7. Hand-held games – No, not the latest Nintendo DS (though there are probably some ball bearing in those too) but the hand-held games where you had to get the bb’s (read: ball bearings) into holes cut into the backing plate to make a design. These games have been around for years and rely on the smooth rolling nature of ball bearings to make the game useable. Everyone had at least one of these little plastic mazes and puzzled which kept kids quiet in the backseat long before Luigi and Mario took over.
8. Turntables and Lazy Susans – A hallmark of the 1970s, both record turntables and Lazy Susans were a part of almost everyone’s home, particularly when a party or gathering was in the works. Turntables are still used, even with the advent of CDs and mp3s, particularly with club DJs who make their own mixes using old school turntables. Lazy Susans can still be found in most kitchens, both private and professional, as they allow formerly wasted space to be used as items can be easily access just by turning the Lazy Susan. Spinning records or spices, ball bearings makes it happen.