Quick Answer
Stop turning the screw the moment your tool slips — then work up from gentlest fix to most aggressive.
Try a fresh, properly seated Allen key first, then the rubber band trick, then gentle heat to soften threadlocker. Most stripped eskate screws come out without drilling — forcing it is what turns a 5-minute fix into a dead screw.
You’re standing over your electric skateboard, staring at a stripped screw. Eskate maintenance was supposed to be simple — now it isn’t.
The screw won’t move.
You try again.
Nothing.
You push harder.
Now the inside of the screw head is starting to look damaged as you notice the toolhead spin inside of the bolt you’re trying to remove.
And just like that, a simple maintenance job has turned into a stressful experience.
Stripped screws are one of the most frustrating parts of owning an electric skateboard, but they are also one of the most common problems riders run into.
Whether you’re changing wheels, replacing belts, adjusting trucks, cleaning your board, or doing regular maintenance, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually run into a stubborn screw.
The good news?
Most stripped screws can be removed if you approach the problem the right way.
The biggest mistake is continuing to force it and making the damage worse.
This guide will walk you through what to try first, what to avoid, and how to prevent stripped screws from ruining your next maintenance session.
First: Stop Making It Worse
The moment your Allen key starts slipping inside the screw head, stop.
Seriously.
I didn’t stop the first time. I kept going. “One more try,” I told myself. Ten tries later, that screw wasn’t just stuck—it was destroyed. What could’ve been a quick fix turned into me sitting there, staring at my board cursing myself for not stopping earlier.
The natural reaction is to push harder and try again, but every time the tool slips, it removes more material from the inside of the screw.
A small problem can quickly become a screw that seems impossible to remove.
Why Electric Skateboard Screws Strip So Easily
Electric skateboards are tough machines, but they live in a harsh environment.
Your board experiences:
- Constant vibration while riding
- Dirt, dust, and moisture
- Repeated maintenance
- High stress on hardware
Many electric skateboards also use small metric Allen screws. These are perfectly fine for normal use, but they can be damaged if the wrong tool is used or if they are tightened too aggressively.
The most common reasons eskate screws strip are:
Using The Wrong Size Allen Key
This is probably the biggest cause.
A metric Allen key that is slightly too small may feel like it fits, but it can slowly round out the inside of the screw.
Always make sure your tool fully seats into the screw before applying force.
Using Cheap Or Worn Tools
A worn Allen key has rounded edges and does not transfer force properly.
A good quality metric hex set is one of the best investments you can make as an electric skateboard owner.
Over-Tightening Hardware
Tighter does not always mean better.
Over-tightening can damage screw heads, stretch hardware, and make future repairs much harder.
Lower-Quality Hardware (Something Most Riders Don’t Realize)
Here’s something that took me a while to understand…
Not all screws are created equal.
Some electric skateboard manufacturers use softer, lower-grade metals for their hardware. It keeps costs down, but it also means the screw heads can deform much more easily—especially under pressure.
I’ve run into this more than once.
You’re using the right tool. You’re being careful. And it still strips faster than it should.That’s not always your fault.
Sometimes the hardware just isn’t built to handle repeated adjustments.This is especially common on:
– Enclosure screws
– Bash Guard bolts
Budget or stock hardware
Once I realized this, I started doing two things differently:
I stopped blaming myself every time something stripped…
And I started upgrading critical screws when I could.
Because the reality is simple:
If the metal is soft, it will eventually fail—no matter how careful you are.
What To Try First When Your Eskate Screw Is Stripped
Before reaching for aggressive methods, start with the simple solutions.
1. Try A New, High-Quality Allen Key
Sometimes the screw is not as damaged as it looks.
A fresh Allen key with sharp edges may grip areas inside the screw head that your old tool cannot.
Make sure the Allen key is fully inserted.
A light tap with a small hammer can sometimes help it seat deeper into the screw.
Then apply slow, steady pressure.
Do not rush.
2. Use The Rubber Band Trick
This is one of the easiest things to try.
Place a thick rubber band between your Allen key and the stripped screw.
The rubber fills some of the damaged space and can create extra friction, giving your tool enough grip to turn the screw.
It will not work every time, especially on severely damaged screws, but it takes seconds to try and can save you a lot of frustration.
3. Apply Heat To Loosen Threadlocker
Many electric skateboard manufacturers use threadlocker (such as Loctite) on screws to prevent them from vibrating loose.
That is helpful while riding, but it can make maintenance more difficult.
Applying gentle heat can soften the threadlocker and make the screw easier to remove.
A heat gun works best, but a hair dryer can also help if you are patient.
Be careful:
Do not overheat areas near your battery, electronics, or wiring.
You are not trying to heat your board up. You are only trying to warm the metal hardware enough to loosen the threadlocker.
After applying heat, try removing the screw while it is still warm.
4. Try The Loctite Allen Key Trick
This is a more advanced trick that can sometimes save a damaged screw.
Apply a small amount of threadlocker (such as Loctite) to the end of your Allen key.
Press the Allen key firmly into the stripped screw head and allow time for the bond to form.
Once it has cured, carefully try turning the screw out while pressing down hard .
This method requires patience.
If you try turning too quickly or if you don’t press down hard enough, the bond may not be strong enough.
This works best when the screw head is damaged but still has some shape remaining.
5. Try A Slightly Different Tool
When You Need More Advanced Tools
If the simple methods fail, it may be time to use specialized tools.
Screw Extractor Kit
A screw extractor is designed specifically for damaged screws.
It creates a new grip point and can remove screws that no longer respond to normal tools.
For electric skateboard owners who do their own maintenance, having a small extractor kit is not a bad idea.
Drilling Out The Screw
Drilling out a screw can work, but it should be the last resort.
Electric skateboards contain sensitive components nearby, including:
- Motor wires
- Electronics
- Battery connections
A mistake while drilling can turn a simple stripped screw into a much bigger repair.
If you reach this point and are uncomfortable, getting help is usually the better option.
Tools Every Electric Skateboard Owner Should Have
You do not need to become a professional mechanic.
But having a few basic tools can make ownership much easier.
A simple eskate maintenance kit should include:
- Quality metric Allen keys
- Screw extractor kit
- Small adjustable wrench
- Replacement screws and hardware
- Threadlocker (aka Loctite)
These tools are inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing or repairing a damaged board.
How To Prevent Stripped Screws In The Future
The best repair is the one you never need to make.
A few simple habits can prevent most stripped screws:
Use The Correct Tool
Make sure your Allen key fits perfectly before applying force.
Keep Your Tools In Good Shape
Replace worn tools before they damage your hardware.
Do Not Over-Tighten
Snug is usually enough.
Remember, your board is already experiencing thousands of vibrations while riding. Properly installed hardware does not need to be crushed into place.
Clean Your Hardware
Dirt inside the screw head prevents your tool from seating properly.
A quick cleaning before maintenance can prevent problems.
Don’t Panic: Learning To Work On Your Eskate
If you are reading this because your board is sitting in pieces and you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone.
I know that feeling.
I am not naturally a handy person. The first time I had to work on my own electric skateboard, I was intimidated too.
I ended up learning because I could not find a repair shop that could help me.
The good news?
You do not need to become an expert.
You just need to learn one repair at a time.
The first time you successfully remove a stubborn screw, replace a belt, adjust your trucks, or fix a small issue, something changes.
You stop feeling like your board is a complicated machine that only someone else can fix.
You start feeling confident.
And that confidence makes owning an electric skateboard even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
A stripped screw can feel like a disaster when you are staring at an expensive electric skateboard.
It is not.
Slow down. Use the right tools. Avoid making the damage worse.
Most problems that seem impossible at first can be solved with patience and the right approach.
The goal is not to become a professional repair technician.
The goal is to become a rider who feels confident taking care of their board.
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SAFETY NOTICE: ELECTRIC SKATEBOARDING CAN BE DANGEROUS IF PROPER PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET AND PROTECTIVE GEAR, CHECK YOUR BOARD BEFORE RIDING, AND FOLLOW ALL LOCAL TRAFFIC AND SAFETY LAWS.
THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS GUIDE IS BASED ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. EVERY RIDER’S EXPERIENCE AND SKILL LEVEL VARY, AND O’BRIEN ESKATE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF AN ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD. RIDE RESPONSIBLY AND AT YOUR OWN RISK.
— Written by Mike O’Brien, founder of O’Brien E-Skate, an electric skateboarder with over 10,000 km of real-world riding experience.