Today on the web, I saw some guy complaining about captive square O-rings on CO2 regulators. I wondered what on Earth he was talking about. How can an O-ring be square? Then I took my regulator off the tank so I could install a washer (something I had forgotten), and I saw a mashed-up O-ring imbedded in it. I tried to get it out, but it went nowhere. Suddenly it dawned on me: it was stuck in there because it was CAPTIVE, and it had a square CROSS SECTION. So I must have a captive square O-ring.
I don't think this thing is ever coming out without a lot of scraping. Do I really need to replace it, or can I leave it in there and expect a nylon or fiber washer to do its job for it?
I don't think this thing is ever coming out without a lot of scraping. Do I really need to replace it, or can I leave it in there and expect a nylon or fiber washer to do its job for it?