Dowel pins in custom length?

markiz41 · Jul 28, 2015

I need to replace rollers/needles in a couple of caster wheel bearings. The bearing surface width is a tad (about 1/32) over 1-9/16. I tried but could not find this length in 3/16 diameter; pins go from 1-1/2 right to 1-3/4. What to do? Grinding is an option, but since there will be 48 pins, I kind of like to avoid it. Anyone have a source for 1-9/16 long dowels? If not, would there be any serious consequences to just using 1-1/2 long ones? Appreciate any advice.

Jeff NWOH · Jul 28, 2015

Cut the longer ones off with a Metabo and a cut off disc.

jeffcat · Jul 28, 2015

Dremmel tool with a cut off wheel will give you more control. Make yourself a little gig so they will all be the same.

Steve@Advance · Jul 28, 2015

Think I would just use the 1 1/2" ones.

Unless you have a plan to cut them square and straight, that 1/16" with machined straight ends would be less likely to cause a problem than having crooked ends from hand grinding them.

Mike M · Jul 29, 2015

Or use the short ones and fill up the gap with a machinery washer ?

markiz41 · Jul 29, 2015

I like that idea. I'll have to make the washers myself as nothing on these casters is standard. But I'd rather do that than grind pins. Thanks, everyone.

DGinVT · Jul 29, 2015

Have you tried Manhatten Tool Supply Corp or "MSC" as it is commonly known as.

Owen Aaland · Jul 29, 2015

You might consider drill rod to get a better roller than a dowel pin. Can easily be found in 36" lengths. A cutoff saw would make quick work of cutting to the desired length. Smooth the ends and you're good to go.

ss55 · Jul 29, 2015

Would you really need the extra washers? Soft electro-plated washers will wear quickly, spreading contamination between the hardened rollers. I would use the shorter dowels without any extra spacers.

What happened to the old rollers, how do the bearing races look?

markiz41 · Jul 30, 2015

Pitted from rust. Inner race is the fixed shaft itself, outer - the caster bore. Soft steel and grey cast iron. I've polished out some of the damage, but they have worn out some. I'm using .002 oversized pins to take up the gap. This is for a floor jack, so not a lot of speed, just some heavy loads.

Dowel pins in custom length?

markiz41

Member

Jeff NWOH

Member

jeffcat

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Mike M

Well-known Member

markiz41

Member

DGinVT

Member

Owen Aaland

Well-known Member

ss55

Well-known Member

markiz41

Member

Similar threads