DIY Skate Bearing Removal Tools

I’m a mechanical engineer by trade, and it’s always bothered me that the bearing removal tools out there are either badly designed, missing features, or really expensive. As a result, everyone seems to just use an allen key to whack the bearings out, which makes it very easy to damage them.

So I developed this toolset that you can make yourself.

These are some fairly standard skateboard and rollerblade wheel, bearing, axle, and spacer dimensions. I don't have roller skates to measure, but from what I can find online, they're pretty similar.

These five tools will cover all the different size axles and spacers you'll find on rollerblades and skateboards. Make these using the tools and materials that are available to you.

If you have a lathe, it should be very easy. I used some oak dowels, a bandsaw and a carving knife to make mine. I’m sure it would work well to 3D print them.

The tolerances don’t matter all that much, you just want something between a sliding fit and a rattle fit. The main thing is to use a material that’s softer than steel.

To remove the first bearing, use either Tool C or Tool D, depending on which type of spacer is installed. In the diagram, it shows that you should pull on Tool C to pulls out the top bearing, but I've found that pushing on it to pop out the bottom bearing works just as well.

To remove the second bearing, flip the wheel around and use Tool E.

Don't use a hammer to whack on the tool. The tool presses on the inner race. The force has to go into the inner race, through the bearing balls, into the outer race. Where the balls press against the sides of the races are stress concentrations. If you strike the tool, the impact force can make dents in the races and/or the balls. This is bad for the bearings.

I made the handles on my tools oversized so that I can grip them tightly and squeeze the bearings out.

Use Tool A to install the first bearing.

Flip the wheel, insert the spacer, and install the second bearing using either Tool A again, or Tool B.

Don't use a hammer to whack on the tool.

Tighten the bolts (don't overtighten them) and go enjoy your new bearings!