Press fit Dubro wheel bearings on axles?

by Chris
(Montreal, Canada)

Hello,

I'm currently using Dubro 249 axle shafts (3/16in) and 3.25in dia Airman wheels with 0.5in bearings (with 3/16 hole in inner race). The shafts currently have no clearance and can't assemble. I could try putting the axles in the freezer but I suspect I'd still have to drive them on somehow in a way that is hopefully not too damaging.

Question: can I just install the axles in a drill and sand them down a bit for an easy install or is it really necessary that they be pressed on?

Thanks in advance for your responses!