What are skateboard deck rails?

Before we explain how to install deck railings, let's learn a little about what they are and their origins.

Skateboard deck rails are small plastic or metal strips that attach to the underside of a skateboard deck and run parallel to the edge of the board. They are designed to protect the board from wear and tear caused by sliding and grinding on rails, bumps, and other surfaces.

The history of skateboard deck rails dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, a time of the rise of skateboarding culture and the development of new skateboard tricks. As skaters began trying out new tricks and techniques, they found that the underside of their decks was being damaged by constant contact with hard surfaces. In response, skateboard manufacturers began making protective rails that could be attached to the underside of decks, offering an option to extend the life of their boards.

Early deck rails were made from plastic or metal and had a simple design. However, over time, skateboard deck rails have evolved further, and now there are a variety of materials and designs available to skaters. Some deck rails are lightweight and flexible, offering a greater range of motion and trick possibilities.

Today, skateboard deck rails remain a popular accessory for skaters of all levels, providing a necessary layer of protection for your board and allowing you to push the limits of what is possible with a skateboard.

Now that we've given you that history lesson, let's show you how to install skateboard deck rails in four easy steps.

Before you get started, you'll need a few tools and materials: Once you have everything, we'll show you how to install deck rails at home.

・Drill or screwdriver ・Skateboard deck rails (pair)
-Screws (included with the rail)

First, make sure your skateboard's deck rails are evenly spaced between the wheels. If the rails are positioned too far forward or too far back, your skateboard wheels may touch the rails when you make a sharp turn. Measure the space between your wheels to make sure the rails are centered, or just eyeball it if you're in a hurry.

Next, you need to line up the skateboard rails on the deck. This places the rails at their highest point, but not too close to the center. This way, when you do a boardslide, you'll slide on the rails instead of the deck. This position is usually about 1-1.5 inches from the edge of the deck.

Tip: If your deck is wide, you may need to install the rails slightly inward towards the center of the deck.

Finally, you'll need to secure the skateboard rails to your deck using the screws provided. Some rail sets come with adhesive strips to help secure the rails. These secure the rails to the board before the screws are installed, and overall help hold the rails firmly to the board.

First, use a screwdriver or drill to begin tightening the first screws, starting with the screws at the end of the rail.

If you use a drill, you need to move it slowly and use plenty of downward pressure.
If you use a screwdriver, you will need to apply more pressure to drive the screws into the deck.

The screws should sink deeper than the surface of the rail so they don't catch on anything while skating. While tightening the first and second screws, hold the other side of the rail with your hand to prevent it from rotating. Continue tightening the screws along the rail. Once all the screws are securely in place, you're ready to enjoy some lip sliding!

Tip: Remember to retighten the screws periodically after skating the rails.