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The toughest thing about replacing grip tape on a skateboard is removing the diabolically strong glue that keeps your old grip tape stuck to it. Nonetheless, there is an effective method. This page reveals How to Remove Grip Tape from a Skateboard.
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The toughest thing about replacing grip tape on a skateboard is removing the diabolically strong glue that keeps your old grip tape stuck to it. Nonetheless, there is an effective method. This page reveals How to Remove Grip Tape from a Skateboard.
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Introduction
- There isn't much maintenance involved with a skateboard deck. If it snaps in two, there's nothing to do except cry and get a new one. However, if a piece of grip tape gets torn off, or if its traction has worn down, you may want to replace it. Grip tape is the sandpaper-like surface material that keeps your feet from slipping. Removing old grip tape can be a real hassle, but there is an effective approach that won't cause you too much grief.
What You'll Need
- Collect the following items from around your home or the hardware store:
- Hairdryer.
- Single-edged razor blade.
- Screwdriver (phillips-head or allen-head—whichever fits the bolts holding the trucks to the deck).
- 3/8" socket wrench.
Getting it Off
- With all the abuse skateboards go though, the glue that golds on grip tape has to be extremely tough. The key to removing it is heat.
- Using the screwdriver and socket wrench, loosen the truck bolts and remove the trucks from the deck.
- Put a hairdryer on "high" and aim it at the griptape stuck to your board.
- Keep it trained on the board for three to five minutes.
- This will soften up the glue that holds it to the wood.
- Use the single-edged razor blade to lift a corner the griptape.
- Tug slowly on the griptape and remove as much as possible in one piece.
- If it won't come entirely off, tug the flap while continuing heat the remaining grip tape.
- If it breaks off, just begin the process again with the remaining grip tape.
- Scrape off any stubborn small pieces with the razor.
- See How to Put Grip Tape on a Skateboard.
Resources for How to Remove Grip Tape from a Skateboard
- Yahoo! Answers: How do you remove grip tape?
- Life Tips: How Do I Remove Grip Tape from My Skateboard?
