The perfect oarlock socket exists, and you can make it in a modestly equipped home workshop. These sockets are very strong, precisely machined, and will never corrode or need lubrication. I got this design from avid rower Rick Thompson. Installed in 2010, his original pair are still going strong and they have never squeaked!The secret ingredient is a $6 Oilite bushing. Oilite is sintered oil-impregnated bronze: powdered metal coalesced into a porous solid, permanently holding lubricant in its interstices. In use, oil travels through the pores of the material to lubricate the bearing surface. Commonly used in motors and machines, Oilite bushings are available in a huge range of sizes including the 1⁄2" and 5⁄8" inside diameters that perfectly match commercially available oarlocks.To make these sockets, you will need:
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It has been cheaper and easier, for me at least, to make my oarlock bushings out of machined LDPE, the plastic from which many chopping boards (and deer butchering slabs) are made. This material has the merit of being naturally pretty quiet, and not needing any lubrication at all.
Regards, Tony, from in N.B. Canada.
LDPE (Or HDPE) bushings make a lot of sense, Tony. Though I’m not convinced they could be much easier to make than these press-fit sockets, I’m not surprised to hear they work well. How durable are they proven in service?
– James
Two years so far. Important to keep the bearing surfaces clean, of course, since sand particles grind only too well. I also use LDPE for sliding surfaces in my home-brew sliding seat. The seat itself rides on soft-surface wheels from a skateboard.
Tony
Hello All,
Just to let you know, McMaster-Carr does not ship to individuals in Canada. They cancelled my order and stated:
“Hi Mike,
Due to the cost and complexity of shipping our products to Canada, we are only able to accept orders from businesses and schools. We’ve canceled your order. If this material is not for personal use, please resubmit your order online using the business or school name.
Kelly”