O-Rings for Thread Protectors

[browneu]

My FN502 tactical came with an O-ring to help keep the thread protector from backing out while shooting. I liked the O-ring and want to get more for my other firearms that didn't come with one. Can anyone with better knowledge about the product tell me if this item from Amazon is the same item from Optics Planet. The Amazon product is advertised as a Viton O-ring while the other is advertised as a Combat Thread Protector. I believe they're the same thing but wanted other opinions about it.

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MN6J14/ref=crt_ewc_img_srh_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Optics Planet

https://www.opticsplanet.com/l2d-combat-thread-protector-retainer-lo-pro-o-rings-3-pack.html

 

[herrwalther]

A variety pack will serve you better than a bulk pack of one size. I know Walthers, HKs and a few others have unusual sizes on barrel thickness so an O ring that fits your FN 502 may not fit something else. If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, stop by and look at their selection. I got a bulk box from there and have used 10-12 rings out of there on thread protectors.

https://www.harborfreight.com/225-piece-metric-nitrile-o-ring-assortment-67609.html

 

[browneu]

A variety pack will serve you better than a bulk pack of one size. I know Walthers, HKs and a few others have unusual sizes on barrel thickness so an O ring that fits your FN 502 may not fit something else. If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, stop by and look at their selection. I got a bulk box from there and have used 10-12 rings out of there on thread protectors.

https://www.harborfreight.com/225-piece-metric-nitrile-o-ring-assortment-67609.html

Thank you.

 

[rust collector]

I suspect that Viton rings from a reliable source would last longer, especially if rapid fire occurred, but an assortment would be good for working out the proper sizes.

 

[12Bravo20]

Viton brings is what you want to get. They will hold up better and longer.

 

[wally]

McMaster-Carr will have about any O-ring you would want.

 

[Riomouse911]

Hmmm, are the thread protectors loosening on those other guns? If not I’m wondering what the benefit may be.

If you choose to add o-rings to the guns that didn’t come with them that’s your choice, by all means go for it. But, I’d think about two things if adding o-rings to a gun that didn’t come with them from the factory;

First, that cheap or non gun specific o-rings may begin melting into goo if the barrel gets hot.

Second, would the amount of threading that is reduced by the width of the o-ring added to the barrel potentially allow the threaded cap to unscrew and either fall into the gravel to get lost..or stick out enough to have the exposed threads get damaged by muzzle blast. I know there will be some friction on the cap from the elasticity of the o-ring, but if the o-ring loses some spring it may let the cap loosen.

Just thinking out loud. If you do find some that improve the factory set up let us know .

Good luck and stay safe.

 

[herrwalther]

Hmmm, are the thread protectors loosening on those other guns? If not I’m wondering what the benefit may be.

First gun I added an Oring to was my Walther Q4 Tac. This was after the thread protector loosened on its own and fell off somewhere while it was holstered. Walther was nice enough to replace the thread protector for free and made the recommendation that I use Loctite or an Oring. It hasn't fallen off again. Nitrile, the material of the Orings I use and linked above, has a melting point of 226 degrees. Next time I go shooting I should bring my laser thermometer, but it hasn't shown any melting signs yet.

 

[Riomouse911]

First gun I added an Oring to was my Walther Q4 Tac. This was after the thread protector loosened on its own and fell off somewhere while it was holstered. Walther was nice enough to replace the thread protector for free and made the recommendation that I use Loctite or an Oring. It hasn't fallen off again. Nitrile, the material of the Orings I use and linked above, has a melting point of 226 degrees. Next time I go shooting I should bring my laser thermometer, but it hasn't shown any melting signs yet.

That sounds like you found a very good solution. El cheapo o-rings many not be as temperature resistant, I’d be hesitant to use those.

Did the protector stick out past the end of the muzzle with the added o-ring or was it pretty flush?

Stay safe.

 

[jak67429]

Do not use the cheap ones from harbor freight, I added one to my sub2000 because the tread protector kept loosening up and it melted at a steel challenge match. was a real bear to get off. went to a silicon one from the auto parts tore, no issues since.

 

[herrwalther]

Did the protector stick out past the end of the muzzle with the added o-ring or was it pretty flush?

Flush enough to not bother pulling out my calipers, even with one of the thicker o-rings. I would suppose about 1/8"

 

[rdnktrkr]

I don't have any pistols with threaded barrels but I would think if a cap was designed for an O-ring it would be beveled to help with not tearing it during installation.

 

[American_Fusilier]

I locktited the thread protector onto my S&W M&P 22 compact. My TCR 22 has an O ring on it's thread protector and it's never come loose.

My savage mk II fvsr doesn't have an O ring, but I don't anticipate that being a problem

 

[The Glockodile]

AAC used to have a McMaster - Carr index re: Viton O - rings on their website.

 

[trackskippy]

Are you opposed to using Loctite? Ive been using a drop of blue Loctite on my threaded barrels after cleaning and its been working great. I haven't had a thread protector come loose since.

 

[doubleh]

They work great on 22 rimfire. In fact that is what comes with TandemKross brakes for rimfire pistols. Centerfire, I would use loctite because of the heat factor or just tighten it down with soft jawed pliers. Just my two cents and worth exactly that.

 

[Mot45acp]

Teflon tape is a cheap way to keep thread protectors from backing off due to vibration from recoil. Ive never had one get so hot where it cooked the teflon. Rated at 500F. I would not recomend for a suppressor mount due to the heat retention caused by the suppressor. But, for pistol thread protectors never a problem, even with very enthusiastic shooting.