Table Of Contents

• What do Pleasure Tool Bearings look like?
• How do I get the old bearings out of my existing wheels?
• What's the difference between Shields and Seals?
• How do I remove the Shields for servicing?
• How do I remove the seals for servicing?
• When do I service my bearings and how do I service them?
• Is Synthetic-based Gel better then Petroleum-based Grease?
• How are Pleasure Tool Bearings lubricated?
• I have Quad Skates.  Do I need the 627 bearings or the regular 608 bearings?
• What is the advantage of Ceramic ball bearings?
• Will your bearings fit my skates and skateboard? what's the physical dimensions?
• I have Heely shoes. Will any of your bearings fit my Heelys?
• What's the difference between the ABEC bearing ratings?
• What is a Inner race Step and what are the advantages of this feature?
• Why don't my new bearings spin free?
• How can Pleasure Tool Bearings sell bearings at this incredible price?

Question : What do Pleasure Tool Bearings look like?
Answer : Embossed with ABEC rating and "Pleasure Tool" trade mark. Manufactured with Deep grove raceways for lateral stability during maneuvers such as making crossover strides and split second hockey turns in skates and demanding slalom courses on skateboards. Polished Mirror finish that adds to that frictionless feeling.

Question : How do I get the old bearings out of my existing wheels?
Answer : Your need a Wheel/Bearing Removal Tool. This tool is two tools is one. One, used to remove wheels from you skates and two, used to remove bearings from the wheel. It has an allen wrench at each end and a bearing remover in the center. Looking at the picture, use the bent allen wrench on the left when you need extra torque to loosen a tight axle bolt. Use the allen wrench on the right for quick extraction of the axle bolt once its loose.. The bearing pusher/remover is that part perpendicular to the allen wrench. It's round and has a diameter equal to the  inside diameter of the bearing race followed by a slightly larger diameter. When you push this part of the tool against one of the bearing spacers that's in between the bearings on the wheel, the bearing and bearing spacer will pop out the opposite side. Turn the wheel around and push the opposite side bearing from the inside.  From scooters to skateboards the Wheel/ Bearing Removal Tool can assist with the bearing cleaning and servicing process plus help make it easier for you to maintain and extend the life of your bearings.

Question : What's the difference between bearings that have Shields and bearings with Seals?
Answer : A Shield is a bearing side cover made of metal and is fixed into place with a C clip. The C clip holds the Shield snugly to the bearing against the outer race. The Shield fits snug to the outer race but does not contact the inner race at all. Because the Shield does not contact the inner race, the Shield does not introduce any bearing rolling friction. So, there is a small gap between the inner side of the Shield and the outer side of the inner race. This gap allows dirt, grim and other contaminants to enter the bearing. You will know when a bearing becomes contaminated when you feel and here a sandy grind when you spin the bearing. Because of this gap, Shielded bearings are known for higher maintenance. If you skate or skateboard in a clean environment (indoors) or don't mind servicing your bearing often, then Shielded bearings are the way to go. The Shielded bearing is the most common bearing found on new skates and skateboards.

A Seal is a bearing side cover made of metal with a rubber coating. The Sealed bearing does not us a C clip. The Seal is pressed and fits snugly into place on the outer race and makes very light contact on the outer side of the inner race. Because the rubber seal makes light contact to the inner race a small amount of bearing rolling friction is introduced. The amount of friction introduced is minimal and is not generally noticed. Because no gaps are present between the Seal and races, dirt, grim and other contaminants are not allowed into the bearing, giving you many hours of maintenance free skating or skateboarding. If you skate or skateboard in a dirty environment or do not want to service your bearings then a bearing with Seals is the way to go. The Seal on a Sealed bearing can easily be removed in case service is required.

Question : How do I remove shields for bearing maintenance?
Answer :

    The only tool you'll need to remove shields is a straight pin. A C clip that holds the shield into place needs to be removed. The C clip is snuggled up into the outer race.  The ends of the C clip has points such that one of them is tapered in the direction that will allow a straight pin to hook on to. You can see this tapered C clip in the photo. Hook your straight pin on the end of the C clip and pry it towards the center of the bearing. The C clip should simply pop out. You can only do this to one end of the C clip, so if you're having trouble then try the other end. The lubrication gel may hold the shield into place but you can usually shake it out. If not, use your straight pin to dislodge it.

Question : How do I remove seals for bearing maintenance?
Answer :

    The only  tool you'll need to remove seals is a straight pin. Stick your straight pin directly in between the seal and outer race just enough to get a good grip. Then pry it straight up and out. Its very easy and does not damage the seal or bearing. These photos should help. To replace, simply press into place.

Question : How do I know when my bearings need to be serviced and how do I service them.
Answer : Inline skate Bearings require servicing when you can here and feel a sandy grind when you spin the wheel, or if the wheel turns with a variable amount of friction. You will need to remove the contaminants from the inside of the bearing. To do this you first need to remove the Shields or Seals depending on the bearing type you have. Click "Removing Your Shields" or "Removing your Seals" for a complete description on this procedure. 

Using the Pleasure Tool Bearing Cleaning Kit

Insert the bearings on the bearing suspension system attached to the lid of the jar, add water and only 1/4th of the concentrated citrus degreaser and shake. The kit has lines on the jar and bottle to help measure the proper ratio of water and degreaser with out having to measure. The cleaning kit has a bearing suspension system that provides the following features. One, holds bearings suspended off the bottom of the jar where all the contaminants will settle. Two, the bearings are held separated and secure for more effective, less damaging cleaning. Your bearings will come out truly sparkling clean.

The citrus degreaser is Bio-Degradable, Non-Flammable, and Harmless to normal skin. The bottle of citrus degreaser contains enough degreaser concentrate for 20 fl oz. of degreaser. Enough for 4 fresh bearing cleanings. Bottle and Jar marked for easy measuring.

The bearing cleaning kit contains -

1. Cleaning jar with bearing suspension system.

2. Concentrated citrus degreaser for 4 fresh cleanings.

3. Wheel/Bearing removal tool.

4. Straight pin to assist in removing the seals or shields.

5. Pleasure Tool stickers.

6. Complete detailed instructions.

When you're done, you will notice how clean and free spinning your bearings have become. Cool.
Use your favorite lubrication, replace the shields or seals and you're off.

Question : Is Synthetic-based Gel better then Petroleum-based Grease?
Answer : Petroleum-based gel is made from refined crude oil and contains impurities that can not be removed. Synthetic gel is man made and is blended from various chemicals and has molecules that are uniform in weight and shape. Due to the uniform molecular structure, synthetic gel has the following advantages -

• Synthetic gel is more slippery than petroleum based grease because of the uniform length of synthetic gel molecules allows them to slip and slide more easily over each other. The result is reduced friction and a faster spinning bearing
• Synthetic gel vaporizes at higher temperatures than Petroleum based grease. Synthetic gel runs smoother at all temperatures whereas petroleum based grease forms deposits at high temperatures and solidifies at low temperatures. If you use petroleum-based grease, your bearings will eventually gum up.
• Synthetic gel has greater film strength than petroleum grease. This means that synthetic gel is less likely to be pushed out from between two metal surfaces where there's a lot of pressure. Greater film strength protects bearing parts longer and better.

Synthetic gel is more expensive than petroleum based varieties but the performance advantages far exceed the cost. Synthetic gel, lasts longer, lubricates better and will give you a competitive edge.

Question : How are Pleasure Tool Bearings lubricated?
Answer : Pleasure Tool Bearings are lubricated using thin synthetic-based gel. We have found that bearings lubricated using oils, leak from the bearing while in use by centrifugal force and oil becomes deposited on adjacent parts. This leaked oil attracts dirt and grim and can contaminate your bearings quickly. When you wipe the dirt and grim off from the side of the bearing you only push it further into the bearing. You know your bearings are contaminated when you feel and here a sandy grind when you spin the bearing. A light gel does not leak from the bearing thus it will not attract dirt and grim to the sides of the bearings thus keeping your bearings cleaner for longer and maintenance free. We have found that not all skaters and skateboarders like servicing their bearings thus we provide a bearing that will last with very little service and maintenance. In time your bearings may need to be serviced.

Question : I have Quad Skates. Do I need the 627 bearings or the regular 608 bearings?
Answer : Some Quad Skates take 627 bearings but some Quad Skates take the 608 bearings which are the same bearings in inline skates and skateboards.  The only difference between the two bearings are the inner diameter.  On 627 bearings, the inner diameter is 7mm and on 608 bearings, the inner diameter is 8mm.  So, how can you tell the difference without getting out a metric ruler?  There is a very simple way to tell the difference.  A number two pencil is too big to fit through the center of the 627 bearings.  But that same number 2 pencil slides right through a 608 bearing.

Question : What is the advantage of Ceramic ball bearings?
Answer : Ceramic bearings have the normal steel balls replaced by white ceramic balls.
The ceramic balls are made of solid Silicon Nitride. Ceramic Silicon Nitride balls are called ceramic but have nothing in common with household dish ceramics. They are called ceramic because it's easier calling them ceramic then Silicon Nitride. The ceramic ball is by far, smoother, harder, lighter and stronger than one made off steel.

The following is a list of benefits of the ceramic Silicon Nitride ball bearing -

• LIGHTER. The ceramic ball is lighter then the steel ball. This means that the ball exerts less force outward against the outer race grove as the bearing spins. This reduction in outward force reduces the friction and rolling resistance. The lighter ball allows the bearing to rev up faster, and uses less energy to maintain it speed.
• HARDER. The ceramic ball is harder then the steel ball. This gives you a bearing that will last up to 10 times longer then the steel ball bearing because it holds it's finish better.
• SMOOTHER. The ceramic ball has smoother surface properties then the steel ball. This means less friction between the ball and bearing races giving you a faster spinning bearing.
• THERMAL. The ceramic ball has better thermal properties then the steel ball. The ceramic ball will not heat up like a steel ball. This helps avoid heat build up in the bearing, a primary culprit in skate and skateboard bearing performance degradation.
• LUBRICATION. The ceramic balls are impervious to oxidation, chemicals, and require essentially no lubricant. The bearings are lubricated with a very, very small amount of Aral Aralub oil, not a gel or grease.

SOLID CERAMIC. The ceramic balls are solid ceramic Silicon Nitride. A cheaper ceramic bearing uses steel balls with a thin ceramic layer.  The elastic and thermal property difference between steel and ceramic cause the ceramic to split and separate from the steel portion of the ball on these less expensive look a likes. Avoid this type of ceramic ball bearing.

Question : Will your bearings fit my wheels on my skates and skateboard? What are the physical dimensions of the bearings.
Answer : Inline skate and skateboard bearing dimensions have been standardized through out the industry. So you can be sure that Pleasure Tool bearings will fit into your wheels.

Inline Skates - Not all skates support the use of the standard bearing. Inexpensive kid skates use what is called a Junior Bearing. This Junior Bearing looks quite different from the industry standard skate bearing. The Junior bearing has an axle built into it and this built in axle protrudes out each side of the bearing. If you have these odd shaped Junior Bearings then Pleasure Tool industry standard bearings will not work for you. If your existing bearings fit flush against the side of the inline wheel then your skates support industry standard bearings and Pleasure Tool Bearings are guaranteed to fit your wheels and skates.

Skateboards  - Pleasure Tool bearings are guaranteed to fit you skateboard wheels.

Quad Skates  - Older Quad skates use 627 bearings, while newer Quad skates tend to use 608 bearings.  608 bearings are the same ones used in Inline skates and Skateboards. Which bearings do your skates use?  See the FAQ question "I have Quad Skates.  Do I need the 627 bearings or the regular 608 bearings?" to decide.

Physical Dimensions -
   Most inline skates use 608 series bearings.  608 bearings are also the standard size for skateboard bearings.  They are used in newer quad skates and in some Heelys.
The dimensions of the 608 bearing are - 8mm ID x 22mm OD x 7mm Width.

  Many Quad skates use the 627 bearings.  To decide whether your Quad skates use 608 or 627 bearings, see the FAQ question "I have Quad skates.  Do I need the 627 bearings or the regular 608 bearings?"
The dimensions of the 627 bearing are - 7mm ID x 22mm OD x 7mm Width.

  Some skates use the less common 688 or mini bearings.  Some Heelys may also use mini bearings.  Usually kids' Heelys are more likely to use the mini bearings and adult Heelys are more likely to use 608 bearings.  That's not a standard on Heelys though, so it's important to check your bearings before ordering.
The dimensions of the 688 bearing are - 8mm ID x 16mm OD x 5mm Width.

Question : I have Heely shoes.  Will any of your bearings fit my Heelys?
Answer : Some Heelys may use mini bearings or the 608 bearings.  Usually kids' Heelys are more likely to use the mini bearings and adult Heelys are more likely to use 608 bearings.  That's not a standard on Heelys though, so it's important to check your bearings before ordering.

Back to the TOP of FAQ

 

Question : What's the difference between the bearing ABEC ratings?
Answer : The term that skaters and skateboarders associated with bearings is "ABEC". ABEC is the acronym for Annular Bearing Engineering Council. ABEC is the standards committee of the Anti-Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association (an industry group) that determines the requirements for each level of bearing precision. The higher the ABEC number, the stricter the manufacturing tolerances and the more precisely the bearing is made. Pleasure Tool bearings are available in ABEC3, ABEC5 and ABEC7.

• ABEC 1 bearing - Inexpensive bearing. Most common bearing with new inexpensive skates and skateboards. They don't provide a frictionless feeling like the other high rated ABEC bearings. Upgrade from an ABEC 1 to a higher rating and you will notice.  We don't sell ABEC 1 bearings.
• ABEC 3 bearing
• ABEC 5 bearing - An upgrade from most new skates and skateboards. Great for the recreational skater or skateboarder that wants that frictionless feeling. Most common upgrade due to the fact that the price is not much more then the ABEC 3 bearing. ABEC 5 bearings cruse very nicely and have a nice frictionless feeling. 
• ABEC 7 bearing - A racers bearing. ABEC 7 bearings are used by the serious skaters and skateboarders that want the best. The manufacturing of this bearing is difficult and costly. The tolerances are very tight and they have virtually no friction under the load of your weight. They are truly a nice bearing to experience for any kind of skater or skateboarder. We sell a great number of ABEC 7 bearings due to our competitive pricing.

Question : What is a "Inner race Step" and what are the advantages of this feature?
Answer : The "Inner Race Step" is an important feature to inline skate bearings because it helps to keep bearing contaminates out of the interior of the bearing. The bearing side cover (Shield) does not make contact with the inner bearing race. In fact, a small gap is present between the inner side of the shield and the outer side of inner race. This gap allows dirt, grim and contaminants to enter the interior of the bearing. A bearing with an "Inner Race Step" has a small step on the outer side of the inner race just interior to the shield. The shield must be removed in order to see the step. This step provides a barrier to dirt, grim and contaminants. If dirt enters the bearing on a stepped inner race bearing, it must make 3 right angle turns in order to reach the ball bearings. Thus, the step makes it very difficult for contaminants to reach the ball bearings. On bearings with out an inner race step, this is not the case. The dirt has a direct path to the ball bearings on bearings with out this inner race step. Manufacturing of this inner race step adds to manufacturing costs of a bearing but the extra cost is worth it. Bearings with out the step can become contaminated with in the first skating or skateboard session. Needless to say, not all bearing manufactures are producing bearings with this feature because of the added cost. Before you buy any bearing be sure that it's manufactured with the contamination reducing "Inner Race Step". All Pleasure Tool Shielded bearings are available with an inner race step. Sealed bearings as opposed to Shielded, do not support the "Inner Race Step" nor does it need it. There is no gap between the seal and inner race on a sealed bearing thus no need for the "Inner Race Step".

Question : I have upgraded from ABEC 1 bearings to ABEC 5 bearings and when I free spin the wheel on the skate (or skateboard), it does not spin longer. In fact the ABEC 5 bearing seems to spin with more friction then my old ABEC 1 bearings. Is this normal, do I have defective bearings? 
Answer : As long as the wheel is not rubbing on the side of the frame and you don't notice any other obvious rubbing then this is normal for a new bearing. The bearing is designed to perform under a weight load of your own weight. Its not designed to perform well on a free weightless spin. When the bearing is new it may fail your first free spin test, but if you have upgraded to a higher ABEC rated bearing you will notice when you skate on them. Plus, it takes a couple of skating sessions for the new bearings lubrication gel to break in. When I upgraded from an ABEC 1 bearing to an ABEC 5 bearing I noticed the skates would not stand still on our street. The skate had a natural tendency to roll with the undetectable gentle slope of the street. Now that's frictionless. 

Question : Pleasure Tool Bearings are available at the best price I've seen on the web.
How can you do this?
Answer : Pleasure Tool Bearing is an Internet business avoiding business operating costs that sport shops need to recover. Pleasure Tool Bearings save you money by keeping business operating cost at a minimum and by bypassing price mark ups imposed by the Distributor and the Wholesaler.