O-rings are made to contain thousands of PSI pressure by creating a seal between two or more parts. O-ring measurements are defined by the inside diameter and the thickness. There are many causes for O-Ring failure. The most common among power tools are: •
Extrusion and Nibbling • The O-ring has ragged, tattered edges. Thes
...Read moree are commonly caused by pressure spikes which shear off tiny "bites" from the o-ring, or caused by clearance gaps. • Abrasion • One or both sides of the o-ring appear rough and slightly flattened. Commonly caused by a contact surface that it too rough, contains grit or is too smooth to allow lubrication. • Over Compression • The O-ring is flattened on both sides and may have a "ring" split along its length. Commonly caused by excessive pressure or heat. • Heat Hardening • The O-ring has a pitted or cracked surface, and is often flattened on both sides. Caused by temperature exceeding o-ring capacity. • Weather/Ozone Cracking • The O-ring is covered in small surface cracks. Caused by exposure to ozone, UV rays and air pollution. Excessive seal stretching (greater that 5%) causes similar cracking.
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