Mighty Mouse Ball Modification

[DevinPitcher]

So, my Wireless Mighty mouse is an amazing mouse. Paid $79 dollars for it, so I wasn't going to let it die when the ball got all torn up after it's long term use.
I didn't feel like cracking open my no longer used wired mouse to confiscate it's ball, so I looked for another solution. I found this small metal marble, the same size as the mighty mouses ball. I put it inside, put the mouse back together, and now I have a unique, working mouse.
I posted some pictures, as I felt it looked cool, and thought i would share the idea with others.

 

[rgarjr]

didn't know the ball gets worn out.

 

[DevinPitcher]

didn't know the ball gets worn out.

It doesn't, really. Mine had something inside that 'tore' it up.

 

[boston04and07]

So, my Wireless Mighty mouse is an amazing mouse. Paid $79 dollars for it, so I wasn't going to let it die when the ball got all torn up after it's long term use.
I didn't feel like cracking open my no longer used wired mouse to confiscate it's ball, so I looked for another solution. I found this small metal marble, the same size as the mighty mouses ball. I put it inside, put the mouse back together, and now I have a unique, working mouse.
I posted some pictures, as I felt it looked cool, and thought i would share the idea with others.

That looks awesome!! So, let me get this straight - the mouse works like a normal mouse, but the new scroll ball still works like the old one did, is that correct?

I definitely think the metal looks way better than the original scroll ball, nicely done!

 

[DevinPitcher]

That looks awesome!! So, let me get this straight - the mouse works like a normal mouse, but the new scroll ball still works like the old one did, is that correct?

I definitely think the metal looks way better than the original scroll ball, nicely done!

Yep. A much smoother scroll than the old ball when it was new. I like it a lot.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

Is your unibody under warranty? If so you should have gotten it replaced first then did the mod so it can be all nice n' shiny like.

 

[DevinPitcher]

Is your unibody under warranty? If so you should have gotten it replaced first then did the mod so it can be all nice n' shiny like.

Because the ball was torn up, they said that I must have pushed a fingernail into it or something, so it wasn't covered. A lame excuse, I know, but whatever. I like the metal ball better anyway.

 

[rgarjr]

Because the ball was torn up, they said that I must have pushed a fingernail into it or something, so it wasn't covered. A lame excuse, I know, but whatever.

woah that is a pretty lame excuse. U should have tried different stores.

 

[Theclamshell]

thats sick! nice job, i appreciate mac modding

 

[DevinPitcher]

woah that is a pretty lame excuse. U should have tried different stores.

2nd closest store is 40 miles, 43 min away from my home, and isn't worth the time and gas to get a new one.

 

[skorpien]

That is a nice looking mod. I'm curious where you got that metal marble. I wouldn't mind doing this mod should something happen to my trackball.

 

[DevinPitcher]

That is a nice looking mod. I'm curious where you got that metal marble. I wouldn't mind doing this mod should something happen to my trackball.

To be honest, I have no idea. I remembered seeing it in a drawer of junk, and so I went and grabbed it.

 

[skorpien]

No worries I figured I'd check anyway. I'll most definitely keep this mod in mind. And who knows, maybe I'll be able to find something suitable if mine ever does kick the bucket. Thanks for posting!

 

[LouisBlack]

That is a nice looking mod. I'm curious where you got that metal marble. I wouldn't mind doing this mod should something happen to my trackball.

You could try a piercing shop? The ball on my lip ring looks a similar size to the scrollball on a Mighty Mouse.

 

[skorpien]

You could try a piercing shop? The ball on my lip ring looks a similar size to the scrollball on a Mighty Mouse.

Would they carry perfectly spherical marbles though? Piercings are usually anchored by something, meaning there has to be a hole drilled into the ball. Maybe a hardware store that sells individual ball bearings...

 

[LouisBlack]

Would they carry perfectly spherical marbles though? Piercings are usually anchored by something, meaning there has to be a hole drilled into the ball. Maybe a hardware store that sells individual ball bearings...

Hmm... I didn't really think about that. I suppose it would make a difference. How about a hardware shop? They sell ball bearings of all different sizes.