You might need to remove the wheel from your hand truck to replace a flat tire or fix a bearing. Learning how to remove an axle cap on a hand truck starts with looking at your hardware. Some hand trucks use a push on axle cap, while others use a clip or a threaded nut. Your first step is to identify the retainer.
What Is an Axle Cap on a Hand Truck?
An axle cap is a small piece of hardware placed at the end of the wheel axle. It stops the wheel from sliding off the hand truck. You need to remove it when you want to change a tire or replace a wheel.
People use terms such as axle cap, wheel cap, end cap, or wheel retainer for this part. These names can mean different things depending on the brand of your equipment. Always check your specific hand truck to see exactly what holds your wheel in place. You need to remove it when you want to change a hand truck tire or replace a damaged wheel.
What You Need
The tools you need depend on the type of retainer on your axle. You might need a flat head screwdriver or pliers to remove a push on cap. If your hand truck uses a retaining ring, you will need retaining ring pliers. If it uses a threaded nut, grab the correct wrench or socket. You should wear work gloves to protect your hands. Wear safety glasses in case a metal clip springs loose while you work.
Before Removing the Axle Cap
Remove all cargo from the hand truck. Never work on a loaded cart, and always make sure your typical loads align with your hand truck weight capacity guide before returning it to service.
Now place the hand truck on a stable, level surface. Make sure it cannot roll or shift. Put on your eye protection. Inspect the wheel and axle carefully. Identify the retainer before applying any force to it. Knowing exactly what hardware you are dealing with prevents unnecessary damage to your equipment.
How to Remove a Push On Axle Cap?
To remove a push-on axle cap from a hand truck, follow these steps:
- Find the axle cap. Look at the outer end of the axle in the center of the wheel. The cap covers the tip of the metal axle rod.
- Check whether it is a push on cap. A push on cap is pressed directly onto the axle. It does not have internal threads. You do not unscrew a push on cap like a nut.
- Look for an accessible edge or notch. Slide the tip of a flat head screwdriver under the inner edge of the cap. Apply gentle, controlled pressure outward. Work your screwdriver around the entire cap. Do not apply excessive force in one single location.
- If appropriate, use pliers. Sometimes a push on cap sits too tight for a screwdriver. You can grip the outer edge of the cap with pliers. Gently twist the cap back and forth while pulling outward. Do not squeeze so hard that you crush the metal axle beneath it.
- Remove the cap. Once the cap slides free, set it aside. Keep track of any washers, spacers, or clips located behind it. Taking off a push on cap can damage the metal teeth inside it. You may need a replacement cap even if you are careful.
What If Your Hand Truck Does Not Have a Push On Axle Cap?
Many hand trucks use other wheel retaining systems. Your wheel might be secured by a cotter pin, a retaining ring, a threaded axle nut, or manufacturer specific hardware. A cotter pin passes straight through a hole in the axle. You need to straighten the bent ends with pliers before pulling the pin out.
A retaining ring sits in a groove on the axle and requires the correct removal tool. A threaded nut screws onto the end of the axle. You loosen a threaded nut with the correct wrench or socket. Always follow the hand truck manufacturer instructions when they are available.
If you need more help identifying your specific hardware, read our complete guide on how to remove hand truck wheels.
How to Remove a Stuck Axle Cap?
Sometimes a hand truck wheel retainer will not move. Clean dirt and rust from around the axle first. Check again that the cap is actually a push on type and not a threaded nut. Apply slow and controlled pressure with your tools. Work around the cap rather than forcing one spot. Protect the wheel and the metal axle from unnecessary damage.
Stop working if the axle begins to bend or the frame is being damaged. If the cap is badly damaged and a replacement is available, replacing the cap is easier than trying to save it.
Can You Reuse a Hand Truck Axle Cap?
Reusing a hand truck axle cap depends on its type and condition. A cap that is cracked, bent, loose, or otherwise damaged should not be reused. Some push on retainers deform during removal. If the manufacturer specifies that the retainer is a one time use part, replace it.
Always use the correct replacement part designed for your hand truck and axle size. A damaged cap can cause the wheel to fall off. If you are upgrading the entire assembly, check our hand truck wheel size guide first.
What to Do After Removing the Axle Cap?
The wheel should slide off the axle once the retaining hardware has been removed. Keep all washers and spacers in their original order. Inspect the axle, wheel hub, bearings, washers, and retaining hardware.
Look for excessive wear, cracks, bending, or deep rust. If the axle is damaged, replacing the wheel alone will not solve the problem. If you are removing the cap because the wheel is damaged, see our guide on how to replace hand truck wheels.
How to Reinstall the Wheel and Retainer?
Clean and inspect the axle before putting parts back together. Put the wheel back onto the axle. Reinstall washers or spacers in their original positions. Install the correct retainer for your hand truck. If you are using a push on cap, make sure the replacement cap is fully seated according to its design.
Spin the wheel by hand to ensure it turns smoothly. Check for excessive side to side movement. Pull gently on the wheel to make sure it is securely retained.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid trying to unscrew a push on cap. Do not pry too aggressively on any hardware. Using the wrong tool can damage the axle. Never attempt to work while the hand truck is loaded. A common mistake is failing to identify the retainer before starting.
Be careful not to lose washers or spacers. Do not reuse a damaged retainer. Avoid installing the wheel hardware in the wrong order. Never fail to check that the wheel is secure. Do not use the hand truck when the wheel or axle is loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slide a flat head screwdriver under the edge of the cap. Apply gentle pressure outward. Work your tool slowly around the edge until the cap slides off the axle.
You can reuse it only if it is completely undamaged and grips the axle tightly. Many push on caps deform during removal and require replacement.
You usually need a flat head screwdriver or pliers for a push on cap. Other retainers require different tools like a wrench or retaining ring pliers.
Check your hand truck manufacturer manual. You need a replacement cap designed specifically for your brand and the exact diameter of your axle.
Identify the retainer first before applying force. Use the correct removal method to protect your equipment. Take note of washers and spacers as they come off. Make sure the wheel is securely retained with an undamaged cap before using the hand truck again.
