Antal Blocks

[FecklessDolphin]

Can the ball bearings in these blocks be replaced with Harken ball bearings? Harken products are a lot easier to come by. I have 65mm blocks and one 75mm block as part of a 2-speed mainsheet system and it looks as though some balls are missing. Have not had a response yet from the manufacturer.

[Pauls]

You do not need to go to Antal or Harken for bearings. These guys do not make the bearings they use in their blocks, they just buy them from a bearing manufacturer. And then resell them to you for a 300% markup. Just take your sheaves and go to a bearing supply company, they can get you replacements for a fraction of the cost. Or you can measure the bearings and order replacements from McMaster Carr, a great company, if you are in the US you will order them one day and have them delivered the next.

[FecklessDolphin]

My issue was that I wanted to have ball bearings on hand before I took the thing apart so I could put it right back together again and be back out sailing. The guys at Maui Pro took care of me, but I did pay a lot for a little bag of ball bearings, esp shipping cost. Now that I know what I need I can look for them from an alternate source like you suggest and I appreciate your suggestion