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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8582
United Kingdom 
Tow balls
Many of us use tow balls and I realised this morning I do not know how the actual tow ball are made.

Are they cast or drop forged or a mixture of manufacturing techniques?

So does anyone know how the tow balls are actually manufactured?

Have tried a quick google and can not find an explanation.


Brendan
Post #736307 23rd Oct 2018 9:11am
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OsloBlue



Member Since: 14 Jul 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 825
United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 XS CSW Oslo Blue
I don't know?!
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Post #736308 23rd Oct 2018 9:17am
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stanley



Member Since: 18 Sep 2009
Location: Dorset /hampshire
Posts: 1033
United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Orkney Grey
Post #736314 23rd Oct 2018 9:46am
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miker



Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1776
United Kingdom 1999 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Rioja Red
I dont know per se, but I'd say most likely drop forged, then the holes drilled and ball machined. Casting wouldn't have the right strength for the loads involved.

They could probably technically be machined from billet, but that would be a very expensive way to go about it!
Post #736323 23rd Oct 2018 11:41am
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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8582
United Kingdom 
Thanks Stanley for the video.

That video shows the tow ball on a threaded stem or Hayman Reece type tow ball.

What I was wondering about was the two bolt style more commonly used in the UK. Would be interested in seeing a video on how they are made..

Just being curious.


Brendan
Post #736388 23rd Oct 2018 7:45pm
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300TDi CSW Phil



Member Since: 03 Apr 2016
Location: Bracknell
Posts: 750
United Kingdom 1995 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Epsom Green
Looking at the Bradley catalogue most with a ball (and pin or not) seem to be forged whereas the towing jaw is cast with a forged pin.

I haven't been able to find a video though. 1995 300 Tdi Epsom Green - It's a keeper.
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M0XQS
Post #736411 23rd Oct 2018 8:57pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17718
United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
They would have to be forged, otherwise the roads would be filled with runaway trailers!

The two-bolt type will be made exactly as shown in the video except (obviously) forged into a different shape.
Post #736434 23rd Oct 2018 10:45pm
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mick



Member Since: 08 Feb 2010
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 2109
England 2010 Defender 130 Puma 2.4 HCPU Rimini Red
We had a pair of swage blocks to make tow balls where I did my apprenticeship . I can’t remember the hardness of the steel for the job
Post #736556 24th Oct 2018 8:31pm
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