Glad Hand Seals

Thick side in regardless of diameter due to
Different styles.

 

Just wondering then, why, when you buy new trailers, or just new glad hands at the parts store, they are in the other way. (Any I've gotten anyway) Edit, looking at this again, maybe that's what you meant, if so, my apologies rabbi.

 

There are different styles of gladhand seals with different outer circumferences, but the thickness and circumference of the inner ring will always be the same regardless of the style of seal. the only difference between the 3 styles is the outer sealing surface which is sometimes mistaken for the part intended to go inside the gladhand.
examples.....

This seal goes in large diameter first

This seal goes in large diameter first

This seal goes in small diameter first


The dimensions of the part that goes inside the gladhand is always the same dimension. The dimensions of the exterior part will vary by style.

 

rabbiporkchop is correct. The thicker (not the larger diameter) side goes in first. I find these backwards all the time, many seal just fine backwards, but easily fall out when disconnecting or get rolled when hooking. Put them in right and much less chance of a problem.

 

i think what is confusing you is two different style glad hand seals rabbiporkchop made a good post illustrating the different style glad hand seals

 

I've only ever seen them with the large diameter (thin side) facing out. No one I've ever talked to has had an issue with them installed like that.

 

Thin side always out
thick side always in
regardless of diameter

 

Novel idea, if ya don't have clue. Just put back in like they ca me out, but hthats if ya had clue enough to pay attention when taking them out.

 

Lick your seals when you hook up G-hands so they seat better. Or spit on your finger and wipe on. Stops air leaks sometimes. O-o-o-l-l-l-d trick from wayback.

 

be careful with that tip when -40