4mm Aluminium Ball Links

[Robert White]

Hi All,

Am failing to locate 4mm bore and M4 thread aluminium ball links with standoffs that allow a 30 degree lateral movement. There are a lot of aluminium 4mm ball links out there but none that I can find with the standoffs. Any ideas where I might find some?

Thanks for any thoughts

Bob

[steve stuttard]

what about using flat washers

[Robert White]

Hi Steve,

Problem with washers is that they restrict the lateral movement. The point of the standoffs is that they allow the movement. Not sure 'standoff' is a generally used term. This is where the ball has small tubes or sleeves attached to either side so that a reasonable distance is created between the ball and the surface to which the link is attached. This creates a space for the lateral movement.

Bob

[Alan Cantwell 1131]

I know what you mean, but the biggest i use are kavans, these have a 3 mm hole and thread, i think you need to look at the large quality petrol car guys, rossendale cobra models deal those,

[Robert White]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the thought but still drawing a blank. Think I'll just have to go with M3.

Bob

[GordonTarling]

Surely you could find some short brass or aluminium 4mm spacers and some longer 4mm bolts? I've done this a few times with 3mm ball links and can't see it being a problem with 4mm ones.

[Robert White]

Hi Gordon,

The links I purchased (without thinking this through) are free to leave the housing so this means that when in position with the spacers the housing can still leave the ball and under some conditions bind. So the short tube approach will work if I can find ball links that securely hold the ball within the housing.

Bob

[Phil Clark]

I had some M4 'Rod Ends' from RS several years ago.........not cheap but superb quality.

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rod-ends/0382302/

Phil

[Robert White]

Thanks for that Phil,

I had spotted those but the lateral movement is only +/- 13 degrees and I need at least 30 degrees. I have 3mm links which will be adequate so I'll just get on with those I think.

Bob

[Nigel Cox]

Doesn't list the angle range ??http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__13101__M4_Alloy_Ball_Joint_5pcs_bag_.html?strSearch=M4%20ball

[Robert White]

Thanks Nigel I'll take a look

B

[Mike altham]

I have been looking for the same to use as hinges.

I found these but not sure what they are like.

http://www.giantshark.co.uk/product/171 ... 10pcs-bag-

http://www.mickreevesmodels.co.uk/~mick ... sories.htm

http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/rc-rod-ends

http://www.coolwind.co.uk/product/alloy_ball_link

Mike.

[Robert White]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for responding. Having spent at least a day searching, I've visited all of these sites and more. Mike Reeves doesn't have any 4mm by the way. There's no shortage of ball links but not of the type that fits my needs. Hope you have better luck!

Regards
Bob

[Chris Lane]

Try searching for M4 Rod Ends. This will bring you into karting/motor cycling/competition suppliers.
Chris

[Robert White]

Thanks Chris but have looked there and most other places. Have decided to go with the M3 links I have. Just wanted an extra belt to go with my braces!

B