Pivot bearings are an essential component within a large array of machinery. They serve the purpose of helping to keep equipment running smoothly and properly while in operation. Bearings are circular tools that are placed between two surfaces that would otherwise rub against each other. Those surfaces will then come into contact with a pivot bearing that can move or oscillate when needed to match the design of the machine. This greatly reduces or eliminates the level of friction that occurs between moving parts inside any machine. A bearing is specifically designed to increase the longevity of valuable equipment.

Pivot bearings are found in many items from small household products to large industrial machines. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to manage any specific need. There are a few things to consider before placing an order with a pivot bearing manufacturer:

1. Do you need a standard bearing or a specialty product such as industrial pivot bearings or bearings made out of a non-metallic material?

2. Will the bearings support a radial or axial load?

3. Can the pivot bearing manufacturers provide you with every type of bearing you need?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase items from pivot manufacturers

There are manufacturing facilities that produce a large assortment of pivot bearings in different shapes, sizes and materials. Businesses that produce any type of products that have internally moving parts commonly require a large amount of bearings on hand at all times to keep their assembly lines running at full speed. Partner with a reliable manufacturer or distributor with which you can develop along term working relationship.

I recommend: Buy bearings from Riverhawk or KMC. Order pivot bearing kits from Dennis Kirk.

Buy a specialty item from pivot suppliers

Every type of ball bearing pivot serves the same basic function, but there are many differing styles of bearings available. Most manufacturing companies offer a wide variety of this useful building component, thereby offering your company the possibility of receiving everything it needs from the same location. Work with either a supplier or manufacturer that keeps a plentiful amount of bearings in stock so you may request everything you looking for at the same time.

I recommend: Automotion supplies ceramic pivots bearings. Find extra small pivot bearings at Bearings Plus.

Order a custom-made product from a pivot manufacturer

Many bearing manufacturing companies will accept special orders from their customers and produce a product just for that company. Rely on them when you are in need of a bearing that is a non-standard size and not available from any supplier. These companies are able to fill a single order or create a large quantity of customized bearings on an ongoing basis.

I recommend: Request a customized pivot bearing from National Bearings Solution or Kilian Manufacturing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Place bulk orders with wholesale suppliers of pivot bearings in order to get the best price possible.
• •  Discover which bearing-related company most suits your needs in the areas of customer service, delivery time and product availability by working with several of them and later comparing the pros and cons of each one.
• •  Determine what composition of bearing will work best for your line of products.