Pool Ball gear-knobs

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by DubCat, Mar 20, 2025.

  1. DubCat

    DubCat Smells Rats

    Finally sold my pool table but kept a set of spots and stripes balls. Figured I'd have a go at making gear-knobs. Anyone done it? Any tips welcome. It's a lovely old patina set, going to keep a few (1, 8, 9 & 13) and pass on the rest.
     
  2. I'd watch it when drilling them. Aren't they made of rock-hard celluloid? Likely to shatter, I'd think.
     
  3. DubCat

    DubCat Smells Rats

    How does everyone do it? I take your warning though.
     
  4. If t'were me, I'd drill it (carefully, light pressure) and tap the ball for a threaded insert.
     
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  5. DubCat

    DubCat Smells Rats

    Yep, agreed, insert is the way to go and a half nut to lock it in position and get the number straight maybe. Just did a bit of googling and a mask seems a good idea when drilling as they say it smells nasty.
     
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  6. I can imagine it'll smell pretty nasty. Drilling Perspex has the same whiff. Wear your safety specs in case it explodes!
     
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  7. DubCat

    DubCat Smells Rats

    I'll practice on a number I don't want :)
     
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  8. DubCat

    DubCat Smells Rats

    Finding a threaded insert with an inner threaded of M12x1.5 is proving difficult.
     
  9. scrooge95

    scrooge95 Moderator and piggy bank keeper

    I don't think mine has a threaded insert, just a cut in thread. I could do with a locking nut though, as my Number 8 looks more like an infinity sign! I live with it.
     
    snotty likes this.
  10. When I made them, I drilled carefully and then tapped direct into the ball for the thread.

    Pretty sure no one has had any problems.

    Oh, and people want colours to match their vans aswell as particular numbers, I think I sold almost all of my ones.

    Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk
     
    Razzyh, snotty, DubCat and 1 other person like this.
  11. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    Last edited: Mar 21, 2025
  12. Do you shout To infinity and beyond every time you change gear.
     
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  13. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    I took a look at the ball on the top of my EMPI shifter. It has a moulded in brass thread insert, recessed to cover up a "messy" part of the gearstick with the ball overlapping the gearstick where a slot is machined in it for the reverse lock wire.
     
    DubCat likes this.
  14. Mines the end of a curtain pole, i love the texture

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