So, we went out and bought a tricycle for my boy today. I’d promised him earlier this week that we’d get him one because he was so upset that my daughter wouldn’t share hers and he was dissatisfied with an old plastic trike we have. He wanted nothing less than a big red tricycle just like his big sister’s.

It was $39 at Toys R Us. It’s sturdy and goes together easily if you carefully follow the instructions. On the other hand, if you’re like me and sort of just skim the instructions, then it takes a little longer. So here’s a tip for all you parents out there building a tricycle when you realize, too late, that you’ve hammered on the rear axle but you didn’t slide on the wheel spacers first.

The rear wheels are held on by a pair of little locking hubcaps that you hammer onto the end of the axle. These buggers are designed to go on but not come off. They have teeth inside that bite into the axle when you pull them, and the harder you pull, the more the teeth bite in. I discovered that the only way to get them off was to remove the red plastic shell and then use a pair of pliers to squeeze the entire ring until it deformed enough to slide it off. Make sure you have a spare before doing this because it will ruin the part.