How to Install Pal Nuts on a Roller Shaft

Updated 04/25/2013 | Published 04/23/2013

Question:

How do I secure the pal nuts on to the roller shaft once I have the roller and end caps all on it? Many thanks

asked by: Jackie G

Expert Reply:

The easiest way to install pal nuts on a roller shaft is to completely assemble everything (roller, brackets, roller shaft, etc...) before mounting it on the trailer. Place one pal nut on the ground, open end up, and place the roller shaft on the pal nut. Next, with everything assembled on the shaft, put the other pal nut on the other end of the shaft and use a hammer to tap the top pal nut onto the shaft. While you are tapping on the top pal nut, the roller shaft will seat into the pal nut you placed on the ground.

Once you have both pal nuts installed, you can install the entire roller assembly on your trailer.

If it is difficult to remove the brackets from your trailer, then you can completely assemble the roller, shaft and bracket on the trailer and place a pal nut on each end of the shaft. Have a helper hold something hard, such as a 2x4, on one end of the shaft while you tap the pal nut on the other end onto the roller shaft with a hammer. Repeat this process for the other side.

There is not a textbook method for installing pal nuts onto a roller shaft, so as long as you know that they just need to be tapped on, you can install them any way that works for you.

expert reply by: John H