OT - Source for small springs and ball bearings?

[Ysabel Kid]

OT because it is not for a lever gun.

I have an old adjustable blackpowder measure. This is the kind that is roughly tube-shaped, with a cone at the top. Adjustable from 20 - 120 grains. All brass, unlike the mostly plastic ones sold today. The bottom had a piece you could turn to open to store percussion caps. Handy little item. It is retained by a small ball bearing and spring.

Oh, about 25 years ago I managed to launch the ball bearing and spring into low orbit. Dug the unit out of storage last week, cleaned it up, and I would like to replace the missing parts to get it working again (I can still use the measure itself). Figured i could use some shot, if I can't find a ball bearing small enough. I need a little spring - a really little spring. Overall diameter needs to be small; I can cut it to length if need be.

Got any ideas? I'll try to take a snap shot of it, but won't get a chance this week.

Thanks!

[Nath]

Does this mean you's gonna fire that blunderbuss up?

If so wooo hooo

How about making your own spring and using some steel shot.

best wishes.

Nath.

[J Miller]

The local hardware sites here in central IL have selections of springs from tinsy to huge. I haven't seen the ball bearings though.
If you can get a measurement on the ball you might could steal it from some other item.

Joe

[O.S.O.K.]

http://www.brownells.com

They should have that kind of stuff - I seem to remember getting a detant ball from them. If the search doesn't cooperate, just call them - that's what I do.

[Tumbleweeds II]

Used to be, you could buy an old manual typewriter and strip it. Lots of screws, springs, etc. They probably bring antique prices now.

Don't forget, the Smith in Smith-Corona was named L. C.

[Noah Zark]

McMaster-Carr Co.

http://www.mcmaster.com

"The Big Store"

Noah

[pwl44m]

U know the detent springs on an AR ara pretty small dia. wise.

[BenT]

Under the extractor of a Savage model 10 is a really small ball and spring. Just a tip , put it inside a clear plastic bag when taking it apart. It saves time you spend on the floor.

Brownells also sells I believe a wolf spring kit that comes with fifty different tiny springs for around $15. It's great to have around. I used springs from the kit for replacing over heavy lawyered up trigger return springs on a couple Ruger 22's.

[jhrosier]

The disposable butane lighters have a small coil spring under the striker wheel.
For a small ball, measure the diameter of the opening and post it here.
We will surely find one between us all.

Jack

[Shasta]

If you have one of those sets of small number-sized drill bits, find the one that just will fit in the hole. That will give you the diameter of the spring you need. My local gunsmith has a good assortment of springs and so far has always had what I needed. Maybe you could try yours.
As for a tiny ball bearing, I found them at the local Orchard Suppy Hardware store. I needed some for a Marble's tang sight and by golly they had 'em!

SHASTA

[claybob86]

I have quite a few ball bearings and springs. Post measurements and I'll see what's here.

[Rusty]

How about the spring out of a ball point pen? It would be cheaper than the shipping charges.

[M. M. Wright]

Ysabel,
PM me with the measurements. I've probly got what you need.

M. M.

[wavetrain75]

Ball bearings are ok but when you're making a claymore use nails instead of springs.

[KCSO]

Well Brownell's has a spring and bearing kit for sale but I assume $97 is too much to pay? Spring and bearing $.50 if you want to pay the shippng. I need diameter and length of spring, and I will dig one out of the kit.

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

The link to McMaster Car is an excellent idea. I used to buy all kinds of stuff from them, including springs. I'll bet they will have exactly what you need. They also seem to stock steel balls down to 3/64" in diameter. Just type balls into the search field and click on steel balls.

Here is the URL for another outfit that does nothing but make springs. Their selection is even more extensive than McMaster. I used to buy from these guys too.

http://www.asraymond.com/spec-spd/

[COSteve]

An old, cheap 'clickable' ball point pen has a nice light spring in it. I've used them for countless projects over the years.

[bdhold]

McMaster-Carr Co.

http://www.mcmaster.com

"The Big Store"

Noah

what he said.
And no matter how small, they treat any order like a big order.

[Ysabel Kid]

Thanks guys! I was traveling all week, so couldn't take any measurements (left Monday, got back today, and worked in all four time zones in the continental USA this week!). Sorry for the miserable pictures from my cellphone. The hole is 1/8ths inch in diameter, and 5/8ths inch deep. The ball bearing can not be smaller than 3/32ths of an inch or it would pass through the detent hole. I'll check out McMasters.

Steve - Y2K thought of a pen spring as well, but I haven't found one small enough.

M.M. Wright - thank you for your offer!

[claybob86]

I have ball bearings .123 and .124. Springs: .112D X .400L, fairly stiff, .115D X .500L, soft, .096D X 1.8L, fairly stiff, .111D X .165L, fairly stiff and .104D X .160L, fairly stiff. If you want any or all of that, let me know, its yours.