TargetTalk

Hi,
I'm guessing/hoping that a few folks have had success in resealing their air pistol using aftermarket sourced O-rings?
Any comments about materials or sources?
I'm looking at a place called O rings and More. Nicely organized website. Materials include Viton, Buna 70, and Silicone.

It seems that older model air pistols can benefit from the aftermarket approach.

Thanks
Jim

I've repaired quite a few air guns of one sort or another using O-rings from McMaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/o-rings

Understanding the application can guide you in terms of hardness & material. They are often cheap enough that you can try a few options without breaking the bank unless you get into the more exotic materials. Specialty O-ring places may have oddball sizes McMaster doesn't, but that's a pretty rare event. McMaster ships quickly, their shipping costs don't tend to be exorbitant, and their minimum order is either zero, or pretty small.

I have used McMaster Carr and Grainger. If the original feels normal, I use a 70 hardness, if it feels hard I use a 90. I measured the original with calipers, which is easy to find the thickness. Measuring either the ID or OD is a little harder, but have had good luck so far.
Buna is cheaper, so that has been my choice. A bag of 100 is often $5.

Some oddball metric sizes turn out to be standard sizes when converted from metric.

The big plus for me isn't really the money saved, but not being without my equipment for weeks or months like has happened in my past.

Hi,
And, Thanks.
I'll look into both suppliers.
And, that's another good point: besides our illustrious forum host, some service options are less than ideal. It seems too that for older air pistols even if you find "OEM type" parts, in the case of seals they can be old and brittle.

Jim

Greetings,

Good point on the age of o-rings.

The ones I buy from McMaster-Carr have the moulding date on the package.

I bought an older air pistol that had extra o-rings and they broke in half with one squeeze. They were stored in a zip-loc bag.

Not sure if it is a material specific issue, i.e. Buna-N, Viton, etc.

Cheers,

Dave