riders compress bushings more, so they often need tighter settings or harder bushings. Lighter riders can run looser or use softer bushings.
- Speed: faster riding calls for tighter, more stable trucks.
- Riding style: carving and cruising favour looser, dancing and commuting often sit in the middle, and anything fast favours tighter.
- Bushing hardness: softer bushings turn more and harder bushings are steadier at the same tightness.
Signs your trucks are too loose or too tight
- Too loose: wobble, a vague or twitchy feel, or wheels touching the deck when you lean (wheel bite).
- Too tight: the board is hard to turn, feels stiff and you have to throw your weight around to steer.
What you need
A skate tool or a wrench of the right size for the kingpin nut is all you need. A skate tool combines the wrenches you will use for trucks and wheels. If you do not own one you can find options through our trucks page.
When to replace bushings
Bushings wear out. Replace them if they are cracked, flattened, or if the board will not feel stable at any reasonable tightness. Softer bushings suit lighter riders and harder ones suit heavier riders, so changing bushings can fix a board that never feels right.
Related guides
Truck questions
Should both trucks be the same tightness?
Many riders start with both the same, and some run the rear slightly tighter for extra stability. Adjust one change at a time so you can feel the difference.
Why does my longboard wobble?
Wobble is often caused by trucks that are too loose for your weight and speed. Tighten them a little, check that the wheels are fitted properly and avoid riding faster than you can control.
How do I tighten longboard trucks?
Turn the kingpin nut clockwise with a skate tool or wrench, in small increments, and test the feel after each change.
