A device and method for assisting a user in aircraft wheel assemblies is disclosed herein. The device enables a single user to readily connect two wheel sections in a split wheel assembly. The device is lightweight and reusable and preferably includes two bushings, two washers, a bolt, and a nut. After inserting the bolt through the wheel sections, a nut can be tightened, thereby creating a compressive force that compresses the bushings and the wheel sections together. While the wheel sections are compressed together, a plurality of tie bolts and tie nuts can be installed on the wheel sections to complete the wheel assembly.