Article re-posted with permission from Parker Hannifin Sealing & Shielding Team. Original content can be found on Parker’s Blog.
This is the third in a series of video blog posts showing viewers how to install an O-ring.
In December, we discussed how to install an O-ring on a face seal gland and in January we showed you how to install an O-Ring in a standard female gland. In today's post, we'll look at the best way to install an O-ring on a standard male gland.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcJBVQvTvhw[/embed]
Typically when installing an O-ring into a standard male gland, the process is pretty straight forward. Guide the O-ring along the shaft until you reach the gland to where it snaps in place. Sounds simple enough, but here's some tips on exactly what to do, and not to do.
If it's required for the seal to pass over threads, try to cover the threads as fully as possible. If an O-ring is slid or pushed over threads, there is potential for the rubber to be cut, rendering the seal useless. A light layer of lubrication can also aid with passing over threads. Though it may seem like the easier way to get it installed, make sure not to roll the O-ring down the shaft. Doing so will ensure that the O-ring is not installed in a spiral state. Spiraled O-rings can lead to premature mechanical damage and or leakage. Once again, a light film of lubrication can assist in avoiding rolling the O-ring. Lastly, when assembling the fixture, make sure the female portion has a radius on the corners and a lead in the chamfer. This will help avoid mechanical damage to the seal upon assembly.
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