Removing a hub from a hand truck is a common task that requires proper technique to ensure safety and prevent damage to the equipment. The process involves disconnecting the hub from the axle, which can be achieved through a series of carefully executed steps. Before embarking on this task, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools, including a wrench, hammer, and safety gloves, to ensure a smooth and efficient operation.
To initiate the removal process, position the hand truck on a stable surface and engage the parking brake to prevent any unintended movement. Locate the hub nut securing the hub to the axle and carefully loosen it using a wrench. Avoid over-tightening or cross-threading the nut, as this can damage the threads. Once the nut is loosened, gently tap it with a hammer to break any rust or corrosion that may have accumulated over time. This will facilitate the removal of the hub from the axle.
With the hub nut removed, carefully slide the hub off the axle. Apply gentle force and avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the components. Once the hub is detached from the axle, inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. If damage is present, it’s advisable to replace the hub to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the hand truck. Regularly maintaining and inspecting the hand truck’s hubs, as well as its other components, is essential for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.
Disconnecting the Drawbar
The drawbar is the metal bar connecting the dolly to the hand truck. It has a spring-loaded latch that fits into a hole on the dolly frame. To easily disconnect the drawbar:
1. Locate the metal lever on the latch. This lever typically has a rubber grip and is attached to a spring mechanism.
2. Depress the lever firmly. Doing so will release the spring tension, allowing the latch to retract.
3. While keeping the lever depressed, slide the drawbar out of the hole in the dolly frame. Note that some drawbars may require you to lift slightly while sliding to clear the latch mechanism. Once released, you should be able to easily remove the drawbar and separate the dolly from the hand truck.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the metal lever on the latch, which typically has a rubber grip. |
| 2 | Depress the lever firmly to release the spring tension and allow the latch to retract. |
| 3 | While keeping the lever depressed, slide the drawbar out of the hole in the dolly frame. For some drawbars, you may need to lift slightly while sliding to clear the latch mechanism. |
Using a Hub Puller
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
* Hub puller
* Socket wrench
* Breaker bar
* Safety glasses
Step 2: Inspect the Hub
* Check the hub for any visible damage or deformation.
* Clean the hub and surrounding area of any dirt or debris.
Step 3: Position the Hub Puller
* Place the hub puller’s jaws over the hub’s outer lip.
* Ensure that the puller’s arms are equally spaced around the hub.
Step 4: Apply Tension
* Use the socket wrench and breaker bar to gradually tighten the puller’s center bolt.
* Apply steady pressure until you feel resistance.
Step 5: Remove the Hub
* Once the hub has been loosened, carefully pry it free from the axle using a pry bar or large screwdriver.
* Avoid excessive force to prevent damage to the hub or axle.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a penetrating oil | Apply penetrating oil to the hub and bolts to help loosen them. |
| Protect your eyes | Wear safety glasses while using the hub puller to prevent eye injuries from flying debris. |
| Tighten gradually | Apply tension to the center bolt slowly and evenly to minimize the risk of damaging the hub or puller. |
| Inspect the axle | Once the hub has been removed, inspect the axle for any signs of wear or damage. |
| Seek professional help | If you encounter any difficulty removing the hub, do not hesitate to seek assistance from a mechanic or automotive repair professional. |
Applying Heat
Direct heat can be an effective way to loosen the hub, especially if it is made of metal.
There are a few ways to apply heat to the hub. One is to use a heat gun. Heat the hub evenly around the circumference, holding the gun about 6 inches away. Another option is to use a propane torch. Be careful when using a torch, as it can easily overheat the hub and damage it. If you are not comfortable using a torch, you can also heat the hub in an oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the hub on a baking sheet. Heat the hub for 10-15 minutes, or until it is hot to the touch.
Once the hub is hot, try to loosen it by turning it with a wrench or pliers.
If the hub is still stuck, you may need to apply more heat or use a penetrating oil. Penetrating oil can help to loosen the rust and corrosion that may be holding the hub in place. Apply the penetrating oil to the hub and allow it to sit for a few minutes before trying to loosen it again.
| Heat Source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Heat gun | Easy to use, relatively safe | May not be hot enough to loosen the hub |
| Propane torch | Very hot, can easily loosen the hub | Can be dangerous, can damage the hub if not used carefully |
| Oven | Safe, can be used to heat large hubs | May take longer to heat the hub than other methods |
Reinserting the Hub
Once you have removed the hub from the hand truck, you can follow these steps to reinsert it:
Step 1: Align the Hub
Place the hub back onto the spindle of the hand truck, making sure that it is properly aligned.
Step 2: Insert the Bolt
Thread the bolt through the hole in the hub and into the threaded hole in the spindle.
Step 3: Secure the Bolt
Use a wrench to tighten the bolt until it is securely in place.
Step 4: Repeat for Other Hubs
If your hand truck has multiple hubs, repeat the same steps to reinsert the other hubs.
Additional Details for Step 4: Aligning Multiple Hubs
When reattaching multiple hubs to the spindle, it is important to ensure that they are properly aligned. Here are some tips:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use a leveling tool | Place a leveling tool on the hubs to check that they are level with each other. |
| Measure the distance between hubs | Use a measuring tape to ensure that the distance between each hub is consistent. |
| Tighten bolts evenly | Hand-tighten the bolts on each hub before using a wrench to fully tighten them. This will help prevent uneven tightening and potential damage. |
After following these steps, the hub should be securely attached to the hand truck and ready for use.
Tightening the Drawbar
The drawbar is what connects the hub to the hand truck frame. To remove the hub, you must first loosen the drawbar. To do this:
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Place the hand truck on its side so that the hub is facing up.
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Use a wrench to loosen the nut that secures the drawbar to the hub.
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Once the nut is loose, you can remove the drawbar by pulling it straight up.
Here are some additional tips for removing the hub from a hand truck:
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If the hub is stuck, you may need to use a hammer to tap it loose.
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Be careful not to damage the hub or the hand truck frame when removing the hub.
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Once the hub is removed, you can clean and inspect it for any damage.
| Tightening the Drawbar |
|---|
|
Materials Needed:
- Grease or oil
- New linchpin (optional)
- Hammer
- Punch or nail
- Safety glasses
Instructions:
1. Safety first: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
2. Remove the hubcap: Pull off the hubcap from the center of the hub.
3. Lubricate the axle: Apply grease or oil to the axle shaft to reduce friction and prevent wear.
4. Unload the hand truck: Empty the hand truck to relieve weight from the wheels.
5. Remove the cotter pin: Straighten the cotter pin using pliers and slide it out of the axle hole.
6. Remove the linchpin (old style): Using a hammer and punch, gently tap the linchpin out of the axle hole.
Replacing the Linchpin
1. Inspect the linchpin: Examine the existing linchpin for damage or wear. If it appears worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.
2. Insert the new linchpin: Slide the new linchpin into the axle hole until it fits snugly.
3. Bend the legs of the linchpin: Use a hammer to bend the legs of the linchpin down over the axle shaft, creating a secure fit.
4. Insert the cotter pin: Slide the cotter pin through the hole in the axle shaft and bend the legs outward to secure it.
5. Reinstall the hubcap: Place the hubcap back on the center of the hub.
6. Check the tightness: Make sure the hub is securely attached by pulling on it gently.
7. Wipe off excess grease: Use a rag to clean up any excess grease that may have spilled during the process.
How To Remove Hub From Hand Truck
To remove the hub from a hand truck, follow these steps:
- Place the hand truck on its side.
- Locate the hub cap on the side of the wheel.
- Use a screwdriver to pry off the hub cap.
- Locate the cotter pin holding the hub in place.
- Remove the cotter pin using a pair of pliers.
- Pull the hub straight off the axle.
People Also Ask About How To Remove Hub From Hand Truck
How do I remove a rusted hub from a hand truck?
If the hub is rusted, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the penetrating oil to the hub and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try to remove the hub using the steps outlined above.
What size hub do I need for my hand truck?
The size of hub you need will depend on the size of the wheel on your hand truck. You can find the size of the wheel on the sidewall of the tire.
Where can I buy a replacement hub for my hand truck?
You can purchase a replacement hub for your hand truck at most hardware stores or online retailers.
