Kit detent woes - lost balls

[suffering_jukebox]

Replacing some seals on a leaky spool of our L3450 (FEL LA650a), and despite having some magnets at the ready, two of the small balls at the bottom of the spool slipped away. New kit is $140, but I really just need the two tiny balls that go in the rod I think they’re 3.8mm. Labeled A below:

A few more pictures of what I mean:

Thanks to @srr5008 I hope it’s ok I’m using your pictures

 

[ken erickson]

I have found McMaster-Carr a great source. Getting a accurate measurement of the size ball is going to be key. I also quickly clicked on these 440c stainless ones. There maybe better options for your application. I will let others weigh in on that. Good luck!

hardened-bearing-quality-440c-stainless-steel

 

[Edke6bnl]

McMaster-Carr. Oops repeat

 

[RBsingl]

If you have a local bearing supply house in your area, take one with you and they will match them up for you.

Otherwise McMaster will have them.

Rodger

 

[suffering_jukebox]

Incredible, 3 answers within 15 minutes of posting- magnitudes faster and more direct than ringing my local dealer. Thanks for the info y’all

 

[Sparky Prep]

Second on McMaster-Carr. Great supplier. We use them at work, very large electricity generating facility. For acurate ball diameter measuring, invest in a quality micrometer/ caliper.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Second on McMaster-Carr. Great supplier. We use them at work, very large electricity generating facility. For acurate ball diameter measuring, invest in a quality micrometer/ caliper.

Or even a cheap one.

General Tools Professional Micrometer 102 - The Home Depot

General Tools has grown to become the recognized industry leader for specialty hand tools and instruments. Generals #102 Micrometer is a practical and economic measuring tool for hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers.

www.homedepot.com

Dan

 

[suffering_jukebox]

Or even a cheap one.

General Tools Professional Micrometer 102 - The Home Depot

General Tools has grown to become the recognized industry leader for specialty hand tools and instruments. Generals #102 Micrometer is a practical and economic measuring tool for hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers.

www.homedepot.com

Dan

Oof- yeah you know, as I sock some cash aside for that professional one someday- Amazon’s got one for 10 bucks which seems…serviceable for the time being haha

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Oof- yeah you know, as I sock some cash aside for that professional one someday- Amazon’s got one for 10 bucks which seems…serviceable for the time being haha

Oof to $12??

At that price, I snagged one like immediately!

 

[TheOldHokie]

Oof- yeah you know, as I sock some cash aside for that professional one someday- Amazon’s got one for 10 bucks which seems…serviceable for the time being haha

There is not much to an outside micrometer - a 40 TPI lead screw and some etched graduations. Don't even need a standard to calibrate a 1" mic.

Dan

 

[suffering_jukebox]

Oof to $12??

At that price, I snagged one like immediately!

Oh, I meant oof in a good way! Lol one of the few times I just hit the “buy now” Amazon button

 

[chim]

Two local hardware stores stock the balls. I took a sample ball and the caliper I use for reloading. The measurement was confirmed by using the caliper as a "go-no go" gage.

 

[G.rid]

Something I've done for years, started at work. I'll cut the outer race of scrap bearings and save the balls. I have a few spray can caps full of various sizes. When I loose a detent ball, I usually have something close enough.

 

[Joisey]

The same thing happened to my stepson soon after he got married.

 

[NCL4701]

The same thing happened to my stepson soon after he got married.

He can source replacements through McMaster-Carr.

 

[Joisey]

He can source replacements through McMaster-Carr.

Or he can ask his wife for them. She keeps them in a silk bag in her bureau.