I need to make this part in stainless and add a ball detent

[Pcmaker]

I need to make a similar part of this, but stainless and I have to add a ball detent. They are 1/4" hex diameter in size.

I think these are chrome vanadium. Very hard metal.

I have 304 stainless, but I don't think it's hard enough material to replace the original.

The criteria is that hey have to be stainless and I have to be able to add ball detents, just like in the originals.

What type of stainless steel should I use? What type of ball detents?

Amazon sells ball detents that are push to fit, I was leaning towards using these:

 

[GeneT45]

I'd try 17-4PH. I can't be much help on the detents. Those are *tiny*...

GsT

 

[matthewsx]

Do you need to make these, or just need to be stainless?

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Bit-Pack-Stainless-double-ended/dp/B0D4R9519Y/ref=asc_df_B0D4R9519Y/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10712459402620949322&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032160&hvtargid=pla-2281435177578&psc=1&mcid=8a6174ba939534668a966e604e8b7267&hvocijid=10712459402620949322-B0D4R9519Y-&hvexpln=73

John

 

[Weldingrod1]

316 won't be hard enough. The pictured object is a ball oiler. The screwdriver bits get a ball and spring in a hole, and then the hole is coined for retention.

There's an off the shelf version, but only in 1/4" hex: Stainless Steel 15 in 1 Megapro Screwdriver Set - Multi Bit Screwdriver with ¼” Hex Shaft for Phillips, Torx, Flat, Square Bit - Screwdriver Bit Set w/Retractable Cartridge, Yellow Blue https://a.co/d/0BdMpKa

I have one and I'm happy with it!

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

 

[extropic]

I've not previously heard of "Stainless" hex bits. I'm wondering what application (real world, not imaginary) requires same?

 

[Weldingrod1]

Marine tool kit?

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

 

[matthewsx]

I've not previously heard of "Stainless" hex bits. I'm wondering what application (real world, not imaginary) requires same?

The McMaster catalog says they are for driving stainless screws. Something about metal transfer that could rust.

Don’t know what the OP needs it for.

John

 

[Pcmaker]

It's for plumbing jobs. Plumbers like the six in one screwdrivers but the bits are constantly rusting.

 

[extropic]

The McMaster catalog says they are for driving stainless screws. Something about metal transfer that could rust.

Don’t know what the OP needs it for.

John

Thanks for the input. I understand the rationale. My career was with a major aerospace company. I was intimately involved with the development of space, airborne, terrestrial, waterborne and even sub-marine hardware. Corrosion prevention/mitigation was always a significant factor. Virtually (if not literally) every fastener was MIL Spec and some grade of stainless, but metal transfer from non-stainless tools never came to my attention as an issue. Maybe somebody in the company was concerned about it, but I never got that memo.

I hope somebody pipes up with a real world example of a need (plumbers and boat owners aside). I imagine medical applications require them. Certainly autoclave sterilization would require high corrosion resistance. I doubt the McMaster offerings are intended for medical use.

 

[Firstram]

I imagine medical applications require them. Certainly autoclave sterilization would require high corrosion resistance. I doubt the McMaster offerings are intended for medical use.

I just had a hip replaced, I doubt my surgeon used a 6 in 1!