This one gives me the willies - from Redit/r/PrepperIntel
Polymer shortage affecting O-ring and seal availability from Parker Hannifin
Parker Hannifin sent an email out to their supply base, informing us that their raw material supplier has restricted them to 20-50% allocation for a minimum 6 month duration. The email gives the customer base a choice to accept a choice of no new orders for the duration, or a force majeure contract termination. This affects most low temperature O-rings and seals. In our case, we have a bunch of sole-sourced part numbers that we're going to have to scramble to get alternatives for(if they even exist).
Parker Hannifin is the MacDaddy of O-rings - here is a listing which describes O-rings, their use and the various global manufacturers, PH is at the top with nobody else coming close.
Top O-Ring Suppliers in the USA
Although O-rings are small, simple, and low-cost products, they are an absolute necessity throughout a multitude of industries, including automotive, aerospace, marine, oil and gas, healthcare, food and water, pharmaceutical, and chemical, to name a few. O-rings are pressure-resistant gaskets or seals used to prevent the leaks of fluids or gasses.
O-rings are a consumable with a fixed lifespan. They are used everywhere and if there is a shortage, a lot of things are going to not work very well after a while. Also, if you take something apart for other service, it is customary to replace all O-rings when reassembling. The slightest nick and there is a leak. Good preventive medicine to do when you have it apart anyway.
This is going to really suck...
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