Foo - A source for loose bearings?

Where might one come across a source for loose bearings? I need replacements for a device, with my calipers I measure 3.16mm or 124.5"

Where might one come across a source for loose bearings? I need replacements for a device, with my calipers I measure 3.16mm or .1245"

124.5 inches? That's a pretty big bearing! Ummmm, a hardware store maybe?

Graingers? How many those big bearings you need?

Those are 1/8 inch balls... try your LBS

I think the 124.5 is supposed to be .1245 which is about 3.16mm.

well I am not sure that they are 1/8. In the application these are for, .0005" makes a huge difference. I was getting .1245 every time, going to check with a micrometer tommorow though

Try this... go to your LBS and mic the 1/8 bearings ;)

Sorry about that, double post and the typo in the first. THreads a merged.
It was 3.16mm actually, which matches up with the .1245"
I did not see any Loose bearings on McMaster or MSC :(

Found these...don't know if they'll have that size though

http://www.bocabearings.com/default.aspx
http://www.vxb.com/

I did not think VXB sold loose bearings?
THanks for reminding me of BOca bearings, I usually stay away from them because their prices are ridiculous for some stuff, but its worth a shot if thats the only source

Geez, don't you have some sort of machine that can whip out a few perfect ball bearings in just a few minutes? :)

Geez, don't you have some sort of machine that can whip out a few perfect ball bearings in just a few minutes? :)

Not yet :p

What are the bearings for? Definitely not a standard size. Maybe you'll have to have them custom made somewhere.

What about buying 0.125 bearings and rolling them in abrasive until they mic 0.1245?

How many do you need anyway? If it's only a few you could get like a 100-count of 0.125 bearings (assuming that as a standard size, they're cheap) and just mic 'em and find the ones that are slightly below spec.

Also, although I know nothing of the ball bearing industry, it wouldn't surprise me if a standard 1/8" bearing measures 0.1245 to account for clearance, grease, chintziness on the part of the bearing company, etc. Many other industries have "standard" sizes that don't measure the exact size. Look at a bolt... a 1/8 bolt won't really measure 0.125 because there was no clearance between the bolt threads and the nut threads the friction would be incredible :rolleyes:. The lumber industry would be a classic example... run down to Home Depot and mic some 2x4s :D.

What about buying 0.125 bearings and rolling them in abrasive until they mic 0.1245?

How many do you need anyway? If it's only a few you could get like a 100-count of 0.125 bearings (assuming that as a standard size, they're cheap) and just mic 'em and find the ones that are slightly below spec.

Also, although I know nothing of the ball bearing industry, it wouldn't surprise me if a standard 1/8" bearing measures 0.1245 to account for clearance, grease, chintziness on the part of the bearing company, etc. Many other industries have "standard" sizes that don't measure the exact size. Look at a bolt... a 1/8 bolt won't really measure 0.125 because there was no clearance between the bolt threads and the nut threads the friction would be incredible :rolleyes:. The lumber industry would be a classic example... run down to Home Depot and mic some 2x4s :D.


Well ball bearings are usually pretty precise. .0005 may not be significant in a bicycle hub, but for rails even a few microns can make the difference

run down to Home Depot and mic some 2x4s :D.


You realize that my dad explaining that situation to me when I was 6 forever ruined my trust in corporate america? :p

Loose bearings....hmmmm. Have you checked Merton's skul.....uh head set?


He's having problems with "twitchiness". :D

only 1 suitable response...lol