Tool Talk

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: amecks on January 25, 2017, 05:14:50 PM

Title: Does anyone have a 1/16" ball bearing I could have?
Post by: amecks on January 25, 2017, 05:14:50 PM

I am trying to get this 1/4" drive ratchet working.  Really neat little chrome ratchet.  No idea who made it, the only markings are "CHROME VANADIUM".
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1620/13746358/24746656/413103560.jpg)
The top is apart so I can get back inside it.  The black ring is the selector ring and functions with a tiny spring and ball.  The ball is missing and I have not yet found a small enough ball bearing to fit.  I just need one 1/16" ball to make it work.
Will reimburse for postage.
Al

Title: Re: Does anyone have a 1/16" ball bearing I could have?
Post by: Papaw on January 25, 2017, 05:54:57 PM

I bet every one of us has at least one "catch-all" drawer! I will look in my several.

Seems like there should be some in old carburetor rebuild kits. You might check in the switch off an old motorcycle. I seem to remember those being that small.
Another place could be an old rheostat switch.

Title: Re: Does anyone have a 1/16" ball bearing I could have?
Post by: Ken W. on January 25, 2017, 05:59:07 PM

I have some. PM me your mailing info.

Title: Re: Does anyone have a 1/16" ball bearing I could have?
Post by: amecks on January 26, 2017, 07:27:53 AM

Thank you very much, Ken.  PM sent.  (I just need one bearing).
Al

Title: Re: Does anyone have a 1/16" ball bearing I could have?
Post by: amecks on January 31, 2017, 07:36:01 PM

Thanks, Ken.  I managed to put that tiny ball in place after several tries, dropping it a half dozen times but not losing it.  (Thanks for sending the extra ball).  The ratchet is together and working.  It isn't a real good user, it's a bit finicky.  The ratchet came from an estate auction.  The gentleman lived about 1/4 mile from here and used to have garage sales and sometimes a table of stuff free by the curb.  He was probably a mechanic or at least was into old cars and anything mechanical.  I'm glad I was able to fix this ratchet and also that I was able to have a few other nice tools from that auction.
The thumbwheel is the direction changer, and has an inner cam shape that moves one or the other pawl to change direction.  The ball and spring locates into two relieved areas of the cam to hold it in position.  The retainer ring is pressed into place so is not very serviceable.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1620/13746358/24746656/413117216.jpg)
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1620/13746358/24746656/413117217.jpg)

Title: Re: Does anyone have a 1/16" ball bearing I could have?
Post by: bonneyman on January 31, 2017, 10:07:02 PM

That is a little cutie! Glad you got it back together.