Short of BALLS

[jmh2929]

My new boat (for me) has “Bulldog” genny furling gear which appears to be about 1989 or so. This is all working fine but the top swivel seems to be a bit short on bearing balls, about 20 would fill the gaps in 2 tracks. They are 3mm or 1/8 inch plastic/nylon. I have googled and found nowt but an approx date for the gear. Also ball makers (min order 100 dollars) /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. Anyone know where I might find some in smaller a quantity?

 

[emnick]

Hello,
I recently thought I would remove my track cars to clean them. No body told me the ball cars were not captive and I lost two. They were also about 3/8 brown plastic / nylon I eventually went to the local Selden riggers in Ipswich. They found me a couple and would not take a penny. So thanks to them. I would try your local riggers they sometimes have wriiten off equipment that they can use. Good luck

 

[exfinnsailor]

Some of the Dingy Blocks have balls in them .. If you need a few have a look at your local chandler you may get something .. You will probably have to cut it up to get them out but they may have old stock they want to get rid of .. Happy Hunting

 

[Gwylan]

good cycle shops usually have a wide selection

 

[jmh2929]

Thanks for replies. Gives me somewhere to start

 

[roly_voya]

I believe on some of the plastic ball bearings they appear to be short as the gaps need to be wider. This is to ensure there is no contact between individual balls which would cause damage. Don't know where this comes from just remember reading it so might be wrong but worth checking with a rigger.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Have a look here

 

[Graham_Wright]

[ QUOTE ]
Have a look here

[/ QUOTE ]

No;- don't!

They quoted me £75 per hundred for the same item as Lewmar charge £40 per hundred for!

The plastic balls are either Torlon or Acetal. Torlon is an expensive plastic but then an 8mm diameter ball uses very little. I have been trying to obtain a sensibly priced supply for some time for my Lewmar Genoa cars.

My genoa furling gear uses SS balls. Is plastic really necessary?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Thanks nice to know.

I have never used them just repeating info from a previous post here.

 

[jmh2929]

Thanks for info. I was just about to email them. Changed my mind. Had thought of SS but track is ally so might cause wear and corrosion but as a last resort who knows.

 

[aitchw]

Found these but they are 6mm dia. They also do them in Delrin/Acetal. Pretty cheap really.

I seem to think my Holt dinghy mainsheet jammer has Delrin balls about that size so maybe could be bought as spares from Holt.

BTW, there should be some gap in the circle of balls otherwise they will jam or wear faster. Do not pack them in tight.

 

[earlybird]

I had a Rotostay furler that used plastic balls, about 3 or 4mm. I know they sold overhaul kits for them, but this was some 10 years ago. maybe worth a look.

 

[geoffatstanpit]

Bike balls will go rusty very quickly out in the open without a weekly annointing with 3in1.