How do you lube your balls?

[SpAwN]

I installed my Happ 3" trackball. It seems to roll smooth in 3 of the 4 directions. Is this a lube problem? Can you lube the trackball? What should I use?

Thanks,
Chris

[TalkingOctopus]

If you used a mounting plate, maybe the tb is screwed into the plate too tight on that side.  Try loosening the screw.  

[Hoagie_one]

Graphite powder maybe

[SpAwN]

I am using a mounting plate, I'll check that when I get home. Thanks.

[menace]

I'm amazed at the maturity of this forum with such a loaded question, I thought it was too easy to comment!

[rampy]

I  imagine you would NOT want to lube the ball itself...

As you need some friction between the ball and the rollers in order for them to ... well, roll... Otherwise the ball will slide on top of the rollers and NOT turn the light choppers and your horse shoe/golf ball won't go anywhere!

It is important to keep the ball/rollers clean for that reason.

Also t-balls also need to be broken in  (specifically the bearings)... and the bearings could stand to be cleaned/lubed...

Did you happen to mount your tball upside down?  That might account for the 1 wacky direction...

*shrug*

rampy

[Lilwolf]

It shouldn't be the mounting plate shouldn't be it (since it doesn't touch the trackball itself... but the ring around the trackball case thingy).

But what it sounds like is that your rollers are starting to dent in a bit where the ball touches it.  This adds some space that the ball itself can move and makes the ball hop a little when trying to move.

but I'm guessing.

Is it new?

[SpAwN]

I think its new, I got it from Bob Roberts, it didn't look brand new and the bottom said inspected by "Bob Roberts", so I'm not sure.

[TalkingOctopus]

When I first installed my trackball, I screwed it in as much as possible in the mounting plate.  The tb barely rolled at all.  I loosened all of the screws and got the desired rolling.  That is why I said that might want to double check the screws.

[Tailgunner]

Actually it's been my experience that when a trackball is too clean it skips and slides instead of rolling properly. Trackballs end up coated with skin oil after use so it's my belief that their designed to use it as a lubricant.

With my computer trackballs, I'll rub the ball between my palms to re-oil them after cleaning. Makes a huge difference in how well the ball rolls.

You'd have to disassemble an arcade trackball to do that, so you might just want to play a few trackball games to get the ball oiled up and rolling properly.

[SirPoonga]

I'm amazed at the maturity of this forum with such a loaded question, I thought it was too easy to comment!

I use KY.



Anyway, keep the bearings clean, oil them with household old.  If the rollers and bearing are too far gone get new ones.