Mario managed it when I wasn't there. I assume that stern persuasion may have been involved.
However- my DT Swiss 180 hub appears to be too venerable to accept 12mm end-caps, so the old ones had to go back on. This is annoying - what's the best way to sleeve this down to 12mm?
Well the mechanic in Soho Bikes can't shift them using his axle vice. What next?