A method of manufacturing a multi-piece shaft for an idler roller. The method includes providing a tube having a first end and a second end, mechanically crimping the first end of the tube to a first stub to secure the first stub to the first end of the tube with a mechanical interlock, and mechanically crimping the second end of the tube to a second stub to secure the second stub to the second end of the tube with a mechanical interlock. The first stub extends from the first end of the tube and the second stub extends from the second end of the tube.