Do we have a preferred source from which to order low quantities of rubber seals, o-rings that isn't Amazon or eBay?
Do we have a preferred source from which to order low quantities of rubber seals, o-rings that isn't Amazon or eBay?
First place I'd look would be McMaster-Carr.
Harbor Freight has sample packs of various sizes as well.
M-C is what prompted the question: they have what I need... in packages of 50. It's not terribly expensive, though, and who knows, maybe I can come up with something creative to make with 49 31x25x3 o-rings. ;-)
You could always buy a foot of 3mm O-ring cord (Viton, neoprene, whatever you want) and glue up an O-ring yourself.
I'm surprised that you have a minimum order of 50. I've ordered weird sizes from McMaster-Carr (O-rings to fit Mazda rotary oil scrapers) and was always able to order as many as I needed. So I checked.... and I've never seen that before!
50 cheap O-rings for $15 or ten Viton O-rings for $10. If you only need one, why not save money and get Viton?
It also matters what you are sealing. fuel? oil? coolant? brake fluid? The O-ring needs to be compatible with the goo you are trying to keep out.... or in.
Nitrile, Viton, rubber, ect.
The HF assortment has a close match, but not spot on
In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :
Yeah, I was surprised at the quantity, too. Other sizes listed in the search results were available in smaller quantities (e.g., two, five).
The O-ring is for a Saab PCV system that is a PITA to get to and is only available with terrible seals that apparently leak pretty much immediately, which is why I want to source my own (and avoid HF). Never occurred to me to make one; I'll have to remember that.
I ended up buying the 50; they're n-Buna, so should be okay. I fully recognize that they were inexpensive to begin with; I just prefer to buy only what I need...
TIL that they no longer sell 2.2mm cord of any flavor. You need a few meters of 2.2mm Viton to make rotary inner coolant seals.
Outer are 2mm, but they can be anything. I've used 18ga electrical wire 
For seals I have a local bearing supply house that has been very helpful. For O rings again an industrial supply business nearby has spent more time than the sale was worth to help me. Sometimes local beats the internet.
Based on the website, it appears Fastenal will let you buy singles. I would assume shipping is likely more than the O-ring cost, but if you're near a Fastenal store I think you can just ship it to the store for free.
So now you have 49 decent o-rings that Saab owners want. Sounds like the beginning of a small business:)
Your local NAPA should have a good selection, too...
I was poking around for something in a specific material and found a company right here in Richmond, VA area that sold small quantities for very reasonable. No storefront, ship only. If I can find it, I'll edit this post.
Edit: Found it!
https://www.oringsandmore.com/
As I recall, they didn't have a minimum order, or it was very reasonable. Very helpful over the phone. This was maybe five years ago. YMMV.
Opposite - I have a supplier that sells Parker o rings with crazy 500-1000 MOQ.
Interestingly the MOQ always fell close to $1000-$1200. The guy always offered Chinese versions but my OEM only wanted Parker brand.
In reply to Trent :
That HF assortment has me confused. It says petroleum products, but then it also says non-aromatic fuels and solvents. Gasoline is a petroleum product but isn't it also an aromatic fuel?
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