It's Easy to Install Swagelok VCR Metal-Gasket Fittings

Swagelok’s leak-tight VCR metal gasket face seal fitting assemblies (vacuum coupling radius) are easy to put together. See how in a video below, then download details:

Swagelok VCR metal gasket face-seal fittings provide the high purity of a metal-to-metal seal (for background please see Swagelok VCR Fittings & VCO Fittings Explained)-- but only if you install them properly.

Watch the procedure:

Right away you'll see that the only tools you need are two open-ended wrenches and a pair of scissors. The scissors (or a straight-edge cutter, if you prefer) are just to open the bag of gaskets.

There are a couple of other items you might want to use. We recommend wearing gloves, though you don't have to. Also, a side-load installation tool is optional if you are using side-load retainer gaskets.

Typical VCR fitting installation

The video shows how to assemble a typical configuration consisting of a body, gasket, gland and female nut.

First, connect the tube stub end of the gland and a nut to the system. This can be done by welding or by encasing the mating end in the valve-end connection. The VCR installation completes the connection.

Next, install the gasket. The method depends on the style of gasket, and the material it's made of. It's easy to make sure you are using gaskets made of the correct material for your application: Blue printing on the plastic bag means the gaskets inside are made of stainless steel, while black printing means nickel. You also can get gaskets in copper and aluminum.

Gasket types

There are three types of gaskets you might want to use: retainer gaskets, side-load retainer gaskets, and non-retained gaskets.

To install a retainer gasket, take one out of the bag (this is where it's a good idea to wear gloves) and use the clips to snap the gasket onto the male end. Align the body and the gland face on the female nut end. Tighten the nut finger-tight. Use the wrenches to tighten further.

To install a side-load retainer gasket use your (gloved) fingers or the side-load installation tool to slip the gasket onto the male end from the side. Then tighten the female nut finger-tight onto the body. Then get out the wrenches to tighten further.

For the non-retained gaskets, place the gasket into the female nut. The gasket has to be flat, or the nut won't tighten properly. How will you know you did it correctly? If the gasket is flat, the nut will tighten right up to the last thread. Then, as before, use the wrenches for further tightening.

No matter which kind of gasket you use, you need to stabilize the system connection to prevent rotation.

Get details on VCR and VCO fittings

If you found this article useful, please visit the page here at our website where you can download the latest literature for free:

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Also see:

• Swagelok VCR Fittings and VCO Fittings Explained
• NEW: Monthly Swagelok training you can join from your computer
• Get literature on all Swagelok fittings here