What is a fingerboard?
A fingerboard is a miniature skateboard that you can actually ride, controlled using your index and middle fingers. Modern fingerboards are more than just simple toys; they perfectly replicate every technical detail of a full-size skateboard—including multi-layered wooden decks, real metal trucks, miniature kingpins, soft bushings, and precision CNC-machined bearing wheels.
What started decades ago as handmade keychains and plastic novelties has evolved into a global subculture with professional competitions, specialized brands, and dedicated skateparks built entirely to scale.
What is a fingerboard?
Simply put, a fingerboard allows you to use your fingers to perform skateboarding tricks—such as kickflips, ollies, bluntslides, and laser flips—on various surfaces, including tabletops, ledges, or micro ramps.
Unlike the plastic toy skateboards of the 1990s, high-end wooden fingerboards closely replicate the experience of a real skateboard in terms of weight, “pop,” and physical characteristics. Players typically press down on the tail with their middle finger to generate pop, while using their index finger to control the deck, allowing them to level the board or flip it in the air.
How long is a finger skateboard?
A standard fingerboard is between 96mm and 100mm long (roughly 3.75 to 4 inches). Although the overall length of products from different brands is generally consistent, the width varies significantly depending on playing style:
28mm – 30mm: Classic narrow specifications. Offers fast flip speeds and is suitable for quick flicking maneuvers.
32mm: Modern standard width. Offers the best balance between flip speed, landing surface area, and stability during grinds.
34mm – 36mm: Extra-wide specifications. Highly favored for their exceptional maneuverability, ease of catching the board, and the stability required for street-style riding.
How much does a fingerboard cost?
The price depends largely on whether you choose an entry-level plastic model or a professional-grade wooden one.
|
Fingerboard Tier |
Typical Price Range |
Key Characteristics |
|
Plastic Finger Skateboard Toys |
$3 – $10 |
Plastic decks, plastic wheels, sand paper grip. Good for casual fun. |
|
Maple Fingerboard Completes |
$15 – $30 |
5-ply maple decks, basic metal alloy trucks, smooth bearing wheels, foam grip. High value for beginners. |
|
Pro Fingerboard Completes |
$50 – $150+ |
Hand-shaped Canadian maple decks, tuned pro trucks, urethane CNC bearing wheels, real bushings. |
Anatomy of a Fingerboard Setup
A complete fingerboard consists of five core components.
Maple Deck: Typically made of five layers of cross-laminated wood, it provides a crisp, springy feel (Pop).
Foam Grip Tape: Provides significantly better grip than traditional coarse sandpaper.
Alloy Trucks: An assembly consisting of a hanger and a baseplate that enables the fingerboard to turn smoothly.
CNC-Machined Bearing Wheels: Wheels equipped with micro ball bearings that roll smoothly and maintain momentum.
Tuning Hardware: Includes bushings, washers, kingpins, and locknuts, used to adjust the tightness of the trucks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fingerboard Assembly
Assembling the fingerboard yourself allows you to precisely fine-tune it for the ideal feel and responsiveness.
1. Install the wheels and lock nuts
Slide the CNC-machined bearing wheels onto both ends of the axle. Screw on the micro lock nuts and tighten them gently—make sure the wheels spin smoothly and don’t wobble excessively from side to side.
2. Adjust the truck bushings
Adjust the kingpin nut to change the truck’s responsiveness. Softer bushings allow for more aggressive carving, while a tighter setup provides a more stable, supportive feel.
3. Install the Decks and Mounts
Insert the four micro screws through the deck and into each mount. Using a deck-specific tool, tighten the screws in a diagonal “X” pattern until the mounts sit flush against the bottom of the deck.
4. Applying the foam grip tape
First, clean any dust or debris from the deck of the fingerboard. Peel off the protective paper from the back of the foam grip tape and apply it smoothly to the wooden deck. Use a metal file or the edge of a mini tool to trim along the edges, cutting away any excess grip tape.
Check out the fingerboard completes at the Milgor store, featuring decks ranging from 28mm to 34mm.