Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

[jpmurphy]

Trying to replace my rollers and I can't seem to get the old pal nuts off.
Tried prying with a screwdriver. Tried beating on them w/screwdriver & hammer. Tried to peel them back w/vice grips. No luck !!

What's the secret :

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

They're just little sheet metal hats, screwdriver hammer vice grips are a great combination for destruction, you shouldn't have to torch them off but maybe? You coulkd try splitting them with a little cold chisel.

 

[jpmurphy]

Re: Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

They're just little sheet metal hats, screwdriver hammer vice grips are a great combination for destruction, you shouldn't have to torch them off but maybe? You coulkd try splitting them with a little cold chisel.

Will Do. Thankyou......

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

Are you going to try and reuse them? Just asking as they kind of self destruct when removed,,, though I have been lucky and used them again when they were OK after removal.

I've removed them before by turning them, down pressure on the rod and turn them with a pair of vice-grips, they kind of unscrew,,, even though they don't have threads on them.

A dremel or grinder would take them off quickly, just make sure you don't scratch up the galvanized coating on the rod...

 

[jpmurphy]

Re: Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

Are you going to try and reuse them? Just asking as they kind of self destruct when removed,,, though I have been lucky and used them again when they were OK after removal.

I've removed them before by turning them, down pressure on the rod and turn them with a pair of vice-grips, they kind of unscrew,,, even though they don't have threads on them.

A dremel or grinder would take them off quickly, just make sure you don't scratch up the galvanized coating on the rod...

I bought all new rollers, shafts and pal nuts as I have no intention of reusing the old stuff. I only have one roller that has the pal nuts, and now that I am struggling with this one, I think I'll forgo the pal nuts and install threaded bolts for the shafts. That will eliminate future problems getting the damn things off.

I won't be back at this until tomorrow. Too frustrated today to make further progress. Did get the entire trailer hand sanded this afternoon so there has been some progress.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

Two ideas...

Dremel tool (as already suggested)

Metal fatigue. Flex them a half a dozen times and they will likely breaK.

Terry

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

Did get the entire trailer hand sanded this afternoon so there has been some progress.

Great..sounds like a good bit of progress to me!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

I bought all new rollers, shafts and pal nuts as I have no intention of reusing the old stuff. I only have one roller that has the pal nuts, and now that I am struggling with this one, I think I'll forgo the pal nuts and install threaded bolts for the shafts. That will eliminate future problems getting the damn things off.

I won't be back at this until tomorrow. Too frustrated today to make further progress. Did get the entire trailer hand sanded this afternoon so there has been some progress.

New shafts, huh...that changes the game!

Sawzall...with a metal cutting blade. Grab the end of the shaft with some Vice Grips (so the shaft doesn't simply spin)...and cut the shaft, between the old roller and the frame.

I would rethink using threaded bolts for the new setup...unless you keep them corrosion free around the nuts, you will be using the Sawzall again...somewhere down the line!

 

[jpmurphy]

Re: Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

New shafts, huh...that changes the game!

Sawzall...with a metal cutting blade. Grab the end of the shaft with some Vice Grips (so the shaft doesn't simply spin)...and cut the shaft, between the old roller and the frame.

I would rethink using threaded bolts for the new setup...unless you keep them corrosion free around the nuts, you will be using the Sawzall again...somewhere down the line!

You are right about that. Good point. This is why I have to move on to something else when I get frustrated. I hate it when a simple piece of metal makes me feel like a dummie. I'll be at it in the morning following all of the hints from you folks.

Got the first coat of clear on the bottom of the boat after dnn din tonite.
Looks pretty good for a rattle job. Will slap on the last coat in the AM and go hassle with the rollers. I'm thinking I'll paint the trailer to compliment both the boat and my truck. More work and time, but then again I have more time than brains anywho.

Thanks again for the tips on the damn pal nuts.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Removing Pal Nuts... Nuts !!!!!!!!

i use the sawzall method, with a Fire rescue metal blade. these blades last forever.