How to Get a Stuck Wheel Off a Roller Skate Axle

Roller skates, otherwise known as quad-skates, have four wheels -- two in front and two in the rear. The wheels are secured to the axle with bearings. Over time, if the skates aren't properly maintained, the wheel may become stuck on the axle. This often results when a bearing has been pressed too far in or has become poorly seated. You can remove a stuck skate wheel from a roller skate axle with minimal difficulty.

Things You'll Need

  • Padded bench vise
  • Quad skate tool
  • Hammer
  • Drill rod (1/16 to 1/8 inch diameter)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Secure the skate in a padded bench vise. Ensure that the wheel you need to remove is facing up and accessible to you.

    • 2

      Remove the axle nut using a quad skate tool. Fit the round end of the tool over the nut and turn the counterclockwise until it comes off the axle.

    • 3

      Fit a slender blunt-end tool between the wheel and the axle. Ideal tools to use are one-sixteenth- to one-eighth-inch drill rods. Place the blunt end of the tool against the bearing.

    • 4

      Tap the rod with a hammer against the bearing, maintaining firm pressure. Move the rod around the circumference of the bearing while simultaneously tapping.

    • 5

      Pull up on the wheel to remove it from the axle once the bearing comes loose. At this point you'll want to replace the damaged bearings, then replace your wheel.