Every skater needs a tool. Trucks loosen, wheels need swapping, and new setups don't build themselves. The good news: skateboard hardware is standardized, so almost any skate tool will fit your board. The real choice is what extras you want and how you'll carry it.
This guide covers what every skate tool needs, the extras worth paying attention to, bearing presses, griptape tools, and our quick picks, starting with the TGM T-Tool, the single best-selling item on our entire site.
What Every Skate Tool Needs
Skateboard and longboard hardware uses the same three nut sizes, so every all-in-one tool covers the same basics.
| Part | Use It For |
|---|---|
| 3/8" socket | Mounting hardware nuts |
| 1/2" socket | Axle nuts (wheels) |
| 9/16" socket | Kingpin nut (bushings and turning) |
| Phillips / Allen driver | Mounting bolts |
A tool with just these, like the TGM T-Tool, does everything you need to build and adjust a board.
Extras Worth Knowing About
| Feature | What It Does | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Axle re-threader | Cleans up stripped or damaged axle threads so nuts go back on | Pig Tri Socket, Slappy ST1, Reflex Utili-Threader, Independent Reflex Threader, Ace AF1 |
| Kingpin re-threader | Cleans up damaged kingpin threads | Ace AF1, Ace Re-Threader Dies |
| Built-in bearing press | Installs and removes bearings without a separate tool | Independent Reflex Threader, Reflex Utili-Threader |
| Griptape file | Outlines griptape edges for a clean cut | Spitfire T3, Modus Service Tool, Reflex Triflex, Slappy ST2, Prime8 Coin |
| Ratchets | Tighten and loosen without lifting the tool | Prime8 Ratchet Lite, Prime8 Triple Ratchet Lite |
| Extra-deep sockets | Fit over long kingpins and hardware | Paris Multi Skate Tool |
| Inverted kingpin Allen | Works on trucks with Allen-head kingpins | Slappy ST1, Slappy ST2 |
Already have a tool you like? Add features with Prime8 axle, kingpin, and bearing press adapters, which fit on any skate tool, or drop Ace Re-Threader Dies into the tool you've got. Ace AF1 Inverted riders can add the Ace AF1 Inverted Magna Adapter.
Size and Build
| Style | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Classic T-tool | Leverage and ease of use | TGM T-Tool, Spitfire T3, Krown Tool, Olympia Supply All-In-One |
| Compact and coin-pocket | Carrying every session | Prime8 Coin, Grind King 6-N-1, Ace Classic |
| All-metal | Durability | Modus Service Tool, Ace Classic |
| Ratchet | Speed | Prime8 Triple Ratchet Lite, Prime8 Ratchet Lite |
Bearing Presses and Pullers
Pushing bearings in with your truck axle or prying them out can damage the shields, cage, and balls. A press applies straight, even force. The Bones Bearing Tool is a keychain-size press and puller that presses only on the inner race, made for wheels without spacers. The Bronson Bearing Press / Puller handles 608 bearings in wheels up to 100mm, pressing only on the outer race. The Independent Bearing Press mounts to a bench for shop-style use. For walkthroughs, see how to install bearings and how to remove bearings.
Griptape Tools
Gripping a board is the most tedious part of a setup, and the right tools make it clean. The Black Diamond Grip Application Kit, Pro has every tool you need: a roller to bond the grip and push out bubbles, a file to outline the edges, a credit-card-size knife for the cut, and an awl for bolt holes and leftover bubbles. The Mob Grip Roller is a shop-style roller inspired by the DIY rollers of the 1980s.
- Apply the griptape evenly to the top of the deck.
- Roll it down firmly to push out bubbles.
- File along the top edges to create an outline.
- Cut along the outline.
- Poke the bolt holes and pop any leftover bubbles.
Choosing by Need
| You Want | Get This |
|---|---|
| One simple tool that does it all | TGM T-Tool |
| A tough tool with a griptape file | Spitfire T3 |
| Fix stripped axles | Pig Tri Socket, Slappy ST1, Reflex Utili-Threader |
| Press bearings anywhere | Bones Bearing Tool, Independent Reflex Threader |
| The fastest adjustments | Prime8 Triple Ratchet Lite |
| The smallest carry | Prime8 Coin |
| Longboard hardware | Paris Multi Skate Tool |
| A full grip setup | Black Diamond Grip Application Kit, Pro |
Quick Picks
| Pick | Best For | Why |
|---|---|---|
| TGM T-Tool | Best overall | Our best-selling item: 3/8", 1/2", and 9/16" sockets plus an Allen/Phillips driver |
| Spitfire T3 | Durability | Heavy-duty metal with a griptape file handle |
| Bones Bearing Tool | Bearings on the go | Keychain-size press and puller |
| Black Diamond Grip Application Kit, Pro | Gripping boards | Roller, file, awl, and knife |
| Pig Tri Socket | Re-threading | 8-in-1 with a self-aligning axle threader |
| Independent Reflex Threader | Everything in one | Sockets, Allens, press/puller, and axle re-threader |
| Prime8 Triple Ratchet Lite | Speed | Ratchets on every socket |
| Prime8 Coin | Pocket carry | Fits the coin pocket of your jeans |
| Paris Multi Skate Tool | Longboards | Extra-deep sockets and a bearing-saving stopper |
| Krown Tool | A spare in every bag | Simple T-tool in six colors |
Shop by Brand
- TGM Skateboards: The T-Tool, our best seller
- Spitfire: T3 all-in-one skate tool
- Bones: Keychain bearing press and puller
- Black Diamond: Griptape awl, file, roller, knife, and kits
- Independent: Reflex Threader, Bearing Saver T-Tool, and Bearing Press
- Prime8: Compact, ratchet, and coin-pocket tools plus universal adapters
- Pig: Tri Socket tools with axle threader
- Reflex: Utili-Threader and Triflex
- Slappy: ST1 and ST2 tools
- Ace: AF1 and Classic tools, re-threader dies, and adapters
- Krown: T-tools in six colors
- Modus: Service and Utility tools
- Olympia Supply: All-in-one T-tools
- Grind King: 6-N-1 pocket tool
- Paris: Multi Skate Tool
- Bronson: Bearing Press / Puller
- Mob: Grip Roller
FAQ
Will any skate tool fit my board?
Almost always. Kingpin nuts, axle nuts, and mounting hardware are standardized, so a tool with 3/8", 1/2", and 9/16" sockets fits virtually every skateboard and longboard.
Do I need a re-threader?
Only if your axle threads get damaged and nuts won't thread on smoothly. If you skate a lot, it's a handy extra.
Can I install bearings with a skate tool?
Some tools, like the Independent Reflex Threader and Reflex Utili-Threader, have a built-in bearing press. Otherwise, a dedicated press like the Bones Bearing Tool keeps your bearings safe.
Do I need special tools to grip a board?
Not strictly, but a roller, file, knife, and awl make the job faster and cleaner.
How tight should my axle nuts be?
There should be a little play (not 100% snug), with the wheel still spinning freely. Over-tightening can damage bearing shields.
Keep Building Your Setup
- How to Install Bearings
- How to Remove Skateboard Bearings
- How to Choose Skateboard Bearings
- Skateboard Truck Size Guide
- Skateboard Bushings Guide
- How to Choose Skateboard Risers
- How to Choose Skateboard Rails
- How to Choose Skateboard Wax
- Sizing Guide for Decks, Trucks, Wheels, Hardware, and Risers
Ready to tune up? Shop all skate tools.