Socket extension repair - missing retainer ball

[RubiconJK]

I wound up with an old 1/2 drive Plomb extension from a group of tools recently purchased that is missing its retainer ball. Is there a way this can be repaired and if so, where can I find the replacement parts needed? Thanks.

 

[DadsTools]

I've read a few different suggestions on this, all involve finding the right size ball & spring and then peening the ball in somehow using a hollowed out tool for a drift or just edge peening with a cold chisel. I have an old 1/2" drive ratchet with a different problem altogether--the spring has failed. Every source I've read said you're just simply screwed if that happens. My plan (since from a collector's perspective it's already ruined) was to drill it out from behind, leave the ball inside, locate some chiwan extension bar I can sacrifice for the spring, install the spring behind the ball, then drive in a slightly oversize brass or soft steel plug and file the end flush. This might work for you too, except you'll need to find the right ball as well.

 

[Provincial]

If the ball and spring are gone, the first step is to open up the peened part of the hole. Find (or make by grinding) a tapered punch that will fit inside the peened part of the hole and that will enlarge it to the unpeened diameter by driving it into the hole.

Once the peening is removed, figure out that diameter bearing ball you need and purchase one. Then find a spring that will fit the hole diameter and which is the right length to hold pressure against the ball at full extension, but will also collapse enough to let the ball retract flush with the surface of the square face.

Now the hard part. You need to peen the edges of the hole while the spring and ball are installed, and the ball isn't bottomed against the fully collapsed spring by the peening tool. If the hole is deep enough, a flat-faced punch may work. If the hole is too shallow for this, then the peening tool needs to have the center relieved enough to let the ball sit out a little. I've never seen the factory peening tool, but perhaps someone will be able to describe one.

Good luck! I think it is do-able.

 

[Provincial]

DadsTools, you may be better off melting out the old ball with a plasma or torch, then proceeding as if the ball was gone.

 

[DadsTools]

Provincial's description is what I've always seen as the missing-ball solution, only explained better. Keep in mind. though, if you peen it too far down, the ball won't protrude far enough out to hold the socket on. I still like the idea of scabbing some cheap chinese flea market extension. It will even give you an idea what the final peened hole size and depth should look like.

 

[ranchtools]

I wound up with an old 1/2 drive Plomb extension from a group of tools recently purchased that is missing its retainer ball. Is there a way this can be repaired and if so, where can I find the replacement parts needed? Thanks.

I have recently purchased an extensive collection of Plomb/plumb/plvmb tools. While packing and loading these tools I saw some repair parts. Since their are over 10,000 items in this collection it will take us some time to sort and catalog all of it so it can be sold. If you will drop me a line, I would be happy to get back to you when we dig these repair parts out.

 

[RubiconJK]

Thanks all for the replies and suggestions. I'll try the method Provincial suggested and will probably try to make a peening tool out of an old punch.

 

[RubiconJK]

I have recently purchased an extensive collection of Plomb/plumb/plvmb tools. While packing and loading these tools I saw some repair parts. Since their are over 10,000 items in this collection it will take us some time to sort and catalog all of it so it can be sold. If you will drop me a line, I would be happy to get back to you when we dig these repair parts out.

Ranchtools you found a 10,000 piece Plomb collection?

 

[oldmantaylor]

I have recently purchased an extensive collection of Plomb/plumb/plvmb tools. While packing and loading these tools I saw some repair parts. Since their are over 10,000 items in this collection it will take us some time to sort and catalog all of it so it can be sold. If you will drop me a line, I would be happy to get back to you when we dig these repair parts out.

Did that happen to be George Robin's collection?

 

[snapmom]

here are some from a SO dealer.