What measurements do I need for anti-skate studs?

Measurements to take before choosing anti-skate studs

The measurements required generally depend on where the anti-skate studs will be installed. In most cases, the vital dimensions are the length, width and outer radius of any wall or coping, the thickness or depth of the substrate and, for handrail installations, the dimensions of the handrail.

These measurements will help determine the stud type, fixing method, spacing and quantity required.

What measurements are needed for a wall or ledge?

The key measurements for walls and ledges are:

• The total length of the wall or ledge that requires protection – to calculate the number of studs needed for that linear stretch.
• The width of the top surface or coping – to understand how the studs need to be laid out to provide effective coverage.
• The distance available from the exposed edge – to allow for the selection of a suitably sized stud and provide an adequate base for its installation.
• The thickness or depth of the substrate – to ensure there is sufficient depth to drill and install the fixing pins without damaging the underlying material.
• Any slopes, curves or changes in profile – to account for variations that may affect the installation.
• The outer radius of the wall or coping ledge – to match it with the internal radius of the anti-skate stud and provide a close, flush fit.

What measurements are needed for coping stones?

The key measurements needed for coping stones are:

• The width of the coping – to understand whether a single row of studs is required on one side or whether studs are needed on both sides for effective coverage.
• The thickness of the coping – to ensure the substrate can adequately accommodate an anti-skate stud without being damaged or cracked.
• The total length of the combined coping stones – to calculate the number of studs required for the full run.
• Mortar-joint positions – to plan the stud layout while avoiding fixing directly into or too close to mortar joints.
• The distance from the edge at which the coping can adequately support a stud – coping stones can have thinner extremities, so it is important to establish where a stud can be installed, particularly where the coping has radiused edges.

What measurements are needed for handrails?

The key measurements needed for handrails are:

• The diameter of circular handrails – most handrail anti-skate studs are manufactured for circular rails and designed to suit specific diameters. An accurate diameter measurement therefore removes much of the uncertainty from sourcing the correct product.
• The dimensions of a rectangular rail – for studs designed to sit on top of a rail, these dimensions establish whether the stud will fit the surface correctly and provide effective coverage.
• The length of handrail requiring protection – to estimate the quantity of studs needed.
• The rail profile – to establish whether an unusual profile requires a custom-manufactured stud or whether a standard solution can be used.
• Any bends, joints, supports or brackets – these can interrupt an otherwise standard installation and affect the positioning of the studs.

How do I measure the total length requiring anti-skate protection?

For walls and ledges, measure each usable linear run between corners, openings, interruptions and significant changes in profile. Sections that are already difficult or impossible to grind may not require the same level of protection as long, straight and readily accessible edges.

For handrails, consider the linear sections that provide a practical surface for grinding. Skaters and BMX riders will generally look to land on a straight section rather than a corner or sharply curved section, although they may follow a curve after making contact with the rail.

The measurement should include sections that descend alongside steps, particularly gradually descending handrails beside accessibility ramps, as these can provide an easy opportunity for riders to get onto and off the rail.

Handrails with a wall immediately alongside them will not normally require anti-skate studs unless the rail is sufficiently offset from the wall to allow a skateboard or BMX to grind along it. In these situations, the wall itself can act as a natural obstruction.

Do I need to measure anti-skate stud spacing?

Spacing is normally calculated after the vulnerable length, surface dimensions and installation conditions have been established. Relevant factors include the level of skate activity, the type of surface, its accessibility and any joints or obstructions that affect where studs can be installed.

Studmarc uses 500mm centres as a general starting recommendation, but this is not a fixed requirement. Higher-risk locations may require closer spacing, while wider spacing may be suitable in less exposed areas.

See how far apart anti-skate studs should be installed for detailed guidance on spacing, positioning and different installation conditions.

How do I calculate how many anti-skate studs I need?

Once the vulnerable linear length has been measured, the approximate quantity can be calculated using the intended spacing.

At 500mm centres, allow approximately two studs for every linear metre requiring protection. The final quantity may vary depending on the positions of the first and last studs and the presence of corners, joints, supports or other irregular features.

What measurements and factors affect the fixing method?

The primary measurements and factors affecting the fixing method are:

• Substrate thickness – if the substrate is too thin, studs with larger fixing pins, such as Studmarc’s M8 fixing pins, may not be suitable. The substrate must accommodate the fixing pin with sufficient material remaining around and beneath it. The same principle applies to handrail studs, where the security fixing must fit within the rail without protruding excessively from its underside.
• The substrate material – brittle materials can be more susceptible to cracking or damage when drilled, so these installations should be approached carefully. For timber and other fibrous materials, a screw-fixed installation may be more appropriate.
• Whether the underside is accessible – the underside of a handrail may need to be accessible so that the security fixing can be secured using its designated locking mechanism.
• Cavities and existing repairs – drilling into hollow areas can weaken or damage the surrounding material. Existing repairs should also be assessed carefully because drilling can disturb repairs that lack sufficient strength or depth.

Where studs will be drill-and-resin fixed, see Studmarc’s guide to using epoxy resin to install architectural studs.

Do curved or irregular surfaces need additional measurements?

Depending on the degree of curvature or surface irregularity, additional measurements are not normally required. Skaters are generally looking for a smooth and predictable surface on which to grind. Once a surface includes an extreme bend, angle or irregularity, it becomes much more difficult, or sometimes impossible, to grind effectively.

A relatively shallow curve should generally be treated in the same way as a linear surface and measured accordingly. Record any change in radius or profile that could affect how closely the stud sits against the substrate or where it can be positioned.

What information should I send Studmarc for help selecting anti-skate studs?

If you need help selecting a suitable anti-skate stud, send:

• The total length requiring protection
• The width of the surface
• The thickness or depth of the substrate
• The surface or substrate material
• The outer radius or edge profile where relevant
• The handrail diameter or profile where relevant
• The positions of joints, supports and other obstructions
• Photographs of the installation area
• Drawings, if available
• The approximate level of skate activity or perceived risk

If you are unsure which measurements are relevant, send Studmarc photographs or drawings of the area. We can help identify suitable anti-skate studs and estimate the quantity required.

Choosing anti-skate studs once you have your measurements

Once the installation dimensions are known, the next step is choosing an anti-skate stud that suits the surface, fixing method, required coverage and appearance.