Spikes and Foam
I have been running this style of grip the past few years and it has really been working out well for me. While mounting up a fresh deck yesterday I figured I would take a little time to document the process. It is a bit of a project but projects are fun. And this one is worth it.
How to add spikes to your foam grip.
You will need a skateboard, 1/8″ eva grip, some jb weld, 30ish t bolts (6-32thread size, 1/4″tall X 9/16″ base), pliers and 2″ tape (optional).
Layout
I like to use tape to grid it out. 2″ down the center using mounting holes as guides and running perpendiculars to establish spacing. I usually eyeball all of this.
Check for fit and stick them down.
Check your layout and make any adjustments if necessary. If your t bolts have prongs make sure they are all bent flat. Use plenty of jb on the hardware so it embeds the base when squished and fills any voids. I use jb quick so this was 3 small mixings to make sure I had time before glue sets.
Peal tape and smile.
Have a brew and wait a bit for the glue to kick.
Grip
I always trim my grip so it is just a bit wider than deck. This way I have extra for grab rails. Fold the first four inches and crease. Lay the grip over skate holding pealed end up and make sure you have adequate overhang all the way down skateboard. when this is established stick the peeled end and double check overhang before getting too far. Start peeling and sticking. I go a few inches at a time to work out any air.
Finding studs.
As you come up on the bolts press the foam over and they will reveal their location. Don’t press too hard and cut yourself.
Popping the spikes.
Take a small socket to press the grip over the spikes. this gives a good adhesion and saves your fingers.
Bodda bing.
Cutting Grip.
For some this is the trickiest part. Here are some tips. Use a brand new blade. NO EXCEPTIONS. I hold the blade on the grip side so I can see it running down the skate. I also always start with the nose or tail. Another helpful tip is to stretch and stick the cutoff so its not flapping around and getting stuck to you. the tension also helps make the cut cleaner. When running the tips use more of the point of the razor. The narrower width of the point makes cutting the radius easier.
Ready to mount.
Ta Da!
There you go. Now GRIP IT AND RIP IT!
