Detent Ball Replacement

[Hairlesstwinkie]

Unfortunately my Southard Flipper needs a detent ball replacement. I was wondering why it wasn't flipping as well as it did when I had first received it. When I had taken it apart, I noticed that the detent ball has flattened some. I'm wondering what's a good way to measure the diameter of the ball and how to replace the ball.

 

[dr_fosg8]

Would it be possible to send it in for warranty work to replace it? If not, I would imagine a high quality micrometer would be about the only way I can think of to measure it. Is it easily removable from the knife? Where would you source a new one from?

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I think it's pretty typical for most detent balls to flatten. I know for certain that I've seen it happen on more than a couple of my knives.

Only way I can see it not happening again is to replace it with a ceramic (ala CRK) detent ball, but I'm not sure they make them small enough, or how you'd install it.

 

[spketch]

I can't answer your question about measuring/replacing the detent ball, but I believe a flat spot is normal. Have you tried adding a tiny drop of lubricant to the ball? (Be careful not to get any in the lock interface.)

 

[Nullity]

I replaced the steel detent on my SnG with a silicon nitride ceramic detent. Ordered from Boca Bearings.

Use a c-clamp and a small, short drill-bit to press the ball out, then use the clamp to press it back in. Don't try to hammer it in/out.
A common way of setting the detent's depth when pressing it in is to use the bronze pivot washer as a shim so you don't press the ball too deep.

The common detent size is 1/16, but I would double-check that.
Good luck.

Edit: To measure the ball size, press it out and measure with a micrometer or vernier calipers. I just guessed and ordered a few sizes, then by the time the balls arrived I had access to a micrometer and I verified the original detent ball size before installing.

 

[Hairlesstwinkie]

I replaced the steel detent on my SnG with a silicon nitride ceramic detent. Ordered from Boca Bearings.

Use a c-clamp and a small, short drill-bit to press the ball out, then use the clamp to press it back in. Don't try to hammer it in/out.
A common way of setting the detent's depth when pressing it in is to use the bronze pivot washer as a shim so you don't press the ball too deep.

The common detent size is 1/16, but I would double-check that.
Good luck.

Edit: To measure the ball size, press it out and measure with a micrometer or vernier calipers. I just guessed and ordered a few sizes, then by the time the balls arrived I had access to a micrometer and I verified the original detent ball size before installing.

awesome. I'll definitely try that out.