Silent Slides: The Secret to Deep-Sixing the Screech

[Paul from cambridge]

The "silen slide" is advantageous for more than just stealth factor:

It grips more and slides more controlably doesn't slow you down or hook up harshly like riding a softer duro.

I still try to get my wheels to spin just as fast. If it spins less that means there is some side load on the bearings and they arn't supposed to deal with that. I also have never had a flat spot and I fear I would start if my wheels were to tight. I use spacers that that are (ever so slightly) extra wide or I shim my biltins. (just because the spacers are precise doesn't mean the wheels are. I may start machining my wheels haha)

[Brian Holden]

So I tried this idea out with biltins, and still got a lot of noise and screeching, how hard do you tighten the nuts down? Till the wheels dont spin?

[Crappysurfer]

what wheels are you using?
i have mine tightened down all the way and they still spin and are relatively silent

[Longbord1]

CRANK EM DOWN!!

a soft riser also does wonders for that smooth slide!

[AJ]

hey guys bring me a counter bore to face all my 8mm trucks when you come up for Chalet!

[Crappysurfer]

bring me ian comishin and i'll bring a counterbore

[mediocrityman]

Why would anyone want silent slides?
I like noise.
It's one of my many senses.

[savage2424]

Bearing press + steel spacers (or Biltins) + faced hangers = vewwy qwiet

which way did he go george, which way did he go?

[Brian Holden]

what wheels are you using?
i have mine tightened down all the way and they still spin and are relatively silent

ew superballs slide a with biltins

[N88]

I'm sure we're all familiar with that super-loud screeching noise that happens when you bust a sweet slide on hard wheels.

I'm sure your parents and neighbors are also familiar with that super-loud screeching noise when those damn kids decide to ride their weird-looking skateboards at 3 in the morning.

After seeing someone at the NYC slide comp (crappysurfer? I can't recall precisely who) sliding their board in near-silence, I was intrigued. Apparently the boy had biltins and tight axle nuts.

I thought about getting myself some biltins, but decided to try to find a DIY solution first because I'm cheap (rolling on mini logos) and biltins are hard to find. Accordingly, I whipped out my skate tool.

After making sure my wheels were properly spaced (this is really important here; word to Mark at Mile High for facing the trucks and including spacers on the EW drifter complete) and washered, I cranked my axle nuts down on the whole assembly until there was absolutely no play and went to go slide. (Note: your wheels are going to spin less when you spin them with your hand. This has no effect on how fast they roll.)

Now it slides silently and rolls quietly. 2AM slide sessions; here I come! Try it for yourself.

i was wondering if this helps you guys with maintaing slides longer, or if it makes them last shorter, do you find a difference in slide lenghts using tight nuts, no pun,

[mcgoon]

You're board will feel smoother in everey respect. Initiating slides, hooking back up, caressing it in the night....

[Brian Holden]

what wheels are you using?
i have mine tightened down all the way and they still spin and are relatively silent

I had biltins that were super dirty. Just cleaned them yesterday and it was like a sandbox fell out of them. They ride as good as new now, and are super silent.

[RastamanD]

BUMP

i just put some spacers in my corchia...dayum its way quieter. plus slides feel smoother and more predictable. all i need are some slide a's and i think i got this set-up dialed.

[.secrets]

i personally like the loud screech. When sliding you can get the attention of all.


"What the hell are those damn kids doing??" - random grandma passing by

[AJ]

this thread deserves a bump.

you noobs should know better.