How To Make a metal ball hook swivel

[ukspeedbag]

Having had several people ask how I made the metal ball hook swivel, I decided to post a break down with images.

I started with 2 Everlast swivels, a plastic ball hook and a chain link and stripped them down. (pics #1-2)

I used a 22mm diameter metal ball. These can be purchased from internet sites or in my case, I used vehicle suspension ball joint. The ball will need drilling and tapped out to suit the 'S' hook thread. The thread size is 1.25mm pitch, but this wasn't available to me, so I compromised with a UNC 1/4-20. (pic #3)

I used a cone drill to open the hole up in the chain link lower housing, drilling from the inside to out. Then I cleaned and polished using Emery cloth and wet n dry. (pic #4-5)

I applied a drop of loctite/thread lock to the 'S' hook thread (pic #6)


The ball was dropped into the lower housing and the 'S' hook was screwed in. (pic #7)

I put another drop of loctite onto the lower housing threads. (pic #8)

Both the lower and upper housing were put together. (pic #9)

[paranday]

Useful post. Seems there are a number of experimenters out there, great to see your particular success documented.

[ukspeedbag]

Useful post. Seems there are a number of experimenters out there, great to see your particular success documented.

Paranday, I made a video with me explaining the process. Sam and I were having a bit of a laugh because each time I finished and played it back I never liked it, something to do with my Liverpool accent, so I would have to start again. After about 1 1/2 hrs and a dozen videos later. I was satisfied, then the video came to an end............you could see I was wearing pyjama bottoms!

[dax_q]

Very nice. I am impressed and a little jealous of the skills

[Tim]

That's cool. The Everlast metal ball hook lives on ...

[Dutchman]

Well, it's like we've said around here. There is nothing inheirently wrong with the design. It was the materials used in the later production that caused the problems.

[sparrky37]

What type of vehicle? upper or lower Ball joint? I have a brand new Chain link and want to convert.
By the My last name is Gulley which is English it means people by the sea. NJL SJNE CRUCE (nothing without the cross). I'll have to send a pic of my family crest tattoo.

[ukspeedbag]

What type of vehicle? upper or lower Ball joint? I have a brand new Chain link and want to convert.
By the My last name is Gulley which is English it means people by the sea. NJL SJNE CRUCE (nothing without the cross). I'll have to send a pic of my family crest tattoo.

Jaguar S type upper ball joint. I would guess any motor vehicle would have a similar size 22mm.Just make sure you don't open the hole up too big in the swivel housing. Visit your local scrap yard or pay a visit to your local garage, I'm sure they will have an old wishbone or something lying about.

[novaspeedbagger]

Is the process video available to view?

Paranday, I made a video with me explaining the process. Sam and I were having a bit of a laugh because each time I finished and played it back I never liked it, something to do with my Liverpool accent, so I would have to start again. After about 1 1/2 hrs and a dozen videos later. I was satisfied, then the video came to an end............you could see I was wearing pyjama bottoms!

Great pics of the swivel creation! Is there a link to view the process in the video format as you mentioned above?

[ukspeedbag]

Great pics of the swivel creation! Is there a link to view the process in the video format as you mentioned above?

The video was way to long mate, it would have taken hours to upload to YouTube. I think I deleted it in the end. If I can help you in anyway, just give me a shout.

[slowhand]

The drill bit

Any suggestions on getting the drill bit? I see it as a non-stepped, tapered bit, possibly a size 9, is that correct? Great project, though I can't seem to find the bit or the ball yet.

[baggins]

@ Ukspeedbag

I have read your DIY ball hook swivel with great interest. It made me want to try something similar out as well. I am a former machinist, and could get access to some usefull tools i.e a lathe.

I do have a question however. Instead of making an extra link where the bag attaches, could´nt one make only one link/metal rod, direkt from the metal ball to some form of attachement system, so that the bag can move without so many links to go through? I realise that there is much more work in this, and may be difficult to make, without the right tools, but I can imagine that this would make the bag move more like it is "supposed" to. What I mean in other words, is that maybe only two places the bag can turn, is perhaps better than three.
But then again, if this does´nt have anything to say, it will be a waste of time and money. I was just a bit curious

[paranday]

...I do have a question however. Instead of making an extra link where the bag attaches, could´nt one make only one link/metal rod, direkt from the metal ball to some form of attachement system, so that the bag can move without so many links to go through? I realise that there is much more work in this, and may be difficult to make, without the right tools, but I can imagine that this would make the bag move more like it is "supposed" to. What I mean in other words, is that maybe only two places the bag can turn, is perhaps better than three.
But then again, if this does´nt have anything to say, it will be a waste of time and money. I was just a bit curious

There are some of us who've been thinking that this extra link should go missing. The ball pretty much moves in every direction on its own, so why is this link there other than because of tradition? If you try this modification let us know how it works out.

There are a number of swivel experiments in progress by forum members. I believe the ball hook (and other types) will be perfected by speed baggers who live and breath speed bag.

[ukspeedbag]

I might be wrong but, I think by removing the link and just having a ball and hook, it would slow things down considerably. Correct me if I'm wrong but, when the bag is hit the link swings and the ball kind of follows.

[baggins]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I think there is some math an engineer could occupie himself with for some hours. Me? I like to try things. I let you know when my experiment is bagged ;-)