Drilling Out Mower Wheels

[crokett]

I picked up some plastic mower wheels to add to my generator. They are advertised as having a 1/2" dia hole for the bolt but they are not 1/2" all the way through - the bolt you normally use on a mower has a shoulder on it. I need them to be 1/2 all the way because I will be using threaded rod as an axle. Anybody see any problems with me drilling them the rest of the way out?

[cabinetman]

That might be a stepped sleeve in the wheel. You might be able to remove the sleeve and replace with a bushing. Harbor freight has many replacement wheels both pneumatic and solid with 1/2" holes all the way through.
.

[leehljp]

I had a similar problem once and just drilled it out. It is terrible to buy something in the states, get back to Japan and find that I can't just take it back! I chalk it up to QC for cheap but adequate replacement parts.

[LCHIEN]

if you use a 1/2" all thread as an axle then you may chew up the 1/2" holes in the plastic hubs real fast, especially for a heavy item like a generator... 60-100 lbs on each wheel.

They do sell axle bolts with a head, a shoulder for the wheel to ride on and then a threaded portion.

[crokett]

Loring,

I was thinking about that but the generator won't get moved much. My plan is to ubolt a length of all-thread to the frame and leave it long enough to bolt the wheels onto. I suppose I could go with some longer carriage bolts and just bolt one to each side.

[LCHIEN]

Genset wheel kit at Amazon $15 bucks get it quick...

This might be what you want.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Max-GENWK.../dp/B000TVGZX6

$15.35 everyone else has them for ~$100

[crokett]

Thanks Loring. I ordered that kit. It never occurred to me to look around for one. The wheels I already had were about half the price of that complete kit. It looks like it is meant for a specific brand but I think I can make it work.