How to: attach a piano wire to a ball bearing

[frugalangler]

Well I tried to use the stud gun... and with the size of bearings and not wanting a flat or shank on the pin it was a total failure. Some other method may work for you

Well, I really appreciate the effort, I guess plan B thru X next, I think I'll try the Henrob first, it will be the easiest to set up for. I'll post results for those interested and following.

 

[laurencen]

how many you need to do, if you were closer I could EDM a hole in them pretty quickly

 

[Brad_Blazer]

You can get stainless steel beads on Amazon in various sizes. Use solder or even a little TIG weld on the far side of the bead. It's not clear if you need tensile strength only or tensile, compression, and torsional strength. You may be able to forge the end of the wire a little bigger to lock it in.

 

[dragoneggs]

What a great thread. I have no need but this makes we want to get out in the shop and start playing even though it likely would not be productive. Worse case I would learn something!

Maybe I missed it but what are the strength and hardness requirements? Also are there dimensional and/or esthetic requirements at the join?

 

[kenlip]

If you only need a few for prototyping, contact the dental laboratories in your area. Many laboratories, especially those making orthodontic appliances, have laser welders. They should be able to do the welding for you and preserve the hardness of the materials, if that is important to you.

If they don't have a laser welder, they can almost certainly silver-solder the items for you.

Ken