A Source of 1mm Steel Balls?

**Anorak Bob** · 13th February 2011, 04:50 PM

I have a Mitutoyo universal type dial test indicator. This differs from most indicators due to a feature that enables the rotation of the entire end incorporating the measuring point, 360 degrees. I found out, to my surprise, that there is not a lot holding the end on, only a spring detent. I popped the indicator apart to find that I am now missing two of the nine 1.0mm diameter steel balls that support the push rod inside the indicator body. These balls could have easily dropped out when I pulled it apart. If they dropped on the floor they are lost forever amid the swarf.

The nine balls were located 120 degrees apart and in three rows in the tubular brass sleeve shown in the photo.

I have had a look on line and I can buy balls from Small Parts and from various sellers on Ebay. When buying balls of this size my concerns are the quality and dimensional tolerance the balls on offer have.

I contacted Statewide Bearings in Kewdale and was told the smallest loose balls they stock are 1/16" dia.

Does anyone have any suggestions for locating a small number of high quality balls?

I could try Long Island Indicator Service in New York if it drops in a hole here.

**drsed** · 13th February 2011, 04:58 PM

I've got one of those somewhere. If I can find it I'll PM you and arrange to send it to you. I took mine apart and found the microsurgery needed to put it back together a little daunting.

**nadroj** · 13th February 2011, 05:24 PM

Have you tried bearing suppliers?

Jordan

**Stustoys** · 13th February 2011, 05:37 PM

Bob
I'll try the bearing guys I use tomorrow, maybe they will have them.

Might be an idea to replace them all so you get nine the same size.

Stuart

**Anorak Bob** · 13th February 2011, 06:23 PM

Jordan,

I only tried one place yesterday, Statewide Bearings, because I knew they were open on Saturday. I will ring a few places tomorrow. SKF are close by. The problem might be the number I'm after. I can by 250 from the States for next to nothing but what do I do with the remaining 248. The quality could be questionable.

Stuart,

The size would be critical, I imagine, to ensure accuracy. If I can obtain the correct size replacements, I will install a new set of nine.

Drsed,

Apart from taking the side cover off the body in a vain search for the missing balls, I have not delved into the gizzards of the indicator. Just trying to get the remaining 6 balls into the sleeve was an exercise in dexterity. I ended up using a tiny amount of watch oil to hold the balls in place.

Have you had a similar problem to mine?

Bob.

**drsed** · 13th February 2011, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by Anorak Bob

Drsed,

Apart from taking the side cover off the body in a vain search for the missing balls, I have not delved into the gizzards of the indicator. Just trying to get the remaining 6 balls into the sleeve was an exercise in dexterity. I ended up using a tiny amount of watch oil to hold the balls in place.

Have you had a similar problem to mine?

Bob.

I can't remember what the problem with mine was but it's all in pieces now. It looks to be a little different from yours and I can't find any small bearings among the parts (I haven't lost any). It's this one. You can have it if you want to try and put it together.

http://www.mitutoyo.com/Images/003/304/513-517E.pdf

Or

513-517E

on this page:

Mitutoyo America Corporation

**.RC.** · 13th February 2011, 09:37 PM

BSC show them as available in their manual...

**C-47** · 13th February 2011, 09:43 PM

A potential source if not readily available is from older hard drives. Alan.

**cava** · 13th February 2011, 10:29 PM

I used to work for CBC bearings many years ago. They used to have VERY small balls, pardon the pun

, available. I am not sure these days, but it is worth a try.

**Anorak Bob** · 13th February 2011, 10:43 PM

Thanks very much for the suggestions Gentlemen. I will do a ring around tomorrow.

Drsed,

If you are happy to let it go I would have a crack at it. Send me a PM if you locate it.

Alan,

I will ask the IT bloke at work tomorrow about hard drives.

Bob.

**Metmachmad** · 14th February 2011, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by Anorak Bob

Does anyone have any suggestions for locating a small number of high quality balls?

Maybe a small replica doll or maniquin of John Howard, afterall, George W Bush described him as a man of steel.

**Stustoys** · 14th February 2011, 10:41 AM

Bob
Consolidated Bearing Company, Bayswater (03) 9762 3022

Can get them, they need to order from sydney so will be $5 for the order + the cost of the bearings(which wont be much).
I assume you'll be able to find someone that can get them over there. If not let me know.

Stuart

**Anorak Bob** · 14th February 2011, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Metmachmad

Maybe a small replica doll or maniquin of John Howard, afterall, George W Bush described him as a man of steel.

I did mention "high quality".

I contacted SKF. I spoke to a young lass who was very helpful but was informed that they would have to buy them in. I rang BSC. They would have them air bagged from over east. Would cost 27 bucks for 50 balls. (The balls cost 19 cents each.) I'll keep looking a bit longer.

Bob.

**nadroj** · 14th February 2011, 02:20 PM

Is that the freight charge? Do you want me to get some and put them in an envelope?

Jordan

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