Boxford Ball Oilers

[Clive Brown 1Participant @clivebrown1]

[Clive Brown 1Participant @clivebrown1]

Two or three ball oilers, (is that the best term?) on my Boxford seem to have lost their springiness. Does anyone know the size I would need to replace them? The name of a possible supplier would be useful.

Measurement of the visible bit gives about 7.2mm or 9/32" dia. which seems an odd size and there doesn't seem to be a flange, they're almost flush.

I assume removal of the oiler is done by tapping a screw into it and pulling, is that correct?

Should say that the existing ones look to have aluminium bodies.

TIA Clive

Edited By Clive Brown 1 on 16/03/2022 12:20:00

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Clive , If you do get them out post the sizes as I have a few and can then see if I have the sizes.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Clive Brown 1 on 16/03/2022 12:08:00:

…

I assume removal of the oiler is done by tapping a screw into it and pulling, is that correct?

…

That's I how I did mine, the oilers were just a press-fit. I can't confirm pulling on a screw is industry best practice but it worked perfectly for me.

[Richard MillingtonParticipant @richardmillington63972]

1/4" on my 280. I get the old ones out where I don't have access to the back with a self tapper down the hole then pull.

If you have access to the back of it, knock the oiler out and it may be that the spring has started to come out of the oiler. Wind it back in and tap the bottom with a ball bearing to retain the spring better.

[Clive Brown 1Participant @clivebrown1]

Some success, managed to prise one out this afternoon without destroying it. Like on Richard Millington's 280 it's 1/4", with a very small flange which isn't obvious when pressed in. Seems to be plated steel.

Imperial sizes don't seem to be easily available but RDG appear to stock them. Firstly I'll see if I can restore the faulty ones as suggested.

Thanks for the contributions.

[Author]

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