Looking for some knobs, need a little help

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Howdy all,

I hope you guys don't mind, but I'm searching for several knobs for a big restoration project I'm doing. The original knobs on this piece of machinery were some kinda soft foam and dry rotted, but were of different colors. I'm looking to replace them with hard plastic, but also of different colors, to distinguish different functions of the machine.

The knobs have a 1/2" National Coarse thread on them, so they should be fairly easy to find replacements, but for some reason, my google fu is failing me on this one.

I'm hoping out of this group of advanced do it yourselfers, someone will know of a source where I can get hard plastic knobs, various colors to replace the originals with. I'm looking for something in the 2 to 5 buck apiece range and cheap shipping. (Dang, the fact I'm a caster shows sometimes.:/)

[Petrol & Powder]

Can you remove the threaded portion of the existing knobs and inset them with epoxy in new knobs?

[Zymurgy50]

McMaster-Carr, Grainger, or try drilling and tapping old billiard balls.

[blaser.306]

Try your "local" Fastenall supplier! I have purchased different sized hard phenolic spheres ( plastic balls ) all had brass inserts and were per your request , cheap!

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Can you remove the threaded portion of the existing knobs and inset them with epoxy in new knobs?

The entire original knob was plastic and are shot.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

McMaster-Carr, Grainger, or try drilling and tapping old billiard balls.

I've tried the usual. They have black and red, that's about it. Their price on black is very good and I may just go all black, not sure the color knobs matter that much.

No pool halls in this area to buy old used billiard balls from. Black knobs are less than a buck each online. So prolly go that route.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Try your "local" Fastenall supplier! I have purchased different sized hard phenolic spheres ( plastic balls ) all had brass inserts and were per your request , cheap!

That's exactly what I want. Tough part is finding them in colors. I think I'm going to give up on the color and just go all black. You guys see any reason to buy the coloreds? I'm restoring this machine (Ditch Witch 1020) and I am thinking if I just label the machine with stickers, it'll be good.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Or you could go to the local Ditch Witch Dealer and by the correct replacements? Probably will cost more but then you'd get exactly what you needed.

Randy

[alamogunr]

Try here:

http://www.essentracomponents.com/

If they don't have what you need, you may be out of luck.

[zuke]

try EBAY for minature pool ball's.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Or you could go to the local Ditch Witch Dealer and by the correct replacements? Probably will cost more but then you'd get exactly what you needed.

Randy

They're six bucks apiece plus shipping for a crappy plastic foamy colored knob that fades very fast.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Try here:

http://www.essentracomponents.com/

If they don't have what you need, you may be out of luck.

Thank you for the link, I'll check it out.

[Frank46]

Give ENCO a shot. They most likely have the knobs you are looking for. enco.com should get you there. My crappy craftsman lawn mower has a lever you have to move to engage the belly mower. The know came off in my hand first time I used it. Crazy glue to the rescue. Frank

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Frank, I wish crazy glue would fix these. I can't believe they want six bucks for these crappy soft foam knobs that won't last out in the weather. In looking at Enco, I ran across Epco.com. Looks like they manufacture what I want. I'm going to contact them tomorrow and see where I can buy the knobs I want.

[El Bango]

Try the MSC catalog online

[John Taylor]

http://www.essentracomponents.com/product/POK-45/2200003/fl/4294962500

[doc1876]

2nd on Fastenall, or Massey Ferguson.

[Deliverator]

Just pointing out that there is this really cool new thing called paint. Just sayin...

[abunaitoo]

Might not be what your looking for, but what about making them out of wooden hobby/craft balls.
You can get them with holes in it. Tap and install a wood screw insert. Paint the color you want.
You might even be able to just tap and glue the ball on to the stud.

[wills]

http://www.e-boutet.com/32/Ball-Knobs/Ball-knob-in-duroplast-plastic-thread-M3-to-M16.html


https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=industrial+handles+and+knobs

https://www.google.com/search?q=industrial+handles+and+knobs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=IaakU7bOB8OMqgavx4DoBw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=552

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Dang guys,

I feel bad now. I ordered those knobs a couple weeks ago after deciding to go with basic black based on the information I got from several men who actually operate one of these trenchers on a regular basis.

Thanks everyone for their input!

Best Regards,

Dave