How do i remove an old wheel nut from the front wheel of my dutch bike?

Question

I have an old gazelle dutch bike and I can't get the front wheel off. When I turn the nut on one side it turns the spindle going through as well so it never loosens. I have tried to hold the spindle and nut on the other side but it still doesn't budge. How can I get it off?

Answer 1

Sounds like it's rusted in place.  Try some good quality automotive penetrating oil (much better than WD-40).  Let it sit for awhile, tap the nut with a hammer a few times, and try again to remove it.   If that doesn't work, use a small torch to gently heat the nut and try again.  

If that doesn't work, then buy or rent a "nut cracker" from a tool store or auto store.  It fits around the nut and you tighten the tool...there's a wedge piece that gets forced into the nut and eventually will split it open.  Just stop turning when the metal breaks so that you don't damage the axle threads.   It sounds like your axle may be toast, too, however.   I don't know anything about the bike you're talking about, but hopefully it can be fitted with a normal axle from today's parts selection.  

Hope that helps some.....good luck!   :o)

Answer 2

Old trick: before loosing the nut, try to give it one turn clockwise, then turn anticlockwise to loosen it. And indeed always use two plyers/vises etc to hold BOTH sides of the axlenuts

Answer 3

Use a vice grip on one side to keep the axle in place while turning the nut on the other side.