Keel Roller Replacement

[Iron141]

I need to replce the 8" keel roller on my Magic Tilt trailer. Any ideas on how to remove the PAL nuts on the end of the shaft? So far, brute force is the only idea that has occurred, and it's not working very well...

I may need to just saw it off and replace the whole shaft as well...

Thanks for any ideas....

Mike

 

[George]

Keel Roller

I don't think these nuts are intended to be reused. When I replaced my roller I got a new shaft and nuts.

 

[Iron141]

Thanks for the info

Peterbud, you confirmed my worst case scenario. George, you correctly identified the part/problem.

I was hoping that there was some magic technique that was more finesse than brute force.

I spent 2 unsuccessful hours with a hammer and screwdriver trying to knock one of them off without damaging the rubber bumpers on the outside. Looks like I need to get more drastic and get a new shaft (maybe this time one with threads and nuts!) on order.

Thanks guys.

Mike

 

[papamills]

use a pipe wrench...twist and pry outward....unscrew...if you try to pry them off w/o twisting you'll mess'um up

 

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

apply rotary tool or grinder...

You might be able to save the shaft, but those end caps don't come off easily, and for the pennies they are worth, are easy to replace. Another option not to overlook is to drill a small hole near the end of the shaft to receive a cotter pin. These are easier to service next time.

 

[kendall]

Re: apply rotary tool or grinder...

use a wrench that just fits on the shaft, slip it on behing the nut and tap the wrench with a hammer, or if the wrench is heavy enough use it like a slide hammer, normally the nuts aren't intended for re-use, but from experience can be reused a few times before losing their grip.

Drill the shaft for a cotter pin, or thread the ends of the shaft and double nut them if you want easy removal/inspection in the future, but for the most part the pal nuts are great for that.

Ken.

If you don't mind destroying the nut, grab it with vice grips where the 'teeth' are and clamp down tight, will normally deform the nut enough that it will fall off