Pololu Ball Caster with 1/2″ Metal Ball

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Pololu item #: 953
Brand: Pololu
Status: Active and Preferred 
RoHS 3 compliant


This ball caster uses a 1/2″ diameter metal ball. The height of the assembled kit ranges from 0.5″ to 0.8″, depending on the combination of included spacers used.

Alternatives available with variations in these parameter(s): ball diameter ball material Select variant…

Pictures

Pololu ball caster with 1/2" metal ball.

Pololu ball caster with 1/2" metal ball with included hardware.




Pololu ball caster with 1/2" metal ball with included hardware.

Overview

This ball caster kit includes a black ABS housing, a 1/2″ diameter metal ball, two spacers (1/16″ and 1/8″ thick), and two 7/16″ #2 screws and nuts. The total height of the ball caster, 0.53″, can be increased to about 0.7″ using the included spacers. The two included #2 screws can be used to mount the ball caster to your chassis, or you can use your own #2 or M2 screws if your application requires a different length.

Note that our ball casters are designed for small robots; they are not intended to bear more than a few pounds. With more weight than this, friction between the ball and the housing will generally keep it from rolling well.

For detailed dimensions, see the dimension diagram (162k pdf).

Comparison of Pololu ball casters

Pololu ball casters with plastic and metal balls. Ball diameter from left to right: 1″, 3/4″, 1/2″, and 3/8″.

Pololu ball caster
ball diameter
height with
no spacers
distance
between
screw holes
weight with
no spacers
or screws
0.40″ 0.53″ 0.03 oz
0.40″ 0.53″ 0.14 oz
0.53″ 0.58″ 0.07 oz
0.53″ 0.58″ 0.32 oz
0.88″ 0.24″ 0.25 oz
0.82″ 0.61″ 1.05 oz
1.10″ 0.48″ 0.65 oz
1.10″ 0.48″ 0.58 oz
1.10″ 0.70″ 0.36 oz

Dimensions

Ball diameter: 0.5 in
Weight: 9 g1

General specifications

Ball material: metal

Notes:

1
Without screws or spacers.

File downloads

Frequently-asked questions

How much weight can Pololu ball caster support?
Our ball casters are designed for small robots; they are not intended to bear more than a few pounds. With more weight than this, friction between the ball and the housing will probably keep it from rolling well.

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