Pololu Ball Caster with 1″ Plastic Ball (old version)

Note: We have released an improved ball caster with 1″ plastic ball that we recommend over this older version for applications that are not somehow specifically tied to this item #956 design. The new version is available with better plastic rollers or with ball bearings and it holds the ball more securely.

This ball caster kit includes a black ABS housing, a 1″ diameter plastic ball, three dowel pin rollers, two spacers (1/16″ and 1/8″ thick), and mounting hardware. The total height of the ball caster, 1.1″, can be increased to about 1.3″ using the included spacers. The mounting hardware consists three 7/16″ #2 screws and three 1″ #2 screws (and three nuts) so you can pick the most appropriate length for your particular application. You can also use your own #2 or M2 screws if your application requires some other length.

Note that our ball casters are designed for small robots; they are not intended to bear more than a few pounds. With more weight than this, friction between the ball and the housing will generally keep it from rolling well.