1" Ball Mount System

This is a 1" ball mount system compatible with other 1" ball mount systems like RAM® mounts. It is comprised of various clamping arms and balls that can be assembled together to mount objects rigidly in various positions.

Arms

There are 3 variations of clamping arms:

• Short arm (1.75" center-to-center)

• Medium arm (3" center-to-center)

• Long arm (5.31" center-to-center)

Print 2 of each arm to clamp over 1" balls.

The arms requires additional hardware for clamping. The long arm requires 2 sets of hardware to overcome the flex of the material at that length.

One hardware set consists of the following parts, which are all readily available at hardware stores:

• (1) 1/4"-20 x 1-1/2" hex bolt

• (1) 1/4" washer

• (1) 1/4" rubber washer

• (1) 1/4"-20 wingnut

Balls

There are several ball models for various use cases:

• Dog bone ball connector, for connecting 2 arms together (1.5" center-to-center)

  • The bottom side is intentionally cut flat to facilitate easier and faster printing.

• Diamond ball base, for surface mounting to an object

  • The base takes #8, #10, M4, or M5 bolts. The shaft of the bolts must be longer than 0.22" / 5.5 mm to attach to an accessory, typically 3/4" / 20 mm.

• T-track ball base, for mounting in a track

  • This requires some additional hardware:

    • (1) 1/4"-20 x 1-1/2" bolt (hex bolt or T-track bolt)

    • (1) 1/4"-20 hex nut

    • (1) 1/4" ID x 1-1/4" OD rubber washer

  • There is an accompanying "hex plug" model to insert into the top of the base to prevent getting the rubberized coating into the hex nut slot.

  • Note: this model is designed for the hex nut to be inserted from the top into the ball, and the bolt to be inserted from the bottom.

After printing, you'll need to cover the balls in a rubberizing coating to ensure a good grip. I use a spray can of Plasti Dip® and apply 3 coats with good results.

Printing

I recommend printing with ASA for strength as well as heat & UV resistance.

My PrusaSlicer configuration:

• Print settings: 0.20mm SPEED preset, modified to use Gyroid infill

• Filament: Prusament ASA

• Printer: Original Prusa MK4S HF0.4 nozzle

• Supports: For support enforcers only

• Infill: 15%

• Brim: No

Changelog

• 2026-07-02

  • Updated all 3 arm models to v2. Shortened the height of models so there is a bigger gap between them, allowing for more clamping force especially for balls that are slightly undersized (some RAM® mount balls are as small as 0.94"). Added a center ridge to the long arm to aid clamping force with the dual clamps.

• 2026-06-30

  • Published v1 of all original models.