Can I Buy Roller Skate Axle Nuts at the Hardware Store?
What size are skate axle nuts?
Yes of course!
Assuming you don't have 7mm roller skate axles such as Roll Line plates, there's only 2 things you need to know about getting axle nuts from the hardware store.
- Size: 5/16”-24 UNF
- Make sure you get the nylock nuts. Else they will fall off.
Why buy skate axle nuts in bulk from the hardware store?
Simple reason: I buy a lot and it's cheaper. Typically from a skate shop they will cost about $3 for a set of 4. Not such a big deal but remember we need twice as much, so it's more like $6 for a full set. Also not a huge deal. Okay fair enough, but from the hardware shop I can buy 25 for 3€.
Why would I want so many axle nuts?
From time to time you may need to replace your axle nuts if the nylon wears out. The easy way to know if your nuts need to be replaced is if you can unscrew them with just your fingers. So yes, probably one person does not need 25 nuts at a time, but within a community you'd be surprised how often a wheel will fall off because the nut is spent and the person never checks their skates. I like to keep a few spare axle nuts in my bag for when that happens. Please allow me to brag, in my local community this kind of tendency of mine has earned me a spot on the CiB Berlin Bingo card: (purple box, fourth row down and fourth column form left )
If your local community doesn't already have a weirdo who always has spare parts in their bag, consider buying some spares in bulk from the hardware store and being that person yourself! Just remember, 5/16”-24 UNF with nylock.
That's it. Have fun, be safe, and please tag me on Insta (@rollerskaterevival) if this helped you personalize your skates!