Lubing o-rings

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Tom Lytton

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Messages
7
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Location
SW Florida
# of dives
2500 - 4999
I have the Ikelite case for my Nikon D7100 as well as 2 DS161 strobes. I recently had a strobe battery flood and just replaced it. I know in the manual it states that the O-rings on the strobe battery do not need to be lubed which I understand but could you clarify why? Is it just to prevent attracting grit, hair etc? Also can you clarify whether the o-ring on the case needs some lube or not? I understand the port o-ring does because of the motion when installing. I just want to do everything I can to prevent any flooding of coursed and am very careful with the process.
Thanks so much!
 
I lube all of my Orings - case and strobes.
I do it to ensure that the cap or case slides into position without twisting the oring when you close it.

Yes, to your thought about why they say no lube - lube attracts grit and will hold a hair that breaks the seal. You just have to be meticulous.

Silicone is specified by most mfrs, though you can use Tribolube or Christolube like I do.
 
Tom,

We don't normally encourage o-ring lubrication when it is not necessary. This reduces the possibility of debris attaching to an o-ring and causing a leak. As a general rule, compression fit o-rings do not need lubrication, however, piston fit (side to side seal) o-rings require light lubrication. Ikelite strongly recommends that you use ONLY Ikelite lubricant on our o-rings, as aftermarket lubricants have been known to react chemically with the o-ring material causing swelling and possible leakage.

Silicone Lubricant Resealable 2cc Tube
Product # 0184.2
$ 5.00
Silicone Lubricant Resealable 2cc Tube

Best Regards,

Brett Foster - Ikelite
 
The other problem you have is that lots of people think that lubricating an O ring means you have to puts lots of lube/grease on and give it a thick coating. You don't, the correct way to lube a O ring is to apply a thin coating using just enough to make it shiny, any more than that and you are just wasting lube/grease and creating more potential for sand, hair etc to stick to it.

S.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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