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How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can

Introduction

The life of a trash can is dirty and rough. With those conditions, it can be expected that something will eventually break. Here is our guide to replacing the wheels of a 96 gallon toter trash can in the case that it does break. No experience is necessary, only a couple tools and these steps will get you a trash can that can roll again.

What you need

  1. How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can, Wheels: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Flip the trash can upside down.

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  2. How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 2, image 1 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 2, image 2 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Position the flathead screwdriver on the tab of the pal-nut in the center of the wheel.

    • Position the rubber mallet on top of the flathead screwdriver.

    • Hit the flathead screwdriver with the rubber mallet a couple times for each tab.

    • There are two tabs on each pal-nut, so just do these actions for the pal-nut on one side. The other wheel can remain connected to the axle to remove.

    • This is to push the tab inside to free the pal-nut from the axle that the wheel is connected to.

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  4. How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 3, image 1 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 3, image 2 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use the rubber mallet to hit the back of the wheel and loosen the pal-nut.

    • If the pal-nut is stuck, use PB B'LASTER to spray on the pal-nut to break up any rust or corrosion.

    • Caution: Wear gloves so the PB B'LASTER does not get on your skin.

    • Remove the pal-nut.

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  5. How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 4, image 1 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 4, image 2 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the wheel with the pal-nut from the axle.

    • Slide the other wheel off of the trash can with the axle still attached.

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  6. How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 5, image 1 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 5, image 2 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • To replace with the new parts, reverse the previous steps.

    • Slide the new wheel with the axle on to the trash can.

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  7. How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 6, image 1 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 6, image 2 of 3 How To Replace the Wheels on a Trash Can: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Position the new pal-nut on the axle.

    • Use the rubber mallet and hit the pal-nut on the axle until it is secured.

    • Hold the other side in place while hammering to offer some opposing force. This will help the pal-nut latch on to the axle.

    • Check that both sides are secured.

    • Flip the trash can back to the normal position.

    • Test the new wheels by rolling the trash can.

    Edit
Conclusion

Now that your trash can is up and rolling again, you can now pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

One other person completed this guide.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Thien Pham

Member since: 09/28/20

133 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Badges: 3

Team

University of North Texas, Team S1-G12, Raign Fall 2020 Member of University of North Texas, Team S1-G12, Raign Fall 2020

UNT-RAIGN-F20S1G12

2 Members

2 Guides authored

6 Comments

What size pal nuts on trash barrels

Billcopithorne - Reply

Putting wheels back on trash barrel.Need to replace pal nut and would like to know if there is a standard size to purchase

Billcopithorne - Reply

Hi there!

Upon looking at this specific replacement kit, the Pal-Nut size they used is 5/8”. Since you may have a different trash can with a different size axle, you should refer to any replacement kits made online and see what size Pal-Nut they use.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toter-Replac...

Thien Pham -

The nut wont come off. I had to saw the axel in half.

Is Sira - Reply

I am a 65 year grandmother and I replaced the wheels on my 20 year Toter with no issues, Found the repacement parts online. Proud of myself

Rose Wright - Reply

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