You’re probably familiar with gun oil as a lubricant for firearms. But did you know that gun oil has many other uses beyond guns?

Gun oil is a type of lubricant that’s designed to reduce friction and protect metal surfaces from rust and corrosion. It’s typically made from a blend of petroleum-based oils, synthetic oils, and additives that give it its unique properties.

Gun oil is commonly used for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting firearms, but it can also be used for other applications such as fishing reels, bicycles, and even skateboard bearings. That leads us to the question: Can you use gun oil for skateboard bearings?

Yes…… But there are some things you need to know.

Let’s dive in and find out. Skateboard bearings are small metal balls that fit inside the wheels of a skateboard.

They allow the wheels to spin freely while reducing friction between the wheel and axle. Proper lubrication is essential to keep your skateboard bearings spinning smoothly and prevent damage or wear over time.

Without proper lubrication, your skateboard bearings can seize up or become noisy when riding, which can negatively affect your skating experience. Given this knowledge about skateboarding bearings, it makes sense to wonder if gun oil could work as an alternative option for keeping them moving smoothly.

The purpose of skateboard bearings

The main purpose of skateboard bearings is to reduce friction between the wheel and axle. Without bearings, you would have to push your skateboard constantly just to get it moving because there would be too much friction between the wheel and axle. Bearings also help you achieve higher speeds by reducing drag and making your board glide smoothly along surfaces.

The importance of proper lubrication for skateboard bearings

Proper lubrication is crucial for keeping your skateboard bearings in good condition. Without proper lubrication, your bearings can become clogged with debris or rusted over time which can cause them to slow down or even stop working altogether.

Lubricating your skateboard bearings regularly helps prevent wear and tear on the metal components and ensures they continue to spin smoothly for longer periods of time. Knowing what skateboard bearings are, how they work, and why they need proper lubrication is essential knowledge for any skater who wants to keep their board rolling smoothly for as long as possible.

The intended use of gun oil

The main purpose of gun oil is to lubricate the moving parts of a firearm. Guns have many different components that need to move smoothly in order for the gun to function properly.

Without proper lubrication, these parts can become damaged or even break over time. Gun oil also helps protect guns from rust, which can occur when moisture gets inside the barrel or other parts of the gun.

Popular brands of gun oil

Some popular brands of gun oil include Hoppe’s No. 9, Break-Free CLP, Rem Oil, and Ballistol. Each brand has its own unique formula, but they all serve the same purpose: keeping firearms in good condition.

Hoppe’s No. 9 has been around for over 100 years and is known for its strong smell (some people love it!).

Break-Free CLP is a popular choice for those looking for an all-in-one cleaner, lubricant, and protectant product. Rem Oil is another long-standing brand that’s known for its versatility and effectiveness in preventing rust.

Ballistol is an eco-friendly option made from natural ingredients such as mineral oil and fatty acid esters. While these brands are all marketed towards firearms owners, some skateboarders wonder if they can use gun oil on their bearings instead of skate-specific lubricants…

The Pros and Cons of Using Gun Oil for Skateboard Bearings

If you’re a skateboarder, you may have heard that gun oil is a good lubricant for your skateboard bearings. But before you use it, there are some pros and cons to consider. One of the pros is that gun oil is designed to reduce friction and wear, which makes it an effective lubricant for skateboard bearings.

It’s also readily available at most gun shops or sporting goods stores, so it’s easy to find. Plus, it’s often cheaper than other lubricants designed specifically for skateboarding.

On the other hand, one of the cons is that gun oil isn’t formulated specifically for skateboard bearings and may not provide optimal performance. In fact, using the wrong type of oil can cause damage to your bearings.

Another potential risk of using gun oil on your skateboard bearings is that it’s not water-resistant and can attract dust and dirt. This can lead to increased friction and wear on your bearings over time.

Additionally, some types of gun oil may contain chemicals or detergents that could damage or break down the plastic or rubber components in your skateboard bearings. So while using gun oil may seem like a quick fix solution to lubricate your skateboard bearings, there are risks involved that could ultimately harm your board’s performance in the long run.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to use gun oil on your skateboard bearings depends on what you’re comfortable with and what works best for you. However, it’s important to weigh both the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

Alternatives to using gun oil for skateboard bearings

The right lube for the ride

While gun oil may seem like a quick fix, there are lubricants specifically designed for skateboarding that offer distinct benefits over using gun oil. Some popular alternatives include Bones Speed Cream, SKF Speed Lube, and Bronson Speed Co. High-Speed Lubricant.

Bones Speed Cream is a popular choice among skateboarders due to its ability to reduce friction while increasing speed and durability. This specially formulated lubricant is designed to provide long-lasting protection to your skateboard bearings while also keeping them clean.

Unlike some other lubricants on the market, Bones Speed Cream is also waterproof which ensures consistent performance in all weather conditions. SKF Speed Lube is another favorite among skateboarders thanks to its ability to reduce friction and prevent rust.

This high-quality lubricant is made with a special formula that penetrates deep into the bearing’s surface, providing maximum protection against wear and tear. Additionally, it has an environmentally friendly formula which makes it safe for both you and the planet.

Bronson Speed Co. High-Speed Lubricant rounds out our list of alternatives thanks to its ability to provide unparalleled speed and durability on the street or at the park. Its unique formula offers maximum protection against rust and corrosion while also reducing friction between your bearings, allowing you to ride faster with less effort.

Why choosing specific lubes matters

While gun oil may seem like an easy solution for your skateboard bearings’ needs, there are several reasons why choosing specific lubes matters. For starters, lubes made specifically for skateboarding often have unique formulations that are designed specifically for this use case. Using a non-specific lube could lead to increased wear and tear on your bearings or even damage them entirely.

Another reason why using specific skateboarding lubes matters is because they often offer distinct benefits not found in other types of lubes. For example, Bones Speed Cream’s waterproof formula ensures consistent performance in all weather conditions while Bronson Speed Co. High-Speed Lubricant is specifically designed to provide unparalleled speed and durability on the streets or at the park.

Overall, while it may be tempting to reach for that bottle of gun oil that’s been sitting in your garage, choosing a specific lubricant made for skateboarding is ultimately the best choice. Not only will you prolong the life of your bearings, but you’ll also experience increased speed and durability on your next ride!

How to properly lubricate your skateboard bearings

Cleaning and lubricating skateboard bearings is crucial for optimal performance. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your skateboard bearings are clean and well-lubricated, allowing for a smoother ride.

Clean the Bearings

The first step in properly lubricating your skateboard bearings is to clean them. Begin by removing the axle nut and wheel from each truck. Using a skate tool or wrench, remove the bearing shield from each bearing.

Place all of the bearings into a container of solvent, such as acetone or rubbing alcohol. Swish the container around to remove any dirt or debris from the bearings.

Once the bearings are clean, remove them from the solvent and use a paper towel or cloth to dry them off completely. Be sure not to touch the inside of the bearing with your fingers, as this can leave oils that will attract dirt and debris.

Lubricate the Bearings

After cleaning your bearings thoroughly, it’s time to lubricate them. Apply one small drop of lubricant onto each side of each bearing ball (four drops per bearing).

Then place one bearing into its respective wheel and reattach it to its respective truck axle. Repeat with all of your skateboard wheels.

Once you have placed all of your wheels back on their respective trucks, give them a spin by hand to evenly distribute the lubricant throughout each bearing. Replace each wheel’s axle nut tightly onto its truck axle using a skate tool or wrench.

Tips for Optimal Performance

To ensure optimal performance after cleaning and lubing your skateboard bearings:

• Do not over-lubricate: excessive oil can actually cause more harm than good.
• Clean and re-lubricate every 2-4 weeks depending on how often you skate and the conditions you skate in.
• Invest in a high-quality bearing lubricant designed specifically for skateboarding to ensure long-lasting performance.
• Avoid skating in wet conditions, as this can cause water damage and rust.

By following these simple steps and tips, your skateboard bearings will remain clean, well-lubricated, and performing at their best.

I will say that I do have some boards that I’ve never cleaned or lubed the bearings and they are doing great so don’t overcomplicate things.

Conclusion

After reviewing the pros and cons of using gun oil for skateboard bearings, it is not recommended to use this lubricant. While gun oil can work in a pinch, there are better lubricants that are specifically designed for skateboard bearings. These alternative options offer superior performance and will help extend the life of your bearings.

When it comes to skateboarding, proper maintenance is key to ensuring that your board performs at its best. This includes regularly cleaning and lubricating your bearings with a high-quality lubricant.

While it may be tempting to use gun oil because you already have it on hand, investing in a suitable skateboard-bearing lubricant will pay off in the long run. If you want to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your skateboard bearings, avoid using gun oil and opt for a high-quality skateboarding-specific bearing lubricant instead.

By taking care of your board and its components properly, you can enjoy many hours of smooth riding and tricks. Happy skating!