Mechanics: o-rings, gaskets and washers, part 1

Self-tutoring about locations meant to be sealed: the tutor mentions o-rings, gaskets, and washers.

While washers have numerous potential uses, such as spreading the force of a tight fastener across more material or absorbing vibration, some do work to provide a seal. O-rings can as well, as can gaskets.

Lately I’ve been looking at where one might be substituted for another – for instance, an o-ring might take the place of a washer. One place I’ve seen this done is at a drain plug on an oil pan.

In my experience, oil pan drain plug washers – often called gaskets – can be hard to source, while o-rings are easier. In at least one instance, therefore, I’ve used an o-ring, instead of the intended gasket, on a drain plug.

Source:

manuf-rubber.com