Ball bearings?

Jazz · #1

Can someone possibly point me in the direction of ball bearings - like, where to get them, besides online? What kind of store or shop sells them?

- best wishes, Jazz.

xceptnl · #2

I would think a skate/bike shop could be a local source for bearings. They will likely only have complete bearing assemblies, but it could be a start.

Jazz · #3

Thanks. I forgot to mention that I want larger ones for trying to make a monkey fist or two.

- best wishes, Jazz.

sharpguitarist · #4

Hey Jazz,
Ball bearings as in for monkey fists or smaller for knife pivots?
If you're looking for 1/2 balls, I get mine either from a local craft store or a guy from the flea market who sells para cord.
Later,
Don

rycen · #5

Do you have any old PC mice around?

Jazz · #6

rycen wrote:Do you have any old PC mice around?

Maybe. Why?

- best wishes, Jazz.

Jazz · #7

sharpguitarist wrote:Hey Jazz,
Ball bearings as in for monkey fists or smaller for knife pivots?
If you're looking for 1/2 balls, I get mine either from a local craft store or a guy from the flea market who sells para cord.
Later,
Don

What's a 1/2 ball?

- best wishes, Jazz.

xceptnl · #8

The older mouse ball makes a fairly lightweight monkey-fist center.

sharpguitarist · #9

Hey Jazz,
Meant to put 1/2".... meaning half inch.
Actually, the ones I have are 3/4".
Sorry about that.
Later,
Don

The Deacon · #10

If you want steel balls, for the weight, you might try a shop that sells parts for large trucks and heavy equipment. Otherwise you might consider using marbles. I expect they'd be a lot easier to find.

Jazz · #11

Thanks, guys. I actually thought of marbles. The bags I saw only had one big'un in them, though. I'll check toys r us and the auto places. What a hard thing to find.

- best wishes, Jazz.

SolidState · #12

The big 1" ones are called "Shooter Marbles," and are all cheap on Amazon. I know that, and I'm under 30. Hey old folks, maybe the youth isn't so doomed.

Nick D. Fingerz · #13

Here you go. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPA ... M=240-2420

Sithus1966 · #14

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-steel-balls/=k1e640

Clip · #15

Try the local hardware store. We used to stock them in quite a few sizes up to 1/2".

phillipsted · #16

For those of you who haven't seen it, you should check out Amazon Supply. This used to be Amazon's "Small Parts" site. They have millions of little parts and doodads in every material, shape, and size. And shipping isn't that expensive for small quantities...

...and yes, they have 8778 types of ball bearings... :eek:

TedP

jackknifeh · #17

There was a thread a year or two ago about using a ceramic bearing in the Manix2 knife instead of the original steel one. Search for the thread because within it is a web site to buy bearings. The bearing I bought was about $1.79 or something like that. I'll try to find the thread but I don't have much luck with searches sometimes. Maybe someone else remembers it.

Clip · #18

I think the OP was looking for brick/mortar stores to pick some up, but I'll definitely be saving that Amazon Supply site. I remembered using the Small Parts site and it was pretty helpful, but generally go to McMaster when I'm in the tinkering mood.

Dr. Snubnose · #19

I have bought steel balls in sizes ranging from 1/4" to 3". You can check the internet for retail stores that carry such an item...I use to buy mine from a ball bearing manufacturer call "ABEC Inc" They made ball bearings mostly for the marine industry, as in ship engines...There are others out there, you need to research a little.....Doc :)

IG-88 · #20

rycen wrote:Do you have any old PC mice around?

Nice idea, but it's been ages I haven't seen a mouse with a ball... I'll keep my eye open from now on, I know where all balls will be going :)