Push nuts driving me crazee!

[danny_barkley]

I am having a real hard time getting some push nuts off a pressure washer to replace the rotton wheels.

I'm afraid i've beat on it so much it may be un-removable.

I didn't even know thats what they were till I started having problems doing this 5 minute job.

I've watched some youtube videos but grabbing with vice grips ain't working.

Open to suggestions!

 

[OccupantRJ]

Also called Pal nuts.
I usually get two screw driver tips under them and work them back and forth repeatedly to remove them. It can take a bit. Once off I straighten the tangs and reuse, or get more from the hardware store if damaged.

 

[HalfTonTom]

I wish I could help. Those damn things just illustrate how things are manufactured for cost and the buyer be damned.

 

[BullsArmor]

I’ve had the same issue before. I usually use a small flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the push nut while twisting it slightly. A little penetrating oil can also help loosen stubborn ones.

 

[danny_barkley]

I tried oil, heat, everything.

I did get it off this morning right after posting this.

Dr. Dremel needed in OR 6 Stat! Followed up with a little chisel persuasion. Total Goat Rodeo...

I've got to get the other one off now. I had abused this thing for days, so I might have had it borked.

I am going back on with axle collars, not gonna do these gadgets again.

Thanx for the help!

 

[bwringer]

Yeah, they're one-time use items. Any decent hardware store should have them in stock (the box stores are neither hardware stores or decent), so I've never bothered with saving them unless the situation is desperate.

One issue with applying the needed violence is that they're most often securing plastic wheels, so there's no surface sturdy enough to pry from.

I generally destroy/remove the plastic cap with pliers (softening with a heat gun can help), then directly attack the metal washer inside.

 

[rust in the eye]

If they are that stuck on just grab 'em with dikes and twist 'em off, buy new.

 

[danny_barkley]

If they are that stuck on just grab 'em with dikes and twist 'em off, buy new.

Trust me friend, I put serious mayhem on it, that dog didn't even know how to spell Hunt!

I still have one to go and it has not been harassed yet, so I'm hoping to use more finesse this time. The collars will be here tomorrow so I can mount the new wheels.

 

[BullsArmor]

I tried oil, heat, everything.

I did get it off this morning right after posting this.

Dr. Dremel needed in OR 6 Stat! Followed up with a little chisel persuasion. Total Goat Rodeo...

I've got to get the other one off now. I had abused this thing for days, so I might have had it borked.

I am going back on with axle collars, not gonna do these gadgets again.

Thanx for the help!

Glad you got it off! Those push nuts can be brutal once they’re mangled. Axle collars sound like a solid long-term fix—way easier to deal with if you ever have to replace the wheels again.

 

[seber]

I use a pair of dedicated wood chisels. One under either side has always worked. Those chisels get reground a lot. Enough so that I pick up replacements when I see them at garage sales. In fact, they are some of my most used tools. It's amazing the number of things you can pry or scrape with them if you don't care about dulling or chipping.

 

[Jgaz]

Screw those stupid pal nuts!
Remove them once and drill the axle for a cotter pin like the OEM should have done.

Easy with a drill guide. Big Gator Tools for the win