Rubber Balls

[Birdhunter]

I remember reading about using small rubber balls to cushion glass in a picture frame. I can’t find them anywhere. Any ideas?

 

[Pompeio]

I think that you may be referring to space balls.

 

[rvieceli]

https://www.amazon.com/Space-Balls-Bag-of-1000/dp/B001BLZ692

Ron

 

[Cheese]

In your location, Highland Hardware has them.
https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/spaceballspanelalignerspackof100.aspx

 

[Sparktrician]

If you can't find Space Balls, you can always use backer rod in the necessary size (or cut to fit).  [smile]

 

[waho6o9]

Or lay out silicone and trim to fit

 

[ChuckM]

Panel barrels? Two sizes. Free shipping right now.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/supplies/joinery/58675-panel-barrels

 

[BigDan]

I typically use Sommerfeld's Panalign strips.  I can get 1000 for $28 or if your needs are less 100 for $10, great for Raised Panel Doors and for Glass, when using them for glass, I cut them in half... the are "square" so they dont roll. 
Good enough for me.

Dan

 

[butzla]

I think the OP was asking about using them for glass.  I use the rubber barrels all the time for floating wooden panels.  They need a considerable amount of force to clamp closed, I'm not sure I would use them for standard thickness window glass.  Maybe would be ok for 1/4" thick glass, he didn't specify.

 

[Birdhunter]

I ended up not needing the balls. Thanks for all the inputs.

 

[Sparktrician]

I think the OP was asking about using them for glass.  I use the rubber barrels all the time for floating wooden panels.  They need a considerable amount of force to clamp closed, I'm not sure I would use them for standard thickness window glass.  Maybe would be ok for 1/4" thick glass, he didn't specify.

I prefer the softer space balls or backer rod so that they don't put undue pressure on the panels or glass.  I don't like rattly glass or panels and I really don't like to have to force rails and stiles together during glue-up.  YMMV...  [smile]

 

[xedos]

I ended up not needing the balls. Thanks for all the inputs.

You aren't likely to know whether or not you need the spaceballs for a while.  After a full season of heating and cooling is when you're going to notice whether your panel has expanded and contracted enough to break a joint or loosen enough to rattle.

Think of these things as an insurance policy.