Dryrotting O-Rings?

[webmonk]

I've noticed that almost all of the pen kits that I've turned that have had the rubber O-rings at each end (Capri is an example) are showing signs of cracking, dryrotting o-rings. What gives? Is the rubber that comes with these kits just really low quality or is there something in the application process that I'm missing?

Any suggestions on replacing them? I was going to go buy a variety pack of rubber o-rings and see if any of those will last longer.

Thanks!

 

[mewell]

Jon - Check at Ace hardware for O-Rings that fit... Our local one has TONS of different ones so you won't have to buy a "variety pack".

Mark

 

[Rifleman1776]

Any hardware store. But get neoprene this time, not rubber.

 

[webmonk]

Cool. Thanks for the advice guys. I'll try out neoprene this time and see what the shelf life is.

 

[hilltopper46]

Originally posted by webmonk
<br />I've noticed that almost all of the pen kits that I've turned that have had the rubber O-rings at each end (Capri is an example) are showing signs of cracking, dryrotting o-rings.

Are you by any chance storing the kits near an electric motor that runs often and/or under load? Ozone given off by an electric motor will quickly ruin rubber - either o-ring s or bandsaw tires [:I].

 

[Penmonkey]

Originally posted by hilltopper46
<br />

Originally posted by webmonk
<br />I've noticed that almost all of the pen kits that I've turned that have had the rubber O-rings at each end (Capri is an example) are showing signs of cracking, dryrotting o-rings.

Are you by any chance storing the kits near an electric motor that runs often and/or under load? Ozone given off by an electric motor will quickly ruin rubber - either o-ring s or bandsaw tires [:I].

Yikes![:0]

 

[webmonk]

Hmm... Nope, these were stored in various locations ranging from in the shop to in storage to on display for sale. I'd say that's a fairly good sample to call them shoddy o-rings, but that's useful info to know about the ozone!