Rubber "o" rings on self tapping screws

[speters53]

Hello all. Just got three sets of BAL lock-arm stabilizing bars and looking at the hardware, there is a rubber "o" ring on the self tapping screws, do the rubber rings replace the need for lock washers? How secure is the rubber compared to lock washers? thanks.

[speters53]

Has anyone ever used rubber gaskets on self tapping screws instead of a lock washer? Never seen something like that before. Thanks.

[B47]

Originally Posted by speters53

Has anyone ever used rubber gaskets on self tapping screws instead of a lock washer? Never seen something like that before. Thanks.

I would say that rubber "O" rings serve one purpose and lock washers serve another. So No to using "O" rings in place of lock washers.

[jtstromsburg]

A pic would help, but I'd guess they just used building style screws with a bonded sealing washer. They just seal the penetration

Sent by me

[mduff]

Originally Posted by jtstromsburg

A pic would help, but I'd guess they just used building style screws with a bonded sealing washer. They just seal the penetration

Sent by me

X2

[KDHfan]

I'm assuming your referring to a self-drilling screw, not self tapping/thread cutting screw? Self-drilling screws do not use a lock washer. A bond sealing washer seals the hole but doesn't lock anything.

[speters53]

Originally Posted by jtstromsburg

A pic would help, but I'd guess they just used building style screws with a bonded sealing washer. They just seal the penetration

Sent by me

That does help, will try and get a picture after it stops raining in SoCal. Give a couple of days. Thanks.

[speters53]

Originally Posted by KDHfan

I'm assuming your referring to a self-drilling screw, not self tapping/thread cutting screw? Self-drilling screws do not use a lock washer. A bond sealing washer seals the hole but doesn't lock anything.

Yes, I guess my terminology is off, my apologies. It would be self drilling screw with what I gather now is simply a sealing rubber o ring. Thanks.

[speters53]

Originally Posted by B47

I would say that rubber "O" rings serve one purpose and lock washers serve another. So No to using "O" rings in place of lock washers.

Gotcha, thanks. Will post pic ASAP.

[B47]

Originally Posted by speters53

Yes, I guess my terminology is off, my apologies. It would be self drilling screw with what I gather now is simply a sealing rubber o ring. Thanks.

Sealing a drilled hole that has a bolt or similar fastener though it to prevent leakage (fluid or air) is the primary use of rubber "O" rings,although I have seen applications where they are also used to prevent or dampen vibration in some aircraft.

They are also used in many hydraulic and air quick disconnect fittings.