frog hopper
Well-Known Member
So how many times can you anneal and re-use copper washers on joints that have little or no pressure on them? I'm thinking here about sump plugs and similar applications.
alexc2701
Active Member
We reuse some copper and lead seals at work that are like 80 years old... as long as they still seal it's good haha. They don't wear like like perishable washers. Even giving them a good clean or sand down normally makes them seal when they aren't. They will get harder with more compression though. So depends on the body and thread they're sealing against too. Like a washer on an inch thread on a tap made from steel will last longer than brass which will outlast an ally one as you can tighten it more so the hardening and deformation isn't as much of an issue
So I'd say reuse till leak. But then again they're usually pennies so maybe just swap
So I'd say reuse till leak. But then again they're usually pennies so maybe just swap
Sort of refreshing to know I'm not the only washer skinflint around here. I'll spend a wad on best oils, filters etc and then save a penny by annealing and rubbing a sealing washer on a bit of emery and using it until it is absolutely cattle trucked.
alexc2701
Active Member
Alot of things I work on is random ye old size! Easier to fix and reuse everything than replace with parts you can't get!
Plus if it's good it's good
Dowty washers tho. Best thing ever if you have a seep you can't cure!
frog hopper
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the comments guys, just reinforcing my own opinions really.
I don't mind spending money on replacement parts (if I really really have to that is) but I do choke a bit at getting mail order on odd sized copper washers when they cost pennies and you pay a tenner to post to France. I know I could buy a selection kit and have 90% just sitting about until I buy something exotic that relates to that size.
I don't mind spending money on replacement parts (if I really really have to that is) but I do choke a bit at getting mail order on odd sized copper washers when they cost pennies and you pay a tenner to post to France. I know I could buy a selection kit and have 90% just sitting about until I buy something exotic that relates to that size.
nobber
Well-Known Member
Buy decent parts that come with new washers!
Or when you buy oil for instance buy a new washer while you are there, they cost pennys, even from a main dealer.
I have a selection box, I never want for something so simple and cheap.
I have never had to use bonded seals.
Or when you buy oil for instance buy a new washer while you are there, they cost pennys, even from a main dealer.
I have a selection box, I never want for something so simple and cheap.
I have never had to use bonded seals.
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