Size of the steel ball in a Saturn water key? -SOLVED

Riojazz · Last edited by Riojazz on Tue Jan 21, 2020 12:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

After cleaning mine each time before, I realized that it could be very easy to lose the stainless steel ball when disassembling or assembling a Saturn water key. Well, I just cleaned mine while having to work in not the best-lit room, and I have no idea where the ball just went. I'm sure I'll find it in a few minutes, but if I don't, what is the size of the ball, please? I plan to pick up another as a spare anyway. That info doesn't seem to be online anywhere.

I recall it's about the size of a BB, I think. Mine is for trumpet, of course (there are different sizes).

Oh, and I plan to invest in a larger plastic bag for next time...

Thanks.
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Matt Finley https://mattfinley.bandcamp.com/releases
Kanstul 1525 flugel with French taper, Shires Bb Destino Med & C trumpets, Schilke XA1 cornet, Schagerl rotary, Schilke P5-4 picc, Yamaha soprano sax, Powell flute. Sanborn GR66MS & Touvron-D.

cheiden · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 11:15 am Post subject:

To help you with your search you might try using a magnet.
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Riojazz · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 11:15 am Post subject:

Doing just that! Thanks. I hope it's the kind of stainless that does react to a magnet.
_________________
Matt Finley https://mattfinley.bandcamp.com/releases
Kanstul 1525 flugel with French taper, Shires Bb Destino Med & C trumpets, Schilke XA1 cornet, Schagerl rotary, Schilke P5-4 picc, Yamaha soprano sax, Powell flute. Sanborn GR66MS & Touvron-D.

Riojazz · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 12:41 pm Post subject:

OK, I found the ball. It WAS in the plastic bag I used for safety.

FYI, the measurement appears to be 6.11 mm or .240 inches in diameter.

[I edited the post title to say SOLVED.]
_________________
Matt Finley https://mattfinley.bandcamp.com/releases
Kanstul 1525 flugel with French taper, Shires Bb Destino Med & C trumpets, Schilke XA1 cornet, Schagerl rotary, Schilke P5-4 picc, Yamaha soprano sax, Powell flute. Sanborn GR66MS & Touvron-D.

dstpt · Heavyweight Member Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Posts: 1284

Riojazz · Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 2:59 pm Post subject:

You're welcome. I'm sure others will someday find this info here when they are stuck like I thought I was.

I had the Saturn installed many years ago on my flugelhorn after being very dissatisfied with the Amado factory equipment. The Saturn is far superior. It has never jammed, empties more spit, and, till now, given no trouble in cleaning it. I have noticed that a layer of green scum can build up and shut it off completely, so cleaning every few months is required. A pipe cleaner is involved, with a Q-Tip and alcohol.

I should also mention that, while I like the Saturn, I absolutely love the Pollard water keys on another horn. Now that's a great design.
_________________
Matt Finley https://mattfinley.bandcamp.com/releases
Kanstul 1525 flugel with French taper, Shires Bb Destino Med & C trumpets, Schilke XA1 cornet, Schagerl rotary, Schilke P5-4 picc, Yamaha soprano sax, Powell flute. Sanborn GR66MS & Touvron-D.

Riojazz · Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 5:17 pm Post subject:

Just following up.

I went to my local quite ordinary Ace Hardware and asked if they had stainless steel ball bearings. Yes, they had them. The box contained many diameters, including 1/4".

I spent $0.31 for a spare. Happy ending.
_________________
Matt Finley https://mattfinley.bandcamp.com/releases
Kanstul 1525 flugel with French taper, Shires Bb Destino Med & C trumpets, Schilke XA1 cornet, Schagerl rotary, Schilke P5-4 picc, Yamaha soprano sax, Powell flute. Sanborn GR66MS & Touvron-D.