How to Rotate Wheel Positions on Inline Skates

In this guide you'll learn how to rotate wheel positions on inline skates with either 3 or 4 wheels. The front and rear wheels typically wear down faster than the middle ones, and the wear pattern differs between the right and left skates. If you switch the position of your wheels in the right pattern, you’ll be able to enhance the performance and extend the lifespan of your wheels.

The methods presented here are guidelines. They are simple yet effective for maintaining a flat wheel setup and extending the life of your wheels. There are many ways to rotate wheels on inline skates, and you’ll likely develop your own preferences as you gain skill and refine your technique.

How to Rotate Wheels on 4-Wheel Inline Skates?

The most common method for swapping wheel positions on 4-wheeled inline skates involves swapping the two rear wheels on one skate with the two front wheels on the opposite skate as shown in the image above.

You can put a small piece of masking tape on each wheel and note the wheel’s original position to ensure that you do not mix anything up in the process.

Original wheel positions:

Left skate Right skate
1 Left 1 Right
2 Left 2 Right
3 Left 3 Right
4 Left 4 Right

Wheel positions after rotation:

Left skate Right skate
3 Right 3 Left
4 Right 4 Left
1 Right 1 Left
2 Right 2 Left
  • Note: Each wheel should be flipped. If the graphics were facing outward before rotation, they should be facing inward when remounted.

How to Rotate Wheels on 3-Wheel Inline Skates?

A good method for rotating wheel positions on 3-wheeled inline skates is shown in the image above. The goal is to ensure even wear across all six wheels to increase their lifespan.

There are various ways to rotate wheels on 3-wheeled skates. If you are new to triskates, the rotation pattern presented below is a great starting point.

You can put a small piece of masking tape on each wheel and note the wheel’s original position to ensure that you do not mix anything up in the process.

Original wheel positions:

Left skate Right skate
1 Left 1 Right
2 Left 2 Right
3 Left 3 Right

Wheel positions after rotation:

Left skate Right skate
3 Right 3 Left
1 Right 1 Left
2 Right 2 Left
  • Note: Each wheel should be flipped. If the graphics were facing outward before rotation, they should be facing inward when remounted.

What Tools Do I Need to Rotate Inline Skate Wheels?

You’ll need a 4 mm Allen key or Torx tool to remove and remount the wheels. Often, you’ll need two keys – one for each side of the wheel – to simultaneously hold both the female and male sides of the wheel bolts.

Skate tools are incredibly handy for rotating wheel positions on inline skates, as they typically include everything you need to assemble and disassemble your skates. Find one here:

Learn how to remove inline wheels in this guide:

How Often Do I Need to Rotate Wheels on Inline Skates?

The frequency with which you need to rotate your wheels depends on how frequently you skate, the surfaces you skate on, and your technique.

You'll know it's time to rotate your wheels when the centerline starts to shift away from the middle. For some skaters, this could mean rotating the wheels after each session, while for others, it may only be necessary a few times during the season.

It only takes five minutes to rotate your wheels once you’ve gotten used to doing it.

If you're wondering whether it's time to get new wheels or new skates, you could check out the following guide:

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