Source for Inexpensive Ball Lock Pins?

[Dusty Yevsky]

Does anyone know of an inexpensive source for these? I've been hunting around the 'net but can't seem to find anything for less than $25 a pop. I'm trying to speed up the rigging of a DN iceboat and figure I need 9 plus maybe a spare.

I should add that I'm looking for marine grade w/recessed button.

Dusty

[SamSam]

Put 'ball lock pins' into google images and see if that helps.

[JimConlin]

The ball-lock ones are stronger, not being hollow, and much less expensive.
http://www.mcmaster.com/param/images/pins/98404a365callout.gif
McMaster (www.mcmaster.com) has 'em.

[Bruce Hooke]

McMaster's prices seem to be in the $2 to $6 range depending on what size and alloy you need.

[JimConlin]

These things are $25 or so, and weaker.
http://www.mcmaster.com/param/images/pins/92385a076callout.gif

[Dusty Yevsky]

These things are $25 or so, and weaker.
http://www.mcmaster.com/param/images/pins/92385a076callout.gif


Yes, these are the style I'm looking for. I think the other style shown in this thread is called a detent pin. The difference being this one actually locks the ball in place and can only be removed by depressing the pin on the end whereas the detent style the ball is held in place by springs and can be removed merely by pulling on the shaft. I'd definitely trade a little bit less strength for knowing that my rigging is not going to come apart at 60MPH. Looks like I've got to bite the bullet and pay $25 per. Yeash!!!

[Todd Bradshaw]

My Arrow (kind of like a DN in style, but two-place and a lot bigger) came with the cheaper kind on the shrouds and forestay and I haven't had any come loose while sailing. Why do you need nine of them on a DN?

[jgmarine]

Hi,
Ball lock pull pins are stronger, and hold pretty well..... but if used on an ice boat, I'd plastic "tie wrap" them in, as added security. :) I've seen them shake out with schocking load, which ice boats tend to do in puffs!!:eek::eek::eek:

Jack

[Dusty Yevsky]

Hi,
Ball lock pull pins are stronger, and hold pretty well..... but if used on an ice boat, I'd plastic "tie wrap" them in, as added security. :) I've seen them shake out with schocking load, which ice boats tend to do in puffs!!:eek::eek::eek:

Jack

Exactly.


Todd,
I want two per shroud adjuster, one to attach the triangle to the hound and two to attach the sail to the boom. Saw these on another boat and got pin envy.

Wrenches, clevis pins, nylocks, every frickin' time.... I'm sick of it, I tell you, sick of it!