ZZ metal shields

[Milkey]

Hi Alan,
I've only just starting really servicing my own reels and am compiling a list of all the bearings in my dozen or so reels so and have a small inventory here as I'm in New Zealand.
I see you recommend the ZZ Abec 5 shielded bearing in many applications. Are these shields pressed in or have a retaining clip so I can replace the shield after packing.

Cheers,
Milkey

[alantani]

either one.  zz simply indicates that the shield is stainless steel, along with the rest of the bearing.

[Robert Janssen]

Well, almost...

Z indicates shielded. ZZ = shielded, both sides. Nothing to do with stainless/not.

Similarly, RS = Rubber* seal. 2RS = that, but both sides.

*or whatever synthetic compound they use nowadays

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[alantani]

thanks for that!  how do they designate stainless steel?  i just took a look at the boca website and didn't really see a pattern.  i usually just call in and the guys the guys there are pretty helpful.  i usually just tell them "all stainless," abec 5 or 7" and we go with what ever they have. 

[Robert Janssen]

Um, you know, my memory is a little hazy on the subject right now, but to the best of my knowledge at the moment, there is in fact no established industry standard for the designation of stainless steel. Granted, most bearing manufacturers adhere to model and size designations similar to that established by SKF- a few letter prefix, number, letter suffix. Like F6206ZZ or something.

However, the letter prefixes and suffixes are what describe the details of the bearing- materials, seals, lubricants, etc.

And, those codes are made up by the individual manufacturer. One might use suffix SS, another might use prefix RR or something.

I think SKF uses the prefix W, as in W6206ZZ for in this example a stainless single-row deep groove 30 mm bearing with metal shields on both sides.

Don't know about other manufacturers.

Really, i think you'd find a lot just by Googling bearing nomenclature and similar terms, preferably choosing links to industrial suppliers and manufacturers websites rather than consumer-oriented ones. Not to say there is anything wrong with them; only that perhaps more concrete info may come from a stronger source.

Doc.

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[Robert Janssen]

Anyway, to answer the OP, not sure exactly which are which. Some have retaining clips on their ZZs, others do not.

But i'm sure there is a letter code for it somewhere...

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[Bryan Young]

This is from Boca Bearings:

http://www.bocabearings.com/dropin.aspx?f=bearing-engineering-guide.txt#Identification-System

[Milkey]

Thanks a lot for the handy information guys.
I fish off a kayak which means my reels see a lot of abuse from saltwater. Being able to purchase sealed bearings with removable shields would be the best bet I would think. That way I can pack them, replace the shield and this would help to keep water out and grease in. Then when it comes to service remove shields, blow out grease/water/grit and then repack, and replace shields.
Over the last few days I have pulled open my Daiwa Certate 3500HD, Daiwa Hard Rock Fish baitcaster and Daiwa TDSol3000 spin. And considering the abuse they get all aren't looking too bad. Will slowly replace all bearings with new ones and start fresh with a maintenance programme.

[Jim]

Here's something fun to consider . . . the rubber seals of many stainless steel bearings are actually a piece of rubber adhered to a little metal ring underneath to give it some structure . . . that little metal ring may NOT be stainless.
Guess how that turns out!

[Ken_D]

Here's something fun to consider . . . the rubber seals of many stainless steel bearings are actually a piece of rubber adhered to a little metal ring underneath to give it some structure . . . that little metal ring may NOT be stainless.
Guess how that turns out!

Another little museum secret: many makers of bb's will indicate ss balls, inner and outer races, but the retaining cage to hold the balls in position around the races will be ferrous metal. And to re-quote the quote: guess how ~~that~~ turns out..... especially when the reel's used in the salt. Not so much in the fresh.  

[Jim]

Ooh ooh ooh, I know how it turns out!!!
With a reel in many pieces on the table waiting for a little package from Boca Bearings!!

[Robert Janssen]

Really Ken, i'd like to modify that thought, meaning that some retailers may do so, or perhaps some smaller manufacturers may cheat (why though?) but  more reputable bearing manufacturers keep very close tabs on such things.

It is up to the consumer to do their homework and read the specs. And of course, up to retailers to provide such.

Anyway, additional info:

http://www.astbearings.com/radial-ball-bearing-nomenclature-and-numbering-system.html

http://www.skf.com/binary/12-26885/SKF-stainless-steel-deep-groove-ball-bearings_11279_EN.pdf

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