Cutting metal rods that holds toy wheels together?

[johnmiic]

I'm trying to re-purpose wheels from an old toy. The wheels have the typical metal rod inserted inside it. You can't pull it out so I was thinking of cutting the rod in 2 at the middle. What should I use to cut it? After I cut the metal rod I want to do something to the edge of the rod to make it hold under the chassis of a new toy car. I'll need to either drill a hole in the rod, (it's so small I think it unlikely), or maybe I should notch it? Maybe I will only be able to squeeze it with a clamp to flatten it some? I'm not sure how strong the metal is. Any suggestions?

[Mikey]

Are you talking about the axel, John ?

If so, it's gotta be able to pull out (I wouldn't cut the rod) --- that would just give you more of a headache cause you're eventually going to have to pull out the rest in the end anyway.

I would find a way to hold down the wheel so it don't move and try yanking out the rod with a pair of plyers.

Maybe try putting it between something solid to hold it while yanking

[johnmiic]

Yeah, the axle. Why didn't I think of that, lol! I dunno, it's pretty tight.I'm afraid I might ruin the wheel if I pull it out.

[thunderbolt]

the wheel plastic? You try hot water yet to soften it up?

[johnmiic]

No, didn't try that.

[hobub]

Or a hairdryer works good for softening hard plastic. The axle likely has gripped ends. For cutting the axle, you can just use a hack saw. But like T1K, I would not recommend.