detent balls

[norvil1]

what is the best way or tool for installing detent balls and springs? have never done this and i would like to know the best way to do this. thanks.

[HuFlungDung]

Where are you installing them? Transmission shift rails, or what?

[NinerSevenTango]

Buy the threaded ones from McMaster-Carr and screw them in. Saves mucho screwing around! If you can make them fit in whatever it is you are building.

--97T--

[norvil1]

huflung i will be using on firearms or flat surfaces to position levers. after drilling the hole and inserting a spring and ball,what tool is used to close the hole to capture the ball in place?

[Geof]

I drew a little sketch. I used a sort of inside out punch, the red thing in the sketch, on aluminum. It was just made out of drill rod and hardened. This would probably work in soft steel but you might chip the end on a few before getting the hardening and tempering correct.. The tricky part was getting it centered but it would be easy to make a guide that you clamp onto the part.

[DareBee]

If you wish to do more net searches; the process (as Geof shows) is usually called "staking"

[Geof]

Originally Posted by DareBee If you wish to do more net searches; the process (as Geof shows) is usually called "staking"

Thanks, now I see the name I remember it . Funny how that works.

[widgitmaster]

I have used large ball bearings!
Just place them over the hole and hit them with a hammer! It will swage a nice looking chamfer around the hole opening, and keep the balls from popping out!

Use a ball twice the hole diameter!

Widgit