Skateboard Accessories: Everything You Need for Your Setup

Most skaters focus on the deck and trucks, but it’s the accessories that actually determine how a skateboard performs in real conditions. Walking into a skate shop and choosing the right accessories means significantly improving your experience, whether you’re just starting out or have been skating for years.

Especially during real sessions, small components like skateboard hardware, bushings, or tools can make the difference between a setup that feels consistent and one that becomes unpredictable under pressure.

From skate tools to riser pads, including screws, bearings, and small parts, every component has a direct impact on how your board feels under your feet.

At Pleasures Milano, you’ll find a complete selection of skate parts designed to meet every real-world need: maintenance, assembly, adjustment, and upgrades.

It’s not just about having more choice, but about having the right products—tested and used every day on the streets and in skateparks, where setups are constantly exposed to impacts, rough surfaces, and repeated stress from tricks and daily riding.

From a simple set of screws to the most technical tools, everything you need to keep your skateboard always ready to ride.

If you want to avoid problems during a session, improve the durability of your setup, or simply have more control over every component of your board, choosing the right accessories is essential. And among them all, there’s one you can never be without: the skate tool.

Skate tool: the essential tool for every skater

The skate tool is the most important accessory you can always have with you. Without a skate tool, even the simplest adjustment becomes a problem: tightening the trucks, changing a wheel, or fixing a screw, especially when something comes loose after a heavy landing or during a long street session far from home.

The classic T-shaped skate tool is the most common and widely used because it packs everything you need into a single compact tool. It includes wrenches for wheel nuts, kingpins, and deck screws, as well as a screwdriver and Allen wrench.

It’s practical, affordable, and works perfectly for most skaters, especially if you’re just starting out or want something simple to always carry in your backpack.

There are also more advanced skate tools, made entirely of metal, which are more compact and durable over time. These models eliminate plastic parts and offer a more solid feel during use, making them ideal for those who skate frequently and want a more reliable tool.

Advanced skate tools: durability and precision upgrades

Moving up a level, we find skate tools with an integrated thread cutter, designed for those who use their skateboard more intensively.

This system allows you to restore damaged truck axle threads, a common issue caused by overtightening or repeated impact on axle nuts, avoiding the need to replace expensive components. It’s a technical solution, very useful if you perform tricks frequently and put a lot of stress on the equipment.

Finally, there are tools with an integrated ratchet, like some top-of-the-line models, which allow you to work faster and with less effort. They are more expensive, but they offer a superior level of comfort and precision, especially when you need to assemble or disassemble your skateboard multiple times.

Regardless of the model you choose, one thing is certain: always having a skate tool with you means being able to fix any problem on the spot, without missing a session due to a loose screw or a misaligned truck. It’s one of those skateboard accessories that truly makes the difference between an interrupted session and a trouble-free day of skating.

Kingpins, bolts, and pivot cups: small skateboard accessories that make all the difference

When it comes to setup components, people often think of the main parts first, but it’s actually the small parts like kingpins, bolts, and pivot cups that make the difference between a session that keeps going and one that ends sooner than expected.

The kingpin is the heart of the truck: it’s the central pin that holds the entire structure together and controls how the truck responds in turns. It works under constant stress during turns, landings, and compressions, and even the slightest deformation of the thread can change the truck’s response.

If it gets damaged or breaks, you can no longer skate, and without a spare part, and this usually happens at the worst moment—mid-session, when you’re far from tools or spare parts.

Always carrying a spare kingpin, along with bolts and axle nuts, is a smart move, especially if you skate often or perform tricks that put stress on the trucks.

Pivot cups, on the other hand, are one of the most underrated parts: they’re those small rubber or polyurethane inserts that allow the truck to move smoothly within the baseplate. When they wear out, the skateboard loses precision and becomes less controllable, often creating unwanted play or a “clicking” feeling during turns.

Serious skaters know that these skateboard parts aren’t optional—they’re an integral part of maintenance. Keeping a few spares in your backpack means you won’t waste time, won’t interrupt your session, and will keep your setup performing at its best. In our shop, you’ll find all the skateboard parts you need—from bolts to pivot cups—to keep your board ready to ride at all times.

Skateboard bushings: control, stability, and feel underfoot

Skateboard bushings are one of the most important components of your setup for defining how the board behaves. They determine how much the truck turns, how stable it is, and how responsive it feels underfoot. Choosing the right bushings means completely changing the feel of your skateboard without having to change the board or trucks.

Bushings come in different hardness levels, but also in different shapes, mainly barrel and conical, which influence rebound, stability, and turning response in different ways.

Softer bushings make the skateboard more responsive and easier to turn, perfect for street skating or those seeking a smoother feel.

Harder bushings, on the other hand, offer greater stability, ideal for higher speeds, skateparks, or heavier riders. The choice depends on your weight, your style, and how you want the skateboard to respond.

As a general rule, riders under 65 kg perform better with softer durometers (80A–85A), while those over 80 kg should opt for 90A–95A to maintain stability.

Many skaters underestimate these skateboard accessories, but changing your bushings can drastically improve control and precision. In our catalog, you’ll find skateboard bushings in various hardnesses from top brands, so you can set up your trucks exactly how you want. Whether you want a more stable or more responsive skateboard, bushings are the first upgrade to make.

Shock pads and riser pads: protection, height, and skateboard control

Shock pads and riser pads are essential skateboard accessories for improving comfort and performance, especially when you start pushing harder or using larger wheels.

Riser pads increase the distance between the deck and the trucks, raising the skateboard and reducing the risk of wheel bite—that is, when the wheel touches the deck during a turn and suddenly stops you. Standard riser sizes include 1/8” and 1/4”, and choosing the correct height depends on wheel size and truck geometry.

This problem is very common when you mount larger wheels or when you skate with low trucks. Adding a riser pad allows you to increase the space between the wheel and the deck and significantly reduce the risk of wheel bite, especially with wheels over 54–56 mm during turns, particularly on cruisers, longboards, or softer setups.

Shock pads, on the other hand, serve a function more related to impact absorption: they reduce vibrations and stress on the deck’s wood, improving comfort during use.

If you’re doing gaps, drops, or skating on hard surfaces, they become even more important. Not only do they protect your setup, but they also improve the overall feel underfoot.

Skate wax: wax for better grinding on any surface

Skate wax is one of the most underrated skate accessories for beginners, yet it’s absolutely essential for anyone who wants to truly improve their grinds and slides. It’s not just about making a wall “slide more,” but about controlling the friction between the trucks, the board, and the surface, making every maneuver smoother, more consistent, and more predictable.

Using a skate wax specifically designed for skateboarding is essential. Generic paraffin waxes or candles aren’t designed for this purpose and often don’t deliver the same performance, plus they wear out faster or leave behind hard-to-control residue. Skate waxes are formulated to adhere better to urban surfaces like marble, concrete, and metal, immediately improving the quality of your grinds.

Applying the wax correctly allows you to transform even a rough spot into something skateable. With the right amount, you can adjust the level of glide without losing control, avoiding both the “stuck” feeling and excessive slipperiness.

Metal requires less wax than rough concrete, where layering is often necessary to achieve a controlled and consistent slide.

Skateboard rails: more slides, more control, longer board life

Skateboard rails are increasingly popular accessories, especially among those who want to improve their board’s glide and protect the wood during use. They mount under the deck and reduce direct friction between the board and the surface, significantly improving slides and tricks on walls, rails, and ledges.

In addition to facilitating slides, rails also serve an important protective function. They prevent the graphics and, above all, the wood of the board from wearing out too quickly during use, increasing the overall lifespan of the deck. This is particularly useful if you skate often on the street or on abrasive surfaces.

In terms of feel, rails change the board’s behavior: they make slides faster and less “stuck,” but they also require a bit of adjustment to find the right control. Once you get used to them, they become an accessory that can significantly improve your skating, especially when performing technical tricks.

They’re easy to install, available in various sizes and colors, but their function remains the same: to increase smoothness and protect the board. If you’ve never tried them, they can radically change the way you slide the board, especially on technical ledges and rough surfaces.

Skateboard bolts (hardware): stability, safety, and proper installation

Skateboard bolts, also known as hardware, are one of those skateboard accessories that are often taken for granted, but are actually essential for the safety and stability of your setup.

They’re what hold the deck and trucks together, and if they aren’t of the right quality or installed correctly, they can completely compromise the board’s response. Improper tightening can create micro-play between the trucks and deck, which over time reduces stability and precision during tricks.

Screws come in various lengths, generally ranging from 7/8” to 1 1/2”, and the choice depends directly on the type of setup you use. If you install riser pads or shock pads, for example, you’ll need longer screws to compensate for the added thickness. Using the wrong size can cause tightening issues or even damage the board.

From a technical standpoint, the material is also important: high-quality screws offer greater resistance to impacts and vibrations, preventing them from loosening during a session. Some skaters prefer hardware with colored heads to easily identify the nose of the board, improving orientation and control.

Skateboard maintenance: how to keep your setup performing at its best

Skateboard maintenance is a fundamental aspect that’s often overlooked, yet it directly impacts the performance and lifespan of all components. A well-maintained skateboard not only performs better but is also safer and more predictable underfoot.

Regularly checking the bolts, the condition of the trucks, the bushings, and the bearings allows you to avoid problems during your session. Tightening the nuts, replacing worn components, and cleaning the parts most exposed to dirt are simple yet essential tasks.

Even small details, such as a worn pivot cup or a bushing that’s too soft, can completely change the board’s behavior. That’s why it’s important to know your setup and take action when something isn’t working as it should.

Skateboard Accessories: Complete and Tested Selection by Pleasures Milano 

Choosing the right skateboard accessories isn’t just a matter of comfort, but of control, durability, and real performance under your feet. Every component, even the smallest one, directly affects how the board responds when you start pushing, turning, or landing a trick. That’s why it makes no sense to leave anything to chance: a well-maintained setup is what lets you skate better, longer, and without any surprises.

Pleasures Milano is an independent skate shop that’s been around since 1999, and everything you find in our catalog is the result of years of real-world use on the street and in skateparks, along with continuous product testing.

We test products on the street and in skateparks, we assemble them every day, and we know exactly what really works and what doesn’t. We don’t select skateboard accessories based on marketing, but on how they perform under pressure, session after session.

In our store, you’ll find a complete selection of skateboard accessories designed for every skill level: from beginners putting together their first setup to the most experienced skaters looking for reliable components so they never have to stop. If you’re unsure what to choose, you can contact us directly: we’ll help you build a skateboard that matches your style, without any unnecessary mistakes.

If you want to learn more, our blog features comprehensive technical guides on how to choose and assemble every part of a skateboard. And if you’d rather get started right away without any hassle, we can also ship your skateboard already assembled and ready to ride.