What should I use to lubricate O-rings?

We often get asked what lubricant should be used on the O-rings found in common products such as pitless adapters and water filters. The information in this article covers these and all other Boshart products which have O-rings.

In industry, there are numerous types of lubricants that can be used to lubricate O-rings. Among the more common choices are petroleum distillates, solvents, soap and water, polymers, and ester-based grease products. Unfortunately, many of these traditional choices have also caused health and safety concerns and damage to the rubber O-ring.

WARNING:

NEVER use petroleum-based products, like Vaseline. Petroleum can cause elastomeric rubber to swell or dry out. Solvents are not ideal lubricants and contain high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be flammable or pose very real health risks. Soap and water solutions are safer than solvents and petroleum-based lubricants, but are nominal, inconsistent, and reactivated in wet or damp environments after assembly.

BEST OPTION:

Silicone-based lubricants are the best solution. Most O-rings and seals are made of synthetic elastomeric polymers. This is a rubber material such as nitrile (NBR), EPDM, or Neoprene. Silicone-based lubricants are the best lubricants derived for synthetic compounds.

Silicone-based lubricants, in comparison to other types of lubricants, perform better over a wide range of conditions. They offer an excellent reduction in friction, are waterproof, have low volatility, high-temperature stability, and low-temperature fluidity. Alternatively, ester-based lubricants are biodegradable. However, both are safe and neither pose health risks or contamination by contact when you use your hands or fingers for application. These lubricants can be used on natural rubber products as well.

BOSHART PART NUMBER “OR-LUBE”:

OR-LUBE is manufactured by Fuchs® and is a silicone compound. It is a specially formulated grease-like lubricant. Fuchs® Silicone Compound is NSF 61 certified for use on potable water systems valves, faucets and filters. This lubricant is resistant to a wide variety of organic and inorganic chemicals including most oils and alkaline solutions.

This grease will prevent valves and O-rings from sticking in both high temperature and low temperature (freezing) conditions. Fuchs® Silicone Compound can be used where sticking or exposure to the elements can occur, for lubrication and insulation on splices and electrical connectors, and can be applied by automated pumping systems, by hand or by brushing or wiping. Solvents such as mineral spirits, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone or toluene, can be used to dilute the
product for application by spraying or dipping.

Additional Resources:

https://support.boshart.com/how-do-i-measure-an-o-ring

https://support.boshart.com/do-you-have-dimensions-for-standard-as568-o-rings