Trying to change front roller

[knoell3]

Hi all. Front roller is worn out and trying to change it. I have a 3" V shaped rubber roller in the middle with two round rollers on the outside. Thought a bolt went through it with a nut and washer on one side but cannot get this thing off. Looks like about a 3/8" rod with what appears to be pressed on caps that holds the outer rollers on. Pryed like crazy, tried turning in case it was threaded and cant break it loose. About to cut it off and replace with a 4 (or so) inch bolt with nut and washer. Any ideas or experience with this.

Thanks !!

Chris

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Trying to change front roller

Those are called pal nuts and are pressed on. I've always been able to pry them off with a big screwdriver.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Trying to change front roller

That rod has what are called "Pal Nuts" They are a one use item which are pressed on and once they are removed by beating the bejabbers out of them they must be replaced. I used to buy them by the box from my fastener supplier but I think Home Depot or Lowes have them in their trays of specialty fasteners.

 

[knoell3]

Re: Trying to change front roller

Kind of what I was suspecting. Thanks gents.

Chris

 

[knoell3]

Re: Trying to change front roller

I used 1/2" threaded rod and drilled holes in each side for cotter pins. Worked out very well and will be able to change middle roller pretty easy now. Thanks for replies to this.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trying to change front roller

Claw hammer works good on those caps

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Trying to change front roller

Pry away with a large screwdriver, and once you can get a grip snap on a vice grips, and twist em off. As others have said, they're pretty much disposable.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Trying to change front roller

Take a pair of wire cutters, grab the edge of the cap and peel it back, they will usually tear or break apart enough to pry off that way. Watch your eyes, those things are often brittle.
If all else fails, often striking the cap on the top really hard with a hammer and punch will distort the cap and push the shaft out the other side. Make sure you support the opposite side of the bow stop but in a way allowing the shaft to slide out.

A Dremel tool with a carbide or stone cutter will also remove those caps. If you look close the pal nut has two or three small indents in the side, cut towards one of those indents and peel it back off the shaft from there. Those indents are where the cap bites into the shaft sort of like a barb on a fish hook.

 

[NakedDog]

Re: Trying to change front roller

If the roller is in a difficult area to work on, you could try heating it with a small propane torch...very carefully. This may not be an option if it is in close proximity to other stuff.