Galley faucet mod - no more slippery faucet knobs

LaRea

I found a $2 mod that makes the galley faucet in my 370 easier to use and less frustrating.  Thought I'd share.

Problem: the faucet knobs are too darned slippery!  Once I turn off the water, if I get even the slightest trace of soap or food grease on my fingers, I can't turn the water back on to rinse.  The knobs are super-smooth metal cylinders with no knurling or other features to grip:

I am the vessel's lead galley slave, so this problem annoys and frustrates me.  Usually, I have to grab a paper towel and wipe the soap off my fingers.  Or, I just leave the water running.  No more -- I found a better solution.  

I got some rubber O-rings and rolled them onto the knobs.  Problem solved!  Now they are easy to grip with soapy fingers, and the black rubber provides a nice accent that looks like an OEM faucet.  Total cost: $2.27 for a pack of ten O-rings (enough for the galley and head faucets).  Two minutes to install.

These are #18 O-rings: 1-3/16" outer diameter, 15/16" inner diameter, 1/8" thickness.  They are tight enough that I think they'll stay put.  They are available from any hardware store in the faucet repair section.  There are other variations of how to install them, such as:



I think it would work just as well with a single O-ring instead of two.

Gregg

Nice touch LaRae, nice and clean look.

Gregg

Sorry LaRea for miss spell.

Handymans342

I hate those faucets. Going to install a single handle. 

LaRea

I wish I could install a Moen no-touch faucet like I have at home.  I just wave over the top with a hand or forearm to turn it on/off at the perfect temperature.  Unfortunately, they are way too big for the boat.  Oh - plus they cost $400.  

Dream_Inn

Now I like this idea!  We usually keep a dry washcloth there to use the faucet.  I'll definitely buy a couple of those!  Thanks LaRea!

Michael T

@LaRea, brilliant idea. I have even more trouble with the handle on the faucet in the head. Wonder if these will be OEM on Rinkers next year!

mattie

I've seen rubber rings like that - at a different type of store.........wink, wink.

Michael T

Hey LaRea - I showed the Admiral your post and she said says you "are one smart man" (which we all knew, btw). She also said she's going to get some red O rings for the hot and blue for the cold. Yes - that's my life (no complaints) - I live with Miss Details! LOL 

LaRea

Ooo, I like it!  If you find a source for red and blue, post it here!

Michael T

@LaRea, if "Miss Details" finds some, I'll post.

frenchship

If you do a search in Google you will find colour O rings

Michael T

@frenchship - beautiful, that will be good news to the Admiral -)

frenchship

Here is a sample.

Dream_Inn

Now that is even better news!!  I can buy a pack and watch all the rinker owners in my marina flock to the idea!  :-)

Michael T

@LaRea, what diameter or O ring size are the ones you used? Thanks.

LaRea

#18 O-rings: 1-3/16" outer diameter, 15/16" inner diameter, 1/8" thickness.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-18-O-Rings-10-Pack-96735/100299374 

Dream_Inn

I'm bringing this old topic back up because I was starting to look for some red and blue O-rings.  Anyone find a good source to buy "a few".  I found some places that seem to have a min of 1000.  I have a few friends & a few faucets, but that number doesn't add up .  Also, I figure I'd remind you all that haven't gotten these yet either.

Dream_Inn

Maybe these for Red??  ID looks correct. (EDIT: ooops, guess ID is a bit off)

http://www.amazon.com/211-Silicone-O-Ring-Durometer-Width/dp/B000FN0YJY/ref=sr_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1457373405&sr=1-3

LaRea

Well, it turns out that rubber is the wrong material.  The rubber o-rings I got from Home Depot are already cracking after only four months.

This link should bring up a list of "size 213" o-rings:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_in_-2_p_11_337?fst=as:off&rh=n:16310091,n:!16310161,n:3021479011,n:16413421,n:16413611,p_11:213&bbn=16413611&ie=UTF8&qid=1457954247&rnid=3545063011

Options include black, blue, red and "translucent."  The minimum quantity for blue is 25.  I'm getting 25 red and 25 blue, total cost $25 + shipping.

Dream_Inn

Thanks for the feedback LaRea.  I went to the link you had posted but it just took me to a search for that size.  Which exact ones are you ordering?  I'm having a tough time finding both red and blue from one place.  I don't mind getting 25, as I'm sure a few dock neighbors would be happy as well.  thanks!

LaRea

Yeah, I'll probably hand out a few around the marina!

Here's the red, pack of 5:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FMUVPM

Here's the blue, pack of 25:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001387EUC

I'm not sure I like that particular shade of blue, but we'll see.  The colors are industry-standard for particular materials (silicon is reddish, fluorosilicone is blue, etc.).  Custom colors seem to be available only in large quantities (as you found out).

LaRea

Umm, the blue now says 2-4 weeks.  I think I bought the last pack.  

LaRea

If you PM me your address, I'll mail you a set next week.  Same for anybody else (while supplies last!)

Dream_Inn

You've got my PM!  Thanks for the links!

LaRea

Here are the new red and blue o-rings.  Anybody who wants a set, PM me your mailing address.

They are definitely a snug fit.  If anything, they might be just slightly too small.  Gotta wonder if they will crack over time like the black rubber ones did.  We'll see.  @Dream_Inn and I will be the beta testers.