How Can I Put My Fingerboard Trucks On So They Don't Fall Off?

So you’ve put your trucks on the deck but they won’t stay on… what do you do? Inserting tiny screws with a tiny tool can sometimes be difficult. If your trucks aren’t screwed on properly, they may come loose and fall while riding (and you definitely don't want that). 

At Teak Tuning, we want all of our customers to be satisfied with the Teak Tuning products they receive and, most importantly, foster and grow a love for fingerboarding! (and you can't do that with loose trucks!)

We hope this quick guide can help get you riding! Here are some troubleshooting tips and tricks if your trucks won’t stay on your fingerboard deck.

Make sure the trucks are flat and even against the deck

Once you screw your trucks on, turn your fingerboard over and check to see what they look like. There should be no gap between the deck and bottom of the trucks. The bottom of the trucks should sit evenly and flat against the deck. If it is not flat and even, identify which screw is the problem, take it out, and carefully put it back in.

Screw your screws into the deck in a specific order

The order that you screw in your screws can make a difference! Each truck has four holes. Start with the top left and then move to the bottom right (in an X pattern). By doing this, you will even out the trucks under the deck and decrease the likelihood of crooked screws. For example, if you screw the top two screws in very tight, the bottom of the truck will be raised and you may not be able to screw in the bottom two screws evenly.

Screw in lightly, then tightly

First, screw in all of the screws lightly (following the X pattern above), and then check that the truck is sitting flush. Once it is flush, tighten the screws. This will help you ensure that your trucks are sitting flat and even before tightening the screws.

Check the deck thickness

Our screws are compatible with all Teak Tuning decks but they may not fit decks that are thicker than standard decks. If you think your deck is too thick for standard screws, our extra long stainless steel (6mm) screws will work great.

Consider getting a new (and better) fingerboard tool for future setups

All Teak Tuning fingerboard completes and trucks include a free standard fingerboard tool. This tool works great and should get the job done! However, if you have larger hands, trembling hands, or are new to setting up small parts, it can be challenging to work with such a small tool. 

If you’re in need of additional assistance, here are our recommendations for tools and gadgets that can make the setup process fast and easy:

Engraved Fingerboard Repair Kit

If you’re having problems with your truck setup, this tool kit is a game changer. This tool kit includes two large tool handles with interchangeable bits. These are significantly easier to grip, twist, and use due to their size. In addition, the bits are lightly magnetic and will stick to the hardware. 

This tool kit includes:

• Engraved case

• Two tools with multiple lightly magnetic bits

• 2 spare lock nuts

• 2 sheets of foam tape

You can order this engraved tool kit here! 

 Fingerboard Complete Builder Vise Tool

The Teak Tuning Complete Builder Vise acts as a steady "third hand" to assist you while making tuning or deck modifications, and for building or tearing down complete setups. This tool is made of durable urethane material. It's equipped with non-scratch white clamp jaws, and resin truck centering fixtures, for a firm hold on the fingerboard when making adjustments.

You can order this vise tool here!