How to Install a Detent Ball in a Dolly Leg

Dolly wheels can be retrofitted with a detent ball.

A detent ball is a device that prevents a moving part from temporarily moving once the ball engages. A dolly is used to move items or equipment that one person cannot lift. The dolly typically possesses two wheels that rotate freely. You can tip the dolly back on the wheels and push or pull a heavy load. Installing a detent ball in one of the legs or wheels of the dolly will temporarily hold the wheels in a fixed position. Detent balls come in assemblies that can fit inside the hub or rim of a dolly.

Things You'll Need

• Detent ball assembly
• Calipers
• Hammer
• Punch
• Snap-ring pliers
• Bearing puller
• Ratchet and socket set
• Wrench set

Instructions

1. Set the dolly with the wheels facing up and off the ground. Remove the snap ring that holds the wheels on the shaft and pull off the wheel. Repeat the steps on the other wheel, and set the wheel in a place where you have access to the wheel bearings.

2. Measure the outside diameter of the wheel shaft with the calipers and record the measurement. Measure the interior diameter of the wheel bearings and record the measurement. Pull the wheel bearings from the hubs using the bearing puller. Measure the interior diameter of the wheel hub, where the bearings are located, and record the measurement.

3. Order two detent ball assemblies that fit the measurement you have taken. Knock the detent ball assemblies in the hub with a mallet and punch. Ensure that the assembly is seated on the lip of the hub.

4. Slide the wheel and tire back onto the dolly shaft and install the snap ring in place. Sit the dolly upright and tip the dolly back on its wheels. Push on the dolly to ensure the wheels work properly. Sit the dolly upright again and try turning the wheels by hand. Detent balls will prevent the wheels from turning when sitting in the upright position.

Tips & Warnings

• Dollies with caster wheel assemblies can be purchased with detent balls or pins already fabricated into the assembly. If the brand of dolly you already has caster wheels without detent balls or pins, you can purchase an entire caster wheel assembly with detent balls or pins.

• Just remove the old caster wheel assemblies by unbolting them from the dolly and install the new caster wheel assemblies with the detent balls or pins.

• The detent ball will release when weight is placed on the tires or you firmly push on the dolly. If the detent balls do not release, the wheels will not turn, and the detent ball assembly is defective or not installed properly.

References

• Carr Lane: Ball Lock and Detent Pins
• JET: Owner's Manual
• U-Haul: How to Use a U-Haul Appliance Dolly