Dropout problem: possibly bent open? Wheel slips under power
 

Hello all. I've been reading the forums for a while (and learning a lot) but I have a problem that I haven't seen before. I found this Merida 10-speed at a garage sale for $5, and its become my practice-polishing bike. My problem is that I can't tighten the axle nuts enough because on the non-drive side, the dropout slot is too wide for the nut to get a good grip. The washer was an attempt by me to compensate. Should I try to bend it closer, or try a different type of nut/washer? Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

I've included a picture of the drive-side nut for comparison.
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9600/photo1rk.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1466/photogjb.jpg

Start by getting your hammer and tapping the slot back to parallel. You can use the nut as a gauge. Next buy 2 serrated washers, and use one under the nut at each end.

If you prefer you could buy a pair of track nuts with built-in washers, but they might end up costing more than what you paid for the whole bike.

+1

The dropout got bent, and needs to be straightened out. Use whatever tool you think will work best. Some sort of clamping might be better than tapping with a hammer.

Thank you very much for your responses. I will get to bending as soon as I get a free evening.