129 Self-Aligning Ball Bearing – 9×26×8mm

196 Self-Aligning Ball Bearing – 6×15×5mm

£2.50
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129 Self-Aligning Ball Bearing – 9×26×8mm

196 Self-Aligning Ball Bearing – 6×15×5mm

£2.50
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Out of stock
Description

196 Self-Aligning Ball Bearing

Double-row self-aligning ball bearing with an open (unsealed) design. Chrome steel construction. The spherical outer raceway lets the inner ring and balls swivel, automatically compensating for shaft misalignment and deflection. Also known as 1096.

  • Bore × OD × Width: 6×15×5mm
  • Type: Self-aligning, double row, open
  • Material: Chrome steel (GCr15)
  • Pack: Single bearing (1)

Ideal for: shafts prone to misalignment — textile machinery, conveyors, agricultural equipment, blowers and fans

Shipping

At Pivot Bearings, we strive for speed and reliability. Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days and shipped via Royal Mail, with an estimated delivery time of 2-3 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number as soon as your order is dispatched. Please note that shipping excludes weekends and UK Bank Holidays, and customers are responsible for any applicable customs duties or taxes on international orders.

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Return policy

We offer a 30-day return policy on all unused items in their original packaging. To initiate a return, please contact us at info@pivotbearings.co.uk for approval and instructions. Please note that customers are responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping; Pivot Bearings cannot be held responsible for return shipments that are lost or fail to deliver. Once your item is received and inspected, refunds are typically processed within 10 business days.

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Reviews

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Technical Details

Pivot Bearings
6.0 mm
15.0 mm
5.0 mm
17/72 in
49/83 in
13/66 in
ISO9001:2015, REACH, ROHS

Additional Information

BR-SA-196
12 Jul 2026

Dimensional Drawing

d = 6.0 mm D = 15.0 mm B = 5.0 mm

196 Self-Aligning Ball Bearing – 6×15×5mm FAQ 's

Frequently asked questions about the 196 Self-Aligning Ball Bearing – 6×15×5mm

What exactly is a self-aligning ball bearing, and how does it work?

A self-aligning ball bearing is a unique bearing designed with two rows of balls and a common sphered raceway in the outer ring. Because the center of the outer ring's spherical curvature matches the center of the entire bearing, the inner ring, balls, and cage can freely rotate and pivot together.

Think of it as a bearing with built-in flexibility. If a shaft bends or is slightly misaligned with the housing during operation, the bearing automatically adjusts and self-aligns without generating excessive friction or stress on the rolling elements.

When should an engineer choose a self-aligning ball bearing over a standard deep groove ball bearing?

You should opt for a self-aligning ball bearing when you anticipate shaft deflection (bending) or housing misalignment that is difficult to avoid with standard rigid bearings.

While a standard deep groove ball bearing will bind, overheat, and fail prematurely under even minor misalignment, a self-aligning bearing smoothly accommodates angular misalignments typically ranging from 1.5 degrees to 3 degrees, depending on the bearing series and whether seals are used.

What are the main limitations of self-aligning ball bearings?

While they are fantastic for solving alignment headaches, they do come with trade-offs:

  • Low Axial Load Capacity: Because of the shallow contact angle and the open, spherical shape of the outer raceway, they cannot handle heavy thrust (axial) loads. They are primarily designed for radial loads.
  • Lower Radial Capacity than Roller Bearings: Because they use balls (point contact) rather than rollers (line contact), they can't carry as much pure weight as a spherical roller bearing of equivalent size.
What are some common real-world applications for these bearings?

You will typically find them in heavy-duty machinery where long shafts are prone to flexing, or where precise structural alignment is tough to maintain. Common industries include:

  • Agricultural Machinery: Combines and tractors operating on uneven terrain.
  • Conveyor Systems: Long material handling belts where structural frames can twist.
  • Textile and Woodworking Machinery: Equipment with long, rapidly spinning shafts that generate dynamic deflections.
  • Fans and Blowers: Industrial ventilation where thermal expansion might slightly shift the shaft.
What is the difference between open and sealed self-aligning ball bearings?

The choice comes down to environmental protection versus operational speed:

  • Open Bearings: These have no built-in seals. They allow for higher operational speeds and are lubricated via the machine's central oil/grease system, but they are vulnerable to dust and moisture.
  • Sealed Bearings (2RS): These come pre-greased for life with rubber lip seals on both sides. They offer excellent protection against contaminants and require zero maintenance, but the friction from the seals slightly reduces the bearing's maximum allowable speed.

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