Established in 1952
Bal-tec
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Precision Ball Plug Gages

Hardened Chrome Alloy Steel 62 Rc. or Tungsten Carbide on Special Order

Ball Gages, Single and Double ended, Go and NoGo gages

Precision balls make first-rate inspection tools, but loose balls are very hard to work with. This problem is solved by attaching a handle to the ball.

Delivery can be made in just a few days. With over 30,000 different lots of special balls in stock, most Ball Plug Gages only require installing a stem and shipping.

The heat applied when attaching the stem by soldering, brazing or welding will invariably cause a dramatic change in the size and roundness of the ball, along with a large drop in the hardness.

These Ball Plug Gages are produced by an entirely different process which completely avoids these problems: The stem is attached by gluing it into a deep hole that has been produced by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)This method holds the ball rigidly without causing any distortion or loss in hardness.

Two Ball Plug Gages are frequently used in Go-No Go combinations mounted on a common handle. All Ball Plug Gages are supplied with handles which meet American Gage Design Standards, unless otherwise specified.

Measuring inside diameters, the space between two surfaces and the width of grooves are in the broadest applications for Ball Plug Gages.

The Ball Plug Gage has a unique advantage over conventional inspection methods. Its spherical shape provides a self-centering line of contact that can be inserted into a hole at any angle. The ball will not stick or bind, allowing it to be used to measure bell mouth and taper.

The Ball Plug Gage is excellent for use in confined areas even when the actual hole or groove being measured cannot be seen by the inspector.

A feature buried down in a hole or inside a cavity can often be measured by putting a bend in the stem of the Ball Plug Gage.

The Ball Plug Gage is at its best when used to measure holes which have a constant diameter but are not straight--Piping and Tubing for instance.

A variation of the ball gage concept is to mount the ball on a flexible wire so it can actually go around corners. The ball can be put in the middle of a long wire and pulled in either direction.

By machining two flats on the ball, the Ball Plug Gage can be used to actually measure out-of-round holes.

Ball Plug Gages that have two flats on both members are used to gage the inside spherical surfaces of rod end bearings.

The precision Ball Plug Gage makes a radius gage of unparalleled accuracy. By applying a thin coat of oil-base Prussian Blue to the Ball Plug Gage, it becomes a very effective method for checking spherical and toroidal surfaces. When the blued ball gage is brought into contact with the test part, it will leave a telltale blue mark at the points of contact.

These gages are also widely used to measure the pitch diameter of bearing races, threaded surfaces and of gears.

The location of holes, internal and external grooves and various machined details are other common uses for the Ball Plug Gage.

During our fifty-plus years in the custom ball business, we have produced a vast array of ball gage designs. Call us for unique configurations that will help you do a better inspection job.

Ball Plug Gage, Hardened

Chrome Alloy Steel 62 Rc. or Tungsten Carbide on Special Order

Ball Plug Gage (2222 bytes)


"A" - The standard size tolerance for the ball is + .0001" (+.00254 mm). The roundness or sphericity of the ball is 25 millionths of an inch (.000635 mm) maximum. The surface finish of the ball is less than 1.5 microinches (38 NM) Ra. Finer tolerance can be supplied on special order.

"B" - The stem length listed is standard, any stem length up to 6" (152.4 mm) will be provided at no additional cost.

"C" - The diameter listed is standard, any reasonable diameter will be supplied at no additional cost.

An American Gage Design Standard AGDS handle is supplied at no additional cost.
A-Diameter
Ball Size
B-Dimension
Stem Length
C-Dimension
Stem Diameter
PRICES
6 - 10 Pieces Over 10 Pieces
1 - 5 Pieces
Under .050" Requires a Special quote
         
.050" - .100"
(1.3mm - 3.81mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.032"
(.813mm)
$72.00 double $64.80 double $58.32 double
$39.00 single $34.40 single $31.16 single
.1001" - .150"
(2.543mm - 3.81mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.062"
(1.59mm)
$72.00 double $64.80 double $58.32 double
$39.00 single $34.40 single $31.16 single
.1501" - .250"
(3.813mm - 9.525mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.093"
(2.36mm)
$72.00 double $64.80 double $58.32 double
$39.00 single $34.40 single $31.16 single
.2501" - .375"
(6.353mm - 9.525mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.125"
(3.18mm)
$72.00 double $64.80 double $58.32 double
$39.00 single $34.40 single $31.16 single
.3751" - .500"
(9.528mm - 12.7mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.12"5"
(3.18mm)
$72.00 double $64.80 double $58.32 double
$39.00 single $34.40 single $31.16 single
.5001" - .594"
(12.7mm - 15.09mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.187"
(4.75mm)
$73.30double $73.30 double $73.30double
$39.65 single $39.65 single $36.65 single
.5941" - .750"
(15.09mm - 19.05mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.187"
(4.75mm)
$75.26 double $67.73 double $60.96 double
$40.63 single $40.63 single $40.63 single
.7501V - 1.00"
(19.05mm - 25.4mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.250"
(6.35mm)
$78.72 double $70.85 double $63.77double
$41.36 single $41.36 single $41.36 single
Over 1" Requires a Special Quote
         

Ball Plug Gage With One Flat Side

Hardened Chrome Alloy Steel 62 Rc. or Tungsten Carbide on Special Order

"A" - The standard size tolerance for the ball is + .0001" (+ .00254 mm) The roundness or sphericity of the ball is 25 millionths of an inch (.000635 mm) maximum. The surface finish of the ball is less than 1.5 microinches (38 NM) Ra. Finer Tolerance can be supplied on special order.

"B" - The stem length listed is standard, any stem length up to 6" (152.4 mm) will be provided at no additional cost.

"C" - The diameter listed is standard, any reasonable diameter will be supplied at no additional cost.

FLAT - The dimension of the flat will be produced to your requirement. The standard tolerance for the flat is + .002"
(+ .0508mm), but a closer tolerance can be held for a small additional charge.

Ball Plug Gage With One Flat
An AGDS handle is supplied at no additional cost. ( American Gage Design Standard )
A-Diameter Ball Size B-Dimension
Stem Length
C-Dimension
Stem Diameter
PRICES
6 - 10 Pieces
Over 10 Pieces
1 - 5 Pieces
Under .050" (1.3mm)
Requires a Special Quote
         
.050" - .100"
(1.3mm - 3.81mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.032"
(.813mm)
$89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09 double
$47.50 single $43.05 single $39.05 single
.1001" - .150v
(2.543mm - 3.81mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.062"
(1.59mm)
$89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09 double
$47.50 single $43.05 single $39.05 single
.1501" - .250"
(3.813mm - 9.525mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.093"
(2.36mm)
$89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09 double
$47.50 single $43.05 single $39.05 single
.2501" - .375"
(6.353mm - 9.525mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.125"
(3.18mm)
$89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09 double
$47.50 single $43.05 single $39.05 single
.3751" - .500"
(9.528mm - 12.7mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.125"
(3.18mm)
$89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09 double
$47.50 single $43.05 single $39.05 single
.5001" - .594"
(12.7mm - 15.09mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.187"
(4.75mm)
$90.30 double $81.27 double $73.15 double
$48.15 single $43.64 single $39.58 single
.5941" - .750"
(15.09mm - 19.05mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.187"
(4.75mm)
$92.26 double $78.72 double $78.72 double
$49.13 single $42.36 single $42.36 single
.7501" - 1.00"
(19.05mm - 25.4mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.250"
(6.35mm)
$92.26 double $78.72 double $78.72 double
$49.13 single $42.36 single $42.36 single
Over 1"
Requires a Special Quote
         

Ball Plug Gage with Two Parallel Flats

Hardened Chrome Alloy Steel 62 Rc.or Tungsten Carbide on Special Order

"A" - The standard size tolerance for the ball is + .0001" (+ .00254 mm) The roundness or sphericity of the ball is 25 millionths of an inch (.000635 mm) maximum. The surface finish of the ball is less than 1.5 microinches (38 NM) Ra.Finer Tolerance can be supplied on special order.

"B" - The stem length listed is standard, any stem length up to 6" (152.4 mm) will be provided at no additional cost.

"C" - The diameter listed is standard, any reasonable diameter will be supplied at no additional cost.

Ball Plug Gage With Two Parallel Flats

An AGDS ( American Gauge Design Standard ) handle is supplied at no additional cost.

FLAT - The dimension of the flat will be produced to your requirement. The standard tolerance for the flat is + .002"
(+ .0508mm) but a closer tolerance can be held for a small additional charge.

A-Diameter
Ball Size
B-Dimension
Stem Length
C-Dimension
Stem Diameter
PRICES
6 - 10 Pieces
Over 10 Pieces
1 - 5 Pieces
Under .050" Requires Special Quote          
.050" - .100"
(1.3mm - 3.81mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.032"
(.813mm)
$107.00 double $96.30 double $86.67 double
$ 56.50 single $ 51.15 single $46.34 single
.1001" - .150"
(2.543mm - 3.81mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.062" (1.59mm) $107.00 double $96.30 double $86.67 double
$ 56.50 single $ 51.15 single $46.34 single
.1501" - .250"
(3.813mm - 9.525mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.093" (2.36mm) $107.00 double $96.30 double $86.67 double
$ 56.50 single. $ 51.15 single $46.34 single
.2501" - .375"
(6.353mm - 9.525mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.125" (3.18mm) $107.00 double $96.30 double $86.67 double
$ 56.50 single $ 51.15 single $46.34 single
.3751" - .500"
(9.528mm - 12.7mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.125" (3.18mm) $107.00 double $96.30 double $86.67 double.
$ 56.50 single $ 51.15 single $46.34 single
.5001" - .594"
(12.7mm - 15.09mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.187" (4.75mm) $108.30 double. $99.24 double $89.32 double
$ 57.15 single $ 51.74 single $ 46.86 single
.5941"- .750"
(15.09mm - 19.05mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.187" (4.75mm) $110.26 double $99.24 double $89.32 double
$ 52.62 single $ 52.62 single $ 47.66 single
.7501" - 1.00"
(19.05mm - 25.4mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.250" (6.35mm) $113.72 double $102.35 double $92.11 double
$ 59.86 single $ 54.18 single $ 49.06 single
Over 1" Requires a special quote          

Ball Plug Gage with a Bent Stem

Hardened Chrome Alloy Steel 62 Rc. or Tungsten Carbide on Special Order

"A" - The standard size tolerance for the ball is + .0001" (+ .00254 mm) The roundness or sphericity of the ball is 25 millionths of an inch (.000635 mm) maximum. The surface finish of the ball is less than 1.5 microinches (38 NM) Ra.Finer Tolerance can be supplied on special order.

"B" - The stem length listed is standard, any stem length up to 6" (152.4 mm) will be provided at no additional cost.

"C" - The diameter listed is standard, any reasonable diameter will be supplied at no additional cost.

"D" - The angle of the Bend is held within +2 degrees standard. Finer tolerance will require a special bid.

Ball Gage With A Bent Stem

An AGDS ( American Gage Design Standard ) handle is supplied at no additional cost.
A-Diameter Ball Size B-Dimension
Stem Length
C-Dimension
Stem Diameter
D-Angle
+ 2 Degrees
PRICES
6 - 10 Pieces Over 10 Pieces
1 -5 Pieces
Under .050"
Requires Special Quote
   

     
.050" - .100"
(1.3mm - 3.81mm)
3.0"
(76.2mm)
0.032"
(.813mm)
+ 2 Degrees $89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09 double
$47.50 single $43.05 single $39.05 single
.1001" - .150"
(2.543mm - 3.81mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.062" (1.59mm) + 2 Degrees $89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09 double
$47.50 double $43.05 single $39.05 single
.1501" - .250"
(3.813mm - 9.525mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.093" (2.36mm) + 2 Degrees $89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09 double
$47.50 single $43.05 single $39.05 single
.2501" - .375"
(6.353mm - 9.525mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.125" (3.18mm) + 2 Degrees $89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09double
$47.50 single $43.05 singel $39.05 single
.3751" - .500"
(9.528mm - 12.7mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.125" (3.18mm) + 2 Degrees $89.00 double $80.10 double $72.09 double
$47.50 single $43.05 single $39.05 single
.5001" - .594"
(12.7mm - 15.09mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.187" (4.75mm) + 2 Degrees $90.30 double $81.27 double $73.15 double
$48.15 single $43.64 single $39.58 single
.5941" - .750"
(15.09mm - 19.05mm)
3.0" (76.2mm) 0.187" (4.75mm) + 2 Degrees $92.26 double $83.03 double $74.73 double
$44.52 single $44.52 single $40.37 single
Over .750" Requires a special quote            

The Balwand™

Hardened Chrome Alloy Steel Balls 62 Rc

A new form of ball gage is the Balwand™ . This simple straight-forward device is very accurate. It measures the distance or gap between two surfaces.

The Balwand™ consists of a long slender shaft or wand attached to a gage ball. The gage ball has at least one flat surface ground on it. This flat is ground parallel to the shaft. In application, the flatted area on the ball is inserted between the two elements to be measured.

Attempt to rotate the ball. If the ball turns without sticking, then the space between the parts is greater than or equal to the diameter of the ball. If the ball sticks and won't turn freely, then the distance separating the two parts is less than the diameter of the ball. In practice, one of the two surfaces is often a reference datum such as a surface plate or precisely machined jig. The part to be inspected is separated from the reference datum by precision spacers or machined bosses.

The Balwand™ can be used for many tooling and inspection applications including checking the flatness of large parts, the position of cores in mold setting operations, and the final shape of intricate castings or machined parts. By using two Balwands™ of the proper diameters, a GO and NO-GO ball gage can be created. An American Gage Design Standard ( A.G.D.S. ) handle is supplied with each Balwand™ at no additional cost.

The Ballwand

Part Number "A" Diameter
+.0001" (.00254mm)
"B" Length Standard
"C" Dia. - Standard
PRICES
1 - 5 Pieces
BW- plus exact
size of the ball
.1501" - .250"
(3.813mm - 9.525mm)
12"
(305mm)
0.093"
(2.36mm)
$89.00 ea.
BW- plus exact
size of the ball
.2501" - .375"
(6.353mm - 9.525mm)
12"
(305mm)
0.125"
(3.18mm)
$89.00 ea.
BW- plus exact
size of the ball
.3751" - .500"
(9.528mm - 12.7mm)
12"
(305mm)
0.125"
(3.18mm)
$89.00 ea.
BW- plus exact
size of the ball
.5001" - .594"
(12.7mm - 15.09mm)
12"
(305mm)
0.187"
(4.75mm)
$90.30 ea.
BW- plus exact
size of the ball
.5941" - .750"
(15.09mm - 19.05mm)
12"
(305mm)
0.187"
(4.75mm)
$92.26 ea.
BW- plus exact
size of the ball
.7501" - 1.00"
(19.05mm - 25.4mm)
12"
(305mm)
0.187"
(4.75mm)
$92.26 ea.

Versatile Inspection Ball Kit

inballkit.jpg (16189 bytes)

This inexpensive ball kit contains a wide variety of 98 non standard precision balls. It consists of groups of special ball sizes centered around commonly used fractional inch balls. These ball sizes reflect the most frequently requested balls for inspection applications.

Each group of seven balls contain a standard nominal fractional size ball as well as one each of a +.002", +.001", +.0005", +.0002", and - .001", - .002".

Part # BK-14
98 Sizes Very Hard Chrome Steel

The balls are precision lapped to meet the A.F.B.M.A. standard Grade 25. They are spherical within 25 millionths of an inch (635 nm). The surface finish is below 1.5 micro inches (38.1 nm) Ra and the exact ball size is within + or - .0001" of an inch (.00254 mm).

The balls are manufactured from chrome alloy steel that is hardened to 62 Rockwell C for wear resistance. This material has a thermal coefficient of expansion equal to 6.3 micro inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit or 11.4 micro meters per meter Centigrade. This matches steel gage blocks and is the same as most iron and steel products.

This ball kit includes the 14 most popular fractional inch sizes from 3/32" ( 2.381 mm ) to 1.00" to ( 25.4 mm ), see Summary / Prices Page.

Each of the 14 fractional groups of balls is packaged together in an individual plastic vial. These plastic vials are housed in a very rugged plastic tray. This tray is placed inside a robust steel shipping and storage case. This large steel case is 12 inches wide by 18 inches long by 3 inches deep.

Part # Nominal Size Price
BK-14 Full Kit of 14 Sizes
From 3/32" - 1"
----- $345.15
093-BK 3/32" 2.381 mm $29.97
125-BK 1/8" 3.175 mm $29.97
156-BK 5/32" 3.969 mm $29.97
187-BK 3/16" 4.763 mm $29.97
218-BK 7/32" 5.556 mm $29.97
250-BK 1/4" 6.35 mm $29.97
312-BK 5/16" 7.938 mm $31.15
375-BK 3/8" 9.525 mm $31.15
437-BK 7/16" 11.113 mm $31.15
500-BK 1/2" 12.7 mm $31.15
625-BK 5/8" 15.875 mm $31.15
750-BK 3/4" 19.05 mm $35.73
875-BK 7/8" 22.225 mm $42.77
100-BK 1" 25.4 mm $42.77
SO-PT Sapphire Oil - 1 Pint ----- $15.00
SO-GAL Sapphire Oil - 1 Gallon ----- $52.00

Sapphire Oil

Sapphire Oil (4769 bytes)
Sapphire Oil is a used as a lubricant when Ball Sizing. For heavy upsets or when a better finish is required this highly chlorinated oil or wax is the best choice. It is about a forty weight oil that is easily applied to any bore.
See: Balls for Ball Sizing
Also: Report on Ball Sizing
Part # Size Price
SO-PT Pint $15.00
SO-GAL Gallon $52.00

Ball Gage Set on a Key Ring or Gap Gage Set

small ball gage, ball gauge, used on a key ring

 

Ball Gage Key Ring Set
Ball Gages on Key Ring
Ball Gages on Key Ring

The balls on this gage set range from 2.0 mm ( 0.07874") to 3.4 mm ( 0.1260") in increments on 0.1 mm. They are used by an auto manufacturer to check the fit of auto doors.

These gages are also referred to as "Gap Gages."

Each gage with a stem costs $36.00.

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