8 Best Skate Hardware Sets For Equipment Upgrades

Walking into a skate shop for the first time can feel overwhelming when confronted with endless bins of small metal parts. Deciding between hardware sets is often the first real maintenance step a young skater takes toward owning their gear and understanding how it functions. Selecting the right bolts is a simple but vital investment in a child’s confidence and safety on the board.

Independent 1″ Phillips: The Reliable Standard for Kids

When a young skater begins to develop a consistent push or learns their first ollie, gear longevity becomes a primary concern. Independent hardware is the gold standard for durability, offering a no-nonsense design that holds up through the inevitable falls and pavement scrapes.

These bolts are ideal for children aged 7 to 10 who are transitioning from basic movement to practicing tricks. The consistent manufacturing ensures that the heads do not strip easily, which is crucial for parents who might be the ones tightening the bolts during the learning phase.

Bottom line: These are a “buy once, replace rarely” choice for parents looking to avoid constant maintenance.

Shorty’s Silverados: Color-Coded Bolts for Easy Setups

Younger children or beginners often struggle to differentiate between the front (nose) and back (tail) of their skateboard. Shorty’s Silverados solve this by using color-coded bolts, allowing a child to visually orient their board instantly.

This visual aid helps in the early stages of spatial awareness, reinforcing the difference between the front and back trucks. By simplifying the setup, these bolts allow the child to focus more on balance and foot positioning rather than the mechanical orientation of the board.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for beginners who need a visual reminder of their board’s orientation.

Diamond Supply Co. Hella Tight: Premium Durability Choice

As a skater hits the 11 to 14 age range, they often start skating with more intensity, hitting curbs and practicing landing impacts. Diamond Supply Co. hardware is engineered to withstand higher-stress environments without loosening.

If a child shows a genuine, long-term commitment to the sport, these bolts provide the reliability needed for more advanced progression. They are designed to stay flush with the board deck, which is vital for performing tricks that require precise foot placement.

Bottom line: Choose these if the child is skating daily and consistently practicing high-impact maneuvers.

Bones Wheels Hardware: High-Grade Steel for Young Pros

Bones is a name synonymous with high-performance skating, and their hardware is no exception. Using high-grade steel, these bolts offer a strength-to-weight ratio that appeals to pre-teens looking to refine their technical skills.

While perhaps an over-investment for a casual rider, this hardware is a great reward for a child who has mastered the basics and is moving into intermediate competitive play. The precision threading ensures that the nuts stay locked in place even when the board is subjected to heavy vibration.

Bottom line: A fantastic upgrade for the dedicated skater who understands the importance of precise equipment.

Shake Junt Phillips: Top Performance for Aspiring Skaters

Shake Junt hardware is known for its reliability and its massive popularity within the skate community. For a child who wants equipment that mirrors what their favorite pros ride, this brand offers a perfect balance of street credibility and genuine function.

These are an excellent middle-ground option for 9 to 12-year-olds who have outgrown their starter board but aren’t quite ready for “professional grade” expenses. They provide a sturdy, consistent platform that builds trust between the rider and the board.

Bottom line: The best pick for the kid who wants professional-looking gear that actually performs well.

Thunder Trucks Bolts: Heavy-Duty Quality for Big Landings

When a child starts learning to drop into ramps or jump off stairs, the hardware takes a significant beating. Thunder Trucks bolts are built with a focus on structural integrity, ensuring that the truck remains firmly attached during high-impact landings.

Because safety is paramount when moving into higher-risk terrain, investing in heavy-duty hardware is a preventative measure. This brand is particularly effective for larger boards used by older children or pre-teens with a more aggressive riding style.

Bottom line: A mandatory upgrade for children who are beginning to skate transition, ramps, or gaps.

Bronson Speed Co. G3 Set: Precision Engineering for Speed

Bronson is focused on the science of motion, and their hardware reflects a high level of engineering precision. These bolts are designed to be extremely flush, ensuring that the deck remains smooth and free of snags during complex footwork.

This level of hardware is best reserved for the 12 to 14-year-old skater who has moved past the learning curve and is focusing on refining their style and speed. It is an investment in the finer details of the sport that only an experienced skater will truly appreciate.

Bottom line: Ideal for the serious youth skater looking for the best in technical, low-profile performance.

Pig Wheels Selection: Affordable Quality for Newer Riders

Not every skater needs aerospace-grade hardware, especially in the early stages of development. Pig Wheels offers a cost-effective, durable solution that allows parents to support the hobby without breaking the bank.

These are perfect for the 5 to 8-year-old age range, where the child is primarily using the board for transportation and light cruising. When interests shift or the child outgrows their current deck size, these bolts represent a sensible financial decision.

Bottom line: A practical, reliable choice for the casual rider or the young beginner exploring the sport.

Choosing the Right Bolt Length for Your Child’s Setup

Selecting the right length is often more important than the brand of the hardware. For most standard skateboard setups, 7/8″ or 1″ bolts are the universal choice, fitting almost any deck and truck combination perfectly.

If a child adds “risers”—plastic pads placed between the truck and the board to prevent wheel bite—the hardware must be longer to compensate. Always check if the current deck setup has riser pads before purchasing, as 1.25″ or 1.5” hardware will be necessary to ensure the nut reaches the bolt thread.

Bottom line: Always check for riser pads before buying; if there are none, 1″ is the industry standard.

Phillips vs. Allen: Which Hardware Style Is Best for You?

The difference between Phillips (cross-head) and Allen (hex-head) hardware is purely about the tool required for maintenance. Phillips hardware is universal, allowing a skater to use a common household screwdriver if they lose their skate tool.

Allen hardware, conversely, is more resistant to stripping and is favored by intermediate and advanced skaters who tighten their trucks frequently. For younger children, Phillips is almost always recommended because the tools are easier to find in a standard garage, making it easier for parents to help with quick roadside repairs.

Bottom line: Start with Phillips for convenience; switch to Allen only if the skater frequently strips their bolt heads.

Supporting a child’s transition from a casual rider to a dedicated skater is a rewarding process that begins with understanding these small but vital components. By matching the hardware quality to the child’s actual level of commitment, parents can ensure the gear facilitates growth rather than hindering it. Selecting the right set now provides a stable foundation for years of confidence and skill development on the board.