A Complete Guide to Bolt On Toe Stops for Roller Skates

An Introduction to Bolt On Toe Stops

Toe stops are an essential part of every roller skater's setup. They allow you to brake quickly and safely by dragging your foot along the ground. While many skates come with adjustable toe stops already attached, many skaters prefer to upgrade to higher quality bolt on toe stops. Bolt on toe stops are removable and replaceable, allowing you to customize your skates to suit your skating style.

What are Bolt On Toe Stops?

Bolt on toe stops consist of two parts - the stem and the rubber stop. The threaded stem screws into the plate on the bottom of your skate. The rubber stop attaches to the top of the stem and comes into contact with the ground when you drag your foot to brake. Bolt on toe stops are secure but also removable, making them a versatile choice.

Bolt on toe stops come in a range of shapes, sizes, and materials. You can choose a short or long stem. Stops come in round and rectangular shapes. They are made from rubber compounds specialized for wear resistance. Premium urethane toe stops provide extra slide control for roller derby and rhythm skating.

Benefits of Bolt On Toe Stops

Here are some of the key benefits of using bolt on toe stops:

• Removable and replaceable - You can easily swap out toe stops to change height, shape or material
• Customizable - With so many size and shape options, you can customize your setup
• Durable - Bolt on stops are very secure and designed to handle wear and tear
• Versatile - Great for artistic, jam, or outdoor skating
• Slide Control - Stops made from premium urethane provide extra slide control

Being able to remove and replace your toe stops makes it easy to tailor them precisely to your skating. You can go taller or shorter. Swap from round to rectangular. Replace when stops start wearing down. With bolt on toe stops, the options are endless.

Choosing the Right Bolt On Toe Stop

With so many options for bolt on toe stops, it can be tricky to select the right ones for your skates and skating style. Here are some tips for choosing toe stops that will perform well:

Height

The most important factor is getting the height of your toe stop right. Taller stops let you brake more aggressively, while shorter stops offer more subtle drag control. Most outdoor and rhythm skaters prefer a taller stop around 3/4". Derby and artistic skaters often opt for a shorter 1/2" stop.

Shape

Round or circular toe stops provide consistent contact as you drag your foot. Rectangular stops offer a larger braking surface area. Rectangle stops are popular for roller derby where quick braking is important.

Material

Toe stops come in varying rubber compounds. Softer rubber grips well outdoors but wears down faster. Harder compounds last longer on smooth indoor floors. If you want extra slide control, look for stops made of premium urethane.

Thread Size

Make sure to get the right threaded stem to fit your skate plates. Most use a standard 8mm thread, but some brands use 10mm or unique sizes.

Positioning

Consider the position of the toe stop mount on your plates. If they are forward-mounted, go for a shorter stop. For mid-mounted plates, a medium height works well. You can size up for a taller stop on rear-mounted plates.

Installing Bolt On Toe Stops

Putting in new bolt on toe stops takes just a few simple steps:

1. Remove the old toe stops from your plates using a skate tool or wrench
2. Clean any dirt out of the threaded holes in the plate
3. Select your new stops and compatible stem size
4. Screw in the new stems using your fingers at first to get them started
5. Tighten the stems the rest of the way with your tool - snug but not too tight
6. Screw the rubber toe stops onto the stems
7. Check that the stops sit flush with the ground

It's a good idea to check your toe stop tightness periodically and re-tighten the stems if needed. Always replace toe stops once they become worn down or start to tear.

Toe Stop Maintenence

To make your bolt on toe stops last as long as possible:

• Avoid skating on rough asphalt or concrete
• Rotate the stops periodically to distribute wear evenly
• Clean debris off the stops after outdoor sessions
• Replace stops immediately once they tear or crack

With proper care, bolt on toe stops can last through many sessions of outdoor skating. Rotate them to get even wear rather than wearing down just one edge.

Popular Brands of Bolt On Toe Stops

Many skate brands now offer their own styles of bolt on toe stops. Here are some top options:

Sure Grip

Sure Grip toe stops come in a range of shapes, sizes and materials. Their standard rubber stops provide affordable quality. They also offer premium urethane stops made for derby and rhythm skating.

Bionic

Bionic makes patented circular toe stops that are super low profile. Their Micro stops stick out just 1/4" from your plate, allowing excellent maneuverability.

Rollerbones

Rollerbones Team toe stops come in both round and rectangle shapes. Made from 97A urethane, they provide extra grip and slide control.

Grindstone

Grindstone focuses on the shapes and profiles that aggressive and urban skaters need. They have a wide selection of durable urethane toe stops.

Gumball

Gumball makes some of the tallest bolt on toe stops available, up to 1" in height. Great for maximizing braking power.

The Best Bolt On Toe Stops for Different Styles

Here are some recommended bolt on toe stop options for various skating styles:

Outdoor Skating

- Gumball 1" round stops - Maximum braking ability for hills and trails

- Rollerbones Team 100A - Slide control urethane for gripping outdoors

Roller Derby

- Bionic 1/2" circles - Agile stops ideal for derby maneuvers

- Rollerbones Team 97A - Rectangle shape covers more surface area

Dance and Rhythm Skating

- Sure Grip dance plugs - Low profile under 1/2" for footwork

- Grindstone Heaven bullseye - Round urethane edges won't scuff floors

Park and Street Skating

- Grindstone Magnesium - Withstands hardcore urban grinds

- Rollerbones Elite Team - Premium urethane formula

The best toe stop depends on finding the ideal height, shape and material for your skate setup and favorite skating styles.

Getting the Most Out of Your Bolt On Toe Stops

Here are some final tips for making the most of your bolt on toe stops:

• Keep extra sets on hand so you can swap out as soon as stops get worn
• Learn proper stopping technique to evenly distribute wear
• Rotate the stops periodically to prevent uneven edges
• Clean after skating outdoors to remove debris
• Check tightness and re-tighten stems as needed
• Consider carrying a skate tool to make adjustments on the go

With the right toe stops dialed into your plates, you'll be able to brake confidently and tackle any skating situation. Bolt on toe stops are easy to customize to your perfect setup. So take the time to experiment with different heights and shapes until you find your favorites.

FAQs

How do I know which size bolt on toe stop to get?

Choose based on the mount position of your plates. For forward mounts, go shorter around 1/2". Mid-mounted plates work well with medium, 3/4" stops. For rear mounts, size up to taller 7/8"-1" stops.

What shape toe stop is best?

Round/circular stops provide consistent grip as you drag. Rectangular stops give more braking surface area. Choose based on your skating style.

How do I install bolt on toe stops?

Use your fingers to thread in the stems at first. Then use a skate tool to tighten them snugly into the plate. Screw the rubber stops onto the threaded stems.

How often should I replace bolt on toe stops?

Replace them immediately once the rubber starts cracking or tearing. Rotate stops periodically for even wear. Have spares on hand so you can swap them when worn.

What are the best bolt on toe stops for outdoor skating?

For outdoor skating, look for taller stops around 1" for braking power. Urethane stops like Rollerbones 100A grip well outdoors.