Rubber plugs- also known as rubber caps or rubber hole plugs- are used in a wide variety of applications. Rubber hole plugs are perfect to cover holes in a variety of objects. Generally, these rubber plugs are used to seal components, especially those containing chemicals and/or high temperatures. This is because rubber caps and rubber plugs are specially designed to be used for applications requiring resistance to heat and chemicals. Available in various shapes and sizes, rubber hole plugs can be custom made as well to fit wherever they are needed. The rubber plugs are ideal for masking or covering parts during high temperature powder coating processes as well as medical applications where sterilization is needed.

Types of Rubber used in Rubber Hole Plugs

Rubber hole plugs are made of a wide variety of rubber. Most ofen, various types of synthetic rubber such as silicone, EPDM and vinyl are used for making these rubber caps.

While silicone rubber plugs are typically reserved for high temperature paint masking applications, the EPDM rubber plugs are inexpensive rubber hole plugs that can be used for a wide variety of applications.

silicone rubber caps
rubber plug

Vinyl Caps and Plugs

Although vinyl is technically a plastic material, many people refer to vinyl plugs as rubber caps or rubber plugs. In many ways, both vinyl and rubber are very similar. Both provide airtight seals and extremely flexible. They insulate. They also provide a significant level of cushion to the product that they are protecting. However, vinyl materials cannot resist the high temperature used in many powder coating curing process which is not the case in rubber materials. High temperature resistant vinyl plugs or caps perform admirably in most paint curing systems. Vinyl and rubber closures come in a wide variety of vibrant colors, shapes and sixes.

Uses of Rubber Hole Plugs

Rubber plugs are used in packaging, paint masking, thread protection applications etc. They are suitable for appliances, vehicle, furniture, cabinets, shelf, closet organizers, point of purchase (POP) displays, store fixtures, shutters, vinyl fences etc. besides being used to cover high temperature, chemicals filled bottles or objects.

Properties of Rubber Hole Plugs

The rubber types used for making rubber hole plugs grant them specific properties like oil resistance, ice resistance, wear resistance etc. In general the rubber plug properties can be listed as under:

  • Rubber hole plugs can resist very high temperatures, up to 600º F while maintaining their pliable, conforming nature.
  • Rubber caps/ plugs are resistant to harsh chemicals.
  • They are ideal to be used in anodizing and plating.
  • Rubber plugs are excellent rubber seals for any application requiring a durable closure that can provide a very tight seal.
  • These Also functions well as a noise insulator or inhibitor.
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Types of Rubber Plugs

The rubber hole plugs are categorized into types on the basis of their applications. Certain rubber plugs are suitable for electric connectors and some other types of rubber plugs are apt for high temperature paint masking or on flared fittings. Thus, the types of rubber plugs- on the basis of their shapes and applications for which they are used- have been given such names as Rubber Flange Caps, Plus Plugs, T-Plugs, Pull Plugs, Side Pull Plugs, Electrical Connector Plugs, Threaded Plugs and Washer Plugs.

Rubber Flange Caps

This is a type of rubber cap or plug, the design of which simplifies the application and removal of the cap. There is an internal lip on the open end that provides a positive seal to prevent any contaminants from seeping onto the part. A flanged head enables the cap or the plug to be manually removed with ease.

Rubber Plus Plugs

IV> The plus rubber plugs have the unique 360° pull tab design. This makes them very easy to install. Plus plugs are also handy to use, especially during manufacturing and shipping as it is easier to insert and remove them.

Rubber T-Plugs

T-Plugs have tapered design that makes it easy to put inside any component and to secure it there. Rubber T plugs are low-cost and an effective option to protect tubing ends, threads and ports, especially during shipping and storage. These rubber T-plugs come in a wide variety of sizes.

Rubber Pull Plugs

Pull plugs are longer rubber plugs having a handle like feature. They are used for sealing both ends of a through hole. Its handle allows for easy application and removal. A little larger pull plug than the hole size provides a tight seal. Rubber pull plugs prove to be ideal for plugging both threaded and non-threaded holes. Silicone pull plugs are specially good for such applications as powder coating, E-coating, plating, anodizing etc. EPDM rubber pull plugs are chemical resistant and can withstand temperature upto 450°F (246°C). They can also be re-used in many applications.

Rubber Side Pull Plugs

Side pull plugs are rubber T-plugs with pull tabs. They are designed for easy removal in the hard to reach locations. They are ideal for NPT and standard threads. The rubber plug manufacturers generally use low density polyethylene as the standard material for making side pull plugs but they can even use other materials as requested by their clients.

Rubber Electrical Connector Plugs

This is another rubber plug designed specifically for electrical connectors. These rubber plugs are designed to protect female-threaded electrical connectors from moisture, dirt and dust. They are usually made in flanged style for easy removal.

Rubber Threaded Plugs

Threaded plugs are rubber plugs with screw hole designed for use on flared fittings, specially flared JIC fittings (a type of flare fitting having 37-degree flare seating surfaces, widely used in hydraulic applications.) Some of the threaded rubber caps and plugs are are also used to keep dust and debris out of hoses and other plumbing parts during storage. The parts or rubber threaded plugs are knurled to help during insertion and removal. They provide positive seal for low pressure requirements.

Rubber Washer Plugs

Washer plugs not only act as rubber hole plugs, but also mask the area surrounding the hole. They are widely used for powder coating, e-coating, plating and anodizing masking where a grounded area must be left unfinished on the substrate material. A washer plug has two different diameter tapered ends. This allows dual use in multiple applications. Silicone washer plugs can withstand 600°F (315°C) and are mostly reusable.

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