Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters

**BuffaloJohn** · Jun 10, 2024, 06:11 PM

Here is a way to salvage the wheels from rusted out casters. These particular ones were from a pair of 4 wheel moving dollies that had seen better days.

So - we start with a bucket-O-casters

Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters-bucket_o_casters.jpg

The first problem is how to get the rivet pin out. I tried drilling it out, but that didn't work, it just spun. Turning it and pushing the pin shows that there is a little bit of the round head that might be useful to hold it.

Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters-rivetamountofextra.jpg

and if we stick in the vice jaws:

Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters-rivet_capturedinvisejaws.jpg

But that still is difficult to drill out. So, how about a cutting wheel in the angle grinder?

Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters-cutting_surfaceofrivet_withcutoffwheel.jpg

That works really well. A light touch is required, the rivet is easily ground off.

Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters-rivetaftergrindingflushfirstside.jpg

Then a light tap on something hard and the caster frame and rivet are clear of each other.

Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters-rivetaftergrinding_loose.jpg

Turn the assembly sideways and now we can punch the rivet out of the wheel. Now the wheel is free of the caster frame.

Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters-rivet_punched_out.jpg

And - in only a few minutes per caster, we have wheels and scrap...

Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters-wheels_salvaged.jpg

Salvaging Wheels from Rusted Out Casters-scrap_metal_from_casters.jpg

**Karl_H** · Jun 12, 2024, 08:23 AM

Do you have plans for the wheels or will they sit in a box that your kids will have to deal with?
(Yes, this is projection.)

**BuffaloJohn** · Jun 12, 2024, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Karl_H

Do you have plans for the wheels or will they sit in a box that your kids will have to deal with?
(Yes, this is projection.)

I understand the projection! I resemble that remark!

Yes, there is a planned use for these wheels.

I have a horizontal bandsaw and a metal chop saw and I have been working on some supporting work holding things (infeed and outfeed) so I will use the wheels for that - rolling support rather than just flat/static support - it makes repetitive cuts easier.