What is this called, and how do I remove it?

[phototec]

What is this called, and how do I remove it (see photo below)?

I have a two wheel dolly and I need to change out the wheel/tire, however there is a retainer holding the wheel onto the 5/8" diameter axel that looks like it's press-fit onto the axel, and I'm not sure how to remove it without damaging it.

How do you remove these press-fit retainers?

Are you able to re-use, or do you need to a get new retainer(s) when you install the new wheel/tire(s)?

Thanks

 

[mpn]

Push Nuts

 

[rdmdarr]

What is this called, and how do I remove it (see photo below)?

I have a two wheel dolly and I need to change out the wheel/tire, however there is a retainer holding the wheel onto the 5/8" diameter axel that looks like it's press-fit onto the axel, and I'm not sure how to remove it without damaging it.

How do you remove these press-fit retainers?

Are you able to re-use, or do you need to a get new retainer(s) when you install the new wheel/tire(s)?

Thanks

they are called pal-nuts. If there is enough room between the nut and wheel you might try slipping a hammer claw, small flat pry bar, or two flat screwdrivers behind the nut on opposite sides of the shaft and see if you can pry one off. Another method is to secure the axle from turning and use pliers or vise grips to turn the nut back and forth, pulling as you do.

 

[TDFcustomSL]

I have always destroyed them taking them off but just drill a hole through the axle as close to the wheel as you can, get a big washer that will fit over the axle and use a cotter pin to hold it all together. Makes it much easier on the next tire change too.

 

[phototec]

Hey everyone, thanks for the info, I like the idea of drilling a hole and using a cotter pin, that's how my other dolly was, and it was easy to change the wheels.

Now it doesn't matter if I destroy the pal-nut (push-nut) getting it off.