How to Store and Handle Hydraulic Seals Properly?

Ever opened a bag of seals only to find them brittle, dusty, or warped? I’ve had seals crack before installation—just because they were stored wrong. It’s a silent killer for performance and reliability.

To store hydraulic seals properly, keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place, avoid direct sunlight, extreme heat, or humidity, and never hang or stretch them. Proper handling prevents deformation, contamination, and premature aging.

Whether you’re a distributor or just keeping spares, learning to store and handle seals correctly can extend their lifespan and prevent costly failures.

Why does seal storage matter?

Hydraulic seals are made from materials like NBR, FKM, PTFE, and PU—all of which are sensitive to:

• UV light – breaks down rubber molecules
• Ozone exposure – causes surface cracking
• Heat & humidity – accelerate aging
• Improper handling – causes deformation and flattening

I once shipped a batch of seals to a client who stored them near a window in midsummer. A month later, he called about 20% of them cracking. It wasn’t a material issue—it was sunlight exposure.

How should I store hydraulic seals?

Here’s what I recommend and personally follow in our warehouse:

• Temperature: Keep between 10°C and 25°C
• Humidity: Below 65% RH
• Light: Store in opaque bags or boxes, away from UV sources
• Position: Flat and unstressed—not hung, twisted, or under weight
• Shelf: Use drawers, trays, or seal cabinets—not plastic hooks

We provide ziplock-sealed, moisture-proof packaging for all exported seals. Want your brand on the bag? Let us know.

How long can seals be stored?

Shelf life depends on material:

As a rule of thumb:

• If stored properly, seals are usable for years.
• Always rotate stock (FIFO: First In, First Out)
• For critical applications, use seals within 2–3 years

I label every incoming batch with a date, and we rotate monthly in our export warehouse.

How should I handle seals before installation?

Even the best-stored seal can be damaged if handled wrong.

Tips I always follow:

• Wash hands or wear gloves—avoid oils and particles
• Don’t stretch or fold seals during handling
• Use proper tools when installing: no screwdrivers or sharp edges
• Check seals for cracks or stickiness before use
• Keep spares in resealable bags if not used immediately

If you’re installing a UN Seal or KDAS Buffer Seal, always inspect the lips and inner tension rings before use.

Can I store seals long-term for resale?

Absolutely. Many of our distributors stock kits and individual seals for up to 2–3 years with no issue.

We help by:

• Packing with date codes
• Providing moisture-proof labeling
• Using brand-custom bags for retail

If you’re distributing seal kits, we can also separate inner bags by cylinder type or size to ease sorting.

Conclusion

A seal is only as good as how it’s stored. By keeping them dry, cool, flat, and sealed, you’ll protect performance and save money—whether you’re repairing one machine or stocking thousands.

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