How To Lubricate Scuba O-Rings - Scuba Tech Tips: S05E10

O-rings are in most modern scuba regulators, tanks, BCD's, dive computers, cameras, lights, anything that moves or seals underwater. Alec shows proper lubrication tips and important maintenance considerations to keep your diving safe and fun.
Visit your local dive shop service professional for O-ring related services and testing.
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[@mattdonovan1468]

Great Scuba Tips Alec, really enjoyable to watch. Thank You.

[@randykirby4141]

Im new to diving. You have helped me understand so much. Thank you for the video's.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's great to know that I've been of some help. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@richardcurrin8940]

I saw o rings and that the video was over 15 minutes long and said no way! I was surprised it was over 15 minutes of great information!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's been said "Give Alec a topic and he can talk about it forever!". Maybe not quite true but I'd like to think that I cover a topic thoroughly. I hope you found some useful info. Thanks for watching Richard. Alec

[@nicoscuba]

Tks again Alec. keep the great stuff coming!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching.

[@11111972cjb]

Excellent, thank you so much for the upload!

[@troop1026]

Another great video Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Troop!

[@viewer54322]

What an excellent presentation, thank you very much you two. Subscribed.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you 54. I appreciate it. Hopefully you'll pick up some good ideas to make your diving better. Alec

[@davedonati206]

Hi Alec, another great tech tip! Thank you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad to help share the knowledge. A

[@martinbachmann6283]

Brother Alex, thanks very much for a VERY informative Teaching-session!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Your welcome Martin. Divers will buy hundreds of dollars in gear but not know how to self service it or how it actually works. O-rings were a great invention to tightly seal everything a diver uses, tanks, valved, hoses, regulators, bcd, lights, but how many know the proper way to lubricate such an important item? Stay tuned, i have more on O-rings coming. Take care. Alec.

[@ultimatevintagescuba925]

safe advice

[@1mulekicker]

I was considering using silicone grease on my metal detector O rings before the first use for a better seal and inhibit rust on the threads. Yea or nay? Thanks for the great video info as well.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Silicone lube works for land or underwater o-rings. Have fun and watch my video on metal detectors for more info.

[@SCUBAAMY]

What a dude! Another great video. Thanks for sharing! 💃💃💃

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Majble]

Informative video, thanks. Is there any difference between using synthetic grease or silicone grease for diving computer o-ring?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You should not be using any grease on the O-ring. I'm assuming that you replace the O-ring every time you do a battery change, as you should. New O-rings are ready to go - no grease. Alec

[@OverlandTT]

Great analogy, change the oil etc lol I'm curious what the white box is behind ur right arm? Awesome video as always gentlemen.

[@seikibrian8641]

It looks like an ultrasonic cleaning tank.

[@KevinSmith-hc4pc]

That's correct Brian, its an ultrasonic cleaner. When we shoot, Alec does not hide anything other than client service tags for privacy. The service area will be updated late June so our "set" will change for the better.

[@martinbachmann6283]

Kevin, DON'T do that! (

[@karimhfl]

Thank you. I usually never comment but I enjoyed the informative video.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for your comment and for watching my video. I hope they've been of some value to you. Alec

[@margaretlloyd3465]

Thank you so much for these videos, you always teach me something new and useful. I assume that I don't have to lubricate the o-ring on the DIN regulator valve. Am I correct?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

A DIN valve only has a neck O-Ring and it's treated the same as any valve O-Ring. Don't grease the O-Ring (assuming it's fresh) and just the slightest grease on the bottom of the threads. Alec

[@margaretlloyd3465]

so, only on the bottom threads of the regulator valve? thank you! @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter

[@chrisphilhower6029]

Hello Alec. I just ordered a new 3 gauge console. I should apply a small amount to the O-Ring before I install? I have both a Tub of the Grease. And a Liquid Spray I use on the mask and Snorkel. Chlorine in the pool destroys them. Thank you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

1st stage, 2nd stage and console hose o-rings don't require any lube. Don't over tighten (see my video on what happens), so hand tight with a gentle wrench twist will be fine. A

[@chrisphilhower6029]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank you. My console should be arriving this week. I'll attach to the HP Port opposite The Regs. When I get my BC, I'll use the forward MP Port below it. Leaving the rear available for later use.

[@chrisphilhower6029]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank you Alec. Just installed mine yesterday. Waiting on the BC Inflator hose.

[@aragornthepony]

Hi Alec! My english is not that good sorry for that. Isn’t it hard to get the correct measurements for a used o ring? You talked about them getting deformed, doen’t that make them hard to meassure the ”size when new”? Thak you so much for all your work! /John from Sweden

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep! And that's one reason to try to get factory service kits. You know that the O-Rings are correct. With experience, you'll be able to know if a non-factory O-Ring is a correct fit. Take care. You English is excellent BTW. Better than a lot of US/Canadian viewers!! Alec

[@moclepocle]

Alec, for those unknown regulators, where you don't have the manual, how hard of material should be used? Ie: Durometer 70, 90? For Static or dynamics? Thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

70 is sort of the standard Miguel. The different hardness of O-Rings used in different regulators and in different functions within a regulator is a concern that most divers don't think about or even know about. It is one reason why factory service kits are a good idea rather than just buying O-Rings at your local hardware store or on-line. It can make a difference both in performance and durability. Alec

[@alloysiussa838]

I wonder if the battery compartment seal in the Olympus to 6 is needed to be greased regularly or not? since every rubber-like material could deteriorate. thanks in advance

[@alloysiussa838]

*olympus tg 6

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If it is in contact with water like a camera, I'd say yes. Check the owners manual but they are easy to lub, just a very thin coating, it's not axle grease.

[@RomboutVersluijs]

What kind of lubricant could i use to keep the skirt flexible and not dry out. I live in the Caribbean and dont use is it that much. A lot of of rubber kind of materials deteriorate here super fast

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh yeah! Rubber doesn't like heat, it doesn't like UV rays, it doesn't like salt so guess what? It doesn't like the tropics!! The ONLY way to keep anything rubber in good condition is to seal it. There's no lube that will last very long. Rinse it in fresh water, dry it out of the sun and then put it into a Zip-Loc plastic bag. It'll be like new when you next reach for it. This applies to modern silicon products too. Good luck. Alec

[@RomboutVersluijs]

Alec Peirce Scuba okay will try that. I keep it in the bag it came along but will tryhis tip.thanks

[@orange12v]

It was a lot easier to see your lubed o-ring against your red toolbox than the white paper

[@nickw4019]

Alec, What is the down-side of too much grease on an o-ring? Does it hurt anything, or is it just that it's unnecessary?

[@seikibrian8641]

Too much can extrude ("ooze") unevenly onto adjacent mating surfaces, preventing an even seal.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good point Brian. I had a diver in with his regulator. He was complaining about hard breathing. I disassembled the second stage and found so much grease on the poppet (the valve carrier that opens and closes when you breath) that I'm surprised it even moved! It looked like it had been there for years too - all covered in sand and dirt. I cleaned it and resassembled and tuned it. He couldn't believe it when he tried it. He was getting ready to buy a new regulator - not now!!! Alec

[@76BUICKS]

A lot of talk online about what lube to use. Cristolube, Tribolube, Krytox, Dow 111 etc. Which is best and are any better for some applications but not others?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

While several manufacturers and some service people insist that ALL regulators should be greased only with an oxygen compatible grease, that's quite silly for many divers. And expensive too. I'm not saying that the use of O2 compatible grease is recommended in order to increase profit but read into it what you will. For the vast majority of divers, diving a few times a year, NOT using EANx (enriched air with a higher oxygen content) and not diving deep, there's no need to use oxygen compatible grease. Medical grade silicone grease has been used for decades with no indication of a problem. As to the type of oxygen compatible grease to use if you decide on that, each type has slightly different characteristics. You would choose the type that best suits your diving and gas content. Christolube was the choice for a long time but other brands have appeared. I see a lot of service people now use Tribolube but can't see much difference in the characteristics of each, certainly not differences that would make one a better choice over the other. I suspect it may be a fad thing. When a new grease comes out, everyone touts it as the best - until another new one appears. Strangely, each new grease that appears is a bit more expensive than its predecessor. Odd that! Read the advertising jargon for the most common greases, Christolube, Tribolube and Krytox, and you will discover that they are remarkably similar. That is, they all offer the same features and benefits. Which is better - Honda or Toyota?? Take care. Alec

[@76BUICKS]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks for the reply. I am not yet NITROX certified so I guess the choice is easy (and cheaper) for me.

[@Kitwilbur]

Alec, are tank "O" rings dry or lubricated? Thanks!

[@Ken-vl4wk]

Bruce Wilbur all o-rings should be lubricated.

[@Ben-hz2lp]

Dry

[@Ben-hz2lp]

Not true, only o-rings that have movement should be lubed. For example, a twist on flashlight. The O-ring on a tank does not need to be lubed because the first stage moves on its own and not by the o-ring (think about how you get your equipment set up by tilting the first stage)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Pretty much right Bruce. Dynamic O-Rings, those that move during their function like the ones on a first stage piston, must be lubricated. Static O-Rings, those that don't move but only seal like a tank neck O-Ring, don't need lubrication. In fact, lubricating them can lead to O-Ring extrusion - the slow squeezing of the O-Ring through the tiny opening between the parts so, between the valve base and the tank top. This is not uncommon. However, new O-Rings are glossy from the factory lubrication. If stored a long time in poor conditions (hot, dry), that coating will disappear and the O-Ring looks dull. You can tell by simply wetting part of the O-Ring to see if there's a difference in appearance between the wet part and the dry part. A dry O-Ring won't seal well. It can also grab and distort as the parts are put together. They should be lubricated but very, very sparingly - like you can't even see the lube you put on. Touch your finger to the grease, don't dig or even wipe, just touch, and then rub your fingers together for a minute to heat it up and then squeeze the O-Ring around with those fingers for a few minutes. When you finish the O-Ring will not have any obvious lubricant but it will be glossy.

[@TomKnudsen]

Now here is a question for ya, when do you know when to change o-rings. Too often, every half year, every month or only during service. Second question is where to buy o-rings? Third question is this, my safe second regulator makes a snoring sound when I breath with it, is it time to service it or is it something wrong like a o-ring? For reference sake, never had a leak or changed my o-rings, but have always thought about getting a little kit with replacement parts just to be safe.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If your LDS knows you (another good reason to fraternize your LDS - get to know them and vice versa), they should be happy to sell you O-Rings. You can also get them on-line or at your local fastener retailer - Fastenal, Brofasco, Home Depot, Northern, etc., or at any hydraulic supply. You will need to take your O-rings with you so they can match sizes. There's no definitive way to know when an O-Ring is done. Dynamic O-Rings should be changed at every service - 1 or 2 years. Static O-Rings last much longer but for less than a buck each why take a chance? Trident, Innovative and XS Scuba have small O-Ring kits with the most common rings in them. They are NOT the ones you need to rebuild the internal parts of a regulator. A second stage will snore when it's dry. Try dumping it in water first and see if it's ok. If not it may be adjusted a little too much to give easy breathing. It's an interesting possibility that goes like this: you suck on the reg and it opens to give you air but you're not sucking hard enough to use all the air coming out so the pressure in the reg builds up and closes it but you're still sucking so it opens again but it gives you too much air so it closes and so on ... . This happens very quickly, many times a second, so the reg oscillates between open and closed and you get a snore. Have your LDS de-tune it a bit. Hope this helps. Alec

[@TomKnudsen]

Thank you Alec, my god I wish you had a shop in Norway, let me tell ya I'd be in all the time just to learn from you he he. That's why I love your shows, tech tips and sea hunt episodes. You are truly a bundle of knowledge and I sure hope you keep it going. If ever lack of ideas, Ill send you a email with several to pick from :) Thank you and if you and your wife ever decide to visit Norway, let meg know and Ill be your guide both over and under water :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That would be neat. We had a dive trip to Scapa Flow several years ago and I've been to Netherlands but not Norway. If we head that way I'll sure look you up. Alec

[@11111972cjb]

What grease should I avoid using?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Petroleum products will attach rubber so be sure any grease you have is either silicon or organic based. If you would eat a spoonful, it's good for scuba (excellent cure for constipation BTW). Alec

[@robadex8043]

I read the owners manual of my new dive light, its says to use vaseline (pure petroleum jelly) isnt that stuff a mineral oil product? also can I still use silicone grease (most divestores dont have vaseline, but only silicone grease)?` thanks in advance Robert

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Modern O-Rings are synthetic and unaffected by petroleum products. Silicon grease will work just fine but needs to be renewed more often as it will wash off. Alec

[@robadex8043]

Short and funny story While the Berlin airlift they hadnt got enough o-rings for the hydraulic systems of tje planes available So they cut the tips of condoms and used the rolled up condoms as o-rings

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow! Great story. I can't tell you some of the things I used to solve a problem. This is a public forum! Thanks for watching. Alec

[@africantwin173]

Dont forget you need special lube for over 50% o2 to 100 % o2.

[@kristianlewis5520]

Why dose this guy remind me of Walter white?