How do you buy a small rubber rounded-torus shaped washer?

Factual Questions
1

I need a small one of around 1/4 inch or so. It slide on and acts as a seal for excess air.

2

Try electrical supplies for water tight fittings for boxes.

Or try this: https://www.ruralking.com/midwest-fastener-1-8-x-1-4-x-1-16-o-rings-83292?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_content=5120736&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6KrtBRDLARIsAKzvQIGnHtFDAWSedFzESjDpwB_IB52gvbdrNyTsABImWO5EnnlShsHNeY4aAthJEALw_wcB

3

Look for O-rings.

4

(I take it to the hardware store and show it to the nice folks.)

Are you talking about the fittings that go on water lines for fridges and water dispensers?

5

Don’t ask for a round torus. They’ll have no idea. As Napier says, ask for an O-ring.

6

Yeah, O-ring is a good tip.

Thanks

7

I would have said not to ask for a round torus not because they’ll have no idea but because it’s redundant.

8

Or grommets

9

Best case scenario, he knows exactly what you need and takes you right to it. Worst case scenario, he’s stumped and has to go find Stan, and he’ll know.:slight_smile:

10

Having grown up working in the hardware store that my father and my uncle owned, I approve this message. (In our case, it was my uncle Brian who would have known where to find it. :smiley: )

11

A grommet is sort of like a thick O-ring, usually with somewhat flattened surfaces on its top and bottom, that’s got an annular groove cut into its perimeter. Here’s a good example. It’s good for lining holes in thin sheet metal or plastic so the wires or hoses you pass through don’t get cut on the sharp edges of the hole. It’s not the best match for what the OP wants. He should definitely be looking for an O-ring.

12

Go to a True Value and find one of the old guys at the back of the store. Bring in the part you want to replace, or whatever it is you’re trying to put this washer/o-ring on and let them figure it out. Between the hundreds of little bins near the back and the secret ones they have behind the back counter, they’ll be your best bet for finding it locally and being able to see/touch/feel it before you buy it. Otherwise you’re going to end up having to go to pro-plumbing stores, Grainger, McMaster Carr or some random website.