If that's a 3-speed Raleigh of a certain era the fork has a keyhole slot (shaped sort of like this =O)and the hub locknuts have a narrow lip that engages into the slightly larger round section at the top of the slot. This was a "safety" device to keep front wheels from falling off, similar in purpose to the so-called Lawyers Lips on modern QR forks.
Grab the blades and pull them apart slightly with your fingers while pushing the axle in and down with your thumbs.
Once you master this, you'll be ready for childproof Rx bottles.
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Last edited by FBinNY; 12-20-10 at 10:33 PM.