Detente Coupler

K

Kendrick

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Hi

I'm a recent convert to the hobby machining world and have been trying my hand at what I thought were simple projects.

A simple ball bearing detente coupler for a tool holder.

I can machine all the pieces and it all fits well enough for the job but i can't figure out how to keep the ball bearing from popping out.

detente.jpg

I've tried boring the inside chamber to leave a lip but if it's too thick then the bearing can't protrude enough, and if it's too thin it just pops out.

Does anyone have suggestions?

detente.jpg
 
Yup, swage the start of the hole. Take a pin punch slightly larger than the hole diameter, place the spring and ball in the hole and press the pin into the hole just enough to upset a bit of metal and lock the ball in. It doesn't take much. I've used this technique many times.

Tom
 
TLGriff said:
Yup, swage the start of the hole. Take a pin punch slightly larger than the hole diameter, place the spring and ball in the hole and press the pin into the hole just enough to upset a bit of metal and lock the ball in. It doesn't take much. I've used this technique many times.

Tom
Click to expand...

So my mistake is trying to machine the swage. Instead I should deform the opening after I insert the bearing.
Thanks. I'll try that next.
 
Yup.

If you don't have a press, you might be able to do it with a hammer. Go carefully though because it takes very little to keep the ball in. Also, don't countersink the hole, you'll need the metal that the c-sink would remove.

Tom
 
Hi Kendrick I think "detente"is a drink at Starbucks??
But if you look up spring plunger or ball plunger in a tool supply catalog or google they make them in all sizes and can be set at many different pressures.
Of coarse that's not as challenging as makin em yourself but thought I'd throw it out there just in case.
dickr
 
dickr said:
Hi Kendrick I think "detente"is a drink at Starbucks??
But if you look up spring plunger or ball plunger in a tool supply catalog or google they make them in all sizes and can be set at many different pressures.
Of coarse that's not as challenging as makin em yourself but thought I'd throw it out there just in case.
dickr
Click to expand...

I found the word while looking through the 501 Mechanisms book. I just assumed it was the correct term. But I see now that 'ball plunger' or 'spring plunger' leads to more search results.

And you're right. Building it yourself is a lot more satisfying.
 
Actually,De'tente is the more correct word.:)(For our Russian relations)
 
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