O Rings

About O Rings

O rings are essential sealing components used across plumbing, automotive, hydraulic, and pneumatic applications. These circular elastomer gaskets create pressure-tight seals between mating surfaces, preventing fluid or gas leakage in countless assemblies. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks comprehensive O ring assortments from trusted brands including Sealey, Draper, and Arctic Hayes, providing trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts with immediate access to the most commonly required sizes.

Available in sets ranging from 144 to 419 pieces, these assortments contain metric and imperial sized O rings organised in compartmentalised storage cases for quick identification. The nitrile rubber (NBR) compounds used throughout most standard sets offer excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils, water, and a wide temperature range, making them suitable for everything from domestic tap repairs to commercial hydraulic equipment maintenance.

Applications

O ring assortments are invaluable for numerous trades and applications:

• Plumbers: Compression fittings, tap repairs, shower valves, and sealed pipe connections
• Heating Engineers: Boiler servicing, central heating pumps, radiator valves, and sealed systems
• Automotive Mechanics: Engine repairs, fuel systems, hydraulic brakes, and air conditioning units
• Hydraulic Engineers: Rams, cylinders, pumps, and pressure systems maintenance
• Plant Maintenance: Industrial machinery, pneumatic systems, and manufacturing equipment
• Agricultural Mechanics: Tractor and farm machinery hydraulics
• Marine Engineers: Boat engine maintenance and marine plumbing
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home plumbing repairs, appliance connections, and general maintenance

Choosing The Right O Rings

Selecting appropriate O ring assortments requires consideration of several factors:

Assortment Size: Professional tradespeople benefit from larger sets (225-419 pieces) offering comprehensive size coverage and better value. The Arctic Hayes 144-piece set is specifically curated for plumbing applications, whilst general assortments from Sealey and Draper suit multi-trade requirements.

Size Range: Quality assortments include the most commonly used metric and imperial sizes. Accurate measurement of inside diameter (ID) and cross-section thickness ensures proper sealing, but comprehensive sets eliminate guesswork by providing multiple options readily available in your van or workshop.

Material Specification: Standard nitrile rubber (NBR) suits the majority of plumbing, automotive, and general hydraulic applications involving water, petroleum oils, and temperatures between -30°C and +100°C. This covers most domestic and light commercial repair work.

Storage and Organisation: MyToolShed.co.uk stocks assortments with compartmentalised cases that protect O rings from environmental degradation whilst enabling quick size identification on site, essential for efficient job completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure an O ring correctly?

Lay the O ring flat and measure the inside diameter (ID) straight across the inner hole. Then measure the cross-section (cord thickness) with callipers. If the original O ring is unavailable, measure the groove diameter and depth instead. Most assortments include size identification charts to match your measurements.

Can I reuse an O ring after removing it?

It's not recommended. O rings are inexpensive components, and reusing them risks leaks due to compression set, nicks, or contamination. Having a comprehensive assortment from brands stocked at MyToolShed.co.uk ensures you always have fresh seals available for reliable, long-lasting repairs.

How long do O rings last in storage?

When stored properly in cool, dark, dry conditions away from ozone sources and direct sunlight, nitrile O rings typically remain serviceable for 5-10 years. The compartmentalised cases provided with quality assortments help protect O rings from environmental degradation during storage.