How do you remove push nuts?

[Mantis]

I need to replace the main roller on my trailer and it is held on the 5/8" shaft by a couple of push nuts. How in the world do you get those things off? I first soaked them with penetrating oil and then tried prying them off with a very large screw driver, but they won't move. I don't have enough room between the nut and the trailer tabs to try to pound them off with a punch and a hammer. I was going to grind one off and put on a new one, but none of my local hardware stores carry any push nuts larger than 1/2" & I need 5/8". Any Ideas?

[knowphish]

Forget the push nuts. Drill the shaft and use a cotter pin!

[Mantis]

I found 5/8 push nuts at McMaster Carr, but a bag of them will cost me over $15.00. You're right, drilling / cotter pin would be cheaper. That's what I'll do.

[Astro-T]

Last time I needed em I got mine at Ace hardware. I think they had them up to 1"

[Mantis]

I drilled the rod and used a cotter pin, but thanks anyway. I didn't think of ACE.