O rings for torch

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My oxy/acet torch goes through O rings like crazy, they only last for about one use. It seems like every time I go to change the tip they are falling apart. Anyone else have this problem?
Reply:Nope, usually get a few years out of them.  What brand of torch?  What brand of replacement o-rings?  Are you getting flashbacks which could be burning the o-rings?
Reply:Im not sure on the torch brand but i got the o rings from the hardware store.
Reply:Try OEM o-rings from a welding supply.  Hardware store o-rings probably are not made for exposure to pure oxygen, pure acetylene, mixtures of those two gases, and the heat of conducted back from the torch tip.TeddCoHTP Microcut 400 & Invertig 160DC  Smith Dual Guard MD-510 OA Rig  Lincoln SP135+  Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160
Reply:Originally Posted by TeddcoTry OEM o-rings from a welding supply.  Hardware store o-rings probably are not made for exposure to pure oxygen, pure acetylene, mixtures of those two gases, and the heat of conducted back from the torch tip.
Reply:O-rings from the plumbing section of the hardware store are neoprene.  You want at least Buna-N or Viton.
Reply:Neoprene O-rings should not fall a aprt after one use. The o-ring may have been old when you bought them from the hardware store.I have o-rings for just about every brand of torch.  If you can not find them at a LWS, give me a call.JimOAdoctorwww.regulatortorchrepair.com
Reply:Back before this torch set I had a victor and it did the same thing. What I mean by one used is probably 3 or 4 weeks. I dont use the torch alot, its when I go to change tips thats they are junk. They will go bad after one use when they are setting unused. Alot of times I to to change tips and the tip I want to use the O rings fall apart, its liek something makes the rubber crumble.
Reply:You should be using silicone "O" rings, which will hold up to to the high heat. Silicone rings are standard with new torches.
Reply:Originally Posted by excel777You should be using silicone "O" rings, which will hold up to to the high heat. Silicone rings are standard with new torches.
Reply:Originally Posted by excel777You should be using silicone "O" rings, which will hold up to to the high heat. Silicone rings are standard with new torches.
Reply:Thanks for all the posts on this subject, it helped me with my problem.I did find some clarifying information on some of the posts.1.  Buna-a is a nitrile o-ring (http://www.rlhudson.com/O-Ring%20Boo...aterial12.html)2.  Viton o-rings3.  Silicone O-ringsfor 2 and 3, the following site can shed some light on the choice (http://www.marcorubber.com/material_chart.htm)The Silicone has some good qualities, better than nitrile, but is very poor in dynamic installations.
Reply:Posting a picture may help. We use smith and only a couple of times had to replace the o rings. It usually happens when the cutting head is laying in the box and guys throw stuff on topof it.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Posting a picture may help. We use smith and only a couple of times had to replace the o rings. It usually happens when the cutting head is laying in the box and guys throw stuff on topof it.
Reply:Call these folks or check their site.  They sell o-rings for torches.  Shouldn't cost much to mail a packet of o-rings.http://www.regulatortorchrepair.com/"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Just checked a place on 0-ring compatibility.  Viton (fluorocarbon) seems to be one of the few that's rated good with both Oxygen and Acetylene."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumJust checked a place on 0-ring compatibility.  Viton (fluorocarbon) seems to be one of the few that's rated good with both Oxygen and Acetylene.
Reply:I don't think the O rings are the problem. I think you are tightening things too tight and tear the ring. When you change tips the O ring shreds because you tightened the bras ring too tight.
Reply:Originally Posted by BobI don't think the O rings are the problem. I think you are tightening things too tight and tear the ring. When you change tips the O ring shreds because you tightened the bras ring too tight.