Badger head washer lifespan?

@Don - thanks for the input Don. Good to know about the washer lifespan too. Given they retail for less than $2.00, 5 years is great value.

I'll have to add a chapstick to my inventory of bizarre modelling supplies too (along with the facial sponges, nail files, cuticle probes, nail polish remover etc )

@Real G - that's a real possibility too. Admittedly the thing is so small it's hard to see much with the naked eye.

Just glad i was able to fix it relatively quickly.

You may have a hairline crack on your original washer.  I have only replaced the washer when the previous one goes flying off into the backyard where I paint, or otherwise gets lost during the cleaning process.  I have never had one wear out on me, so I think it is likely that yours is damaged.

The head washer does compress a little over time.  It doesn't take much to cause a leak.  You might have to compare the old and new parts with a micrometer or calipers to see the difference.  On my airbrushes that have this, I leave the head a little loose between uses to try to make them last a little longer.  Also, I've found that a leaky washer will sometimes still work if I put a little Chapstick on the threads.

I'd say five years is an excellent life span for this part.

Don