Making gaskets

[LonesomeTriZ]

I, like many of you, have to make my own gaskets quite often. I usually go with the brute force and ignorance way of doing it and some times it works out some times it dose not. Complicated shapes are a big challenge and so are the bolt holes. The bolt holes seem to be the biggest challenge. The material used and cutting tools available make a difference of course, but I cannot help but think there is a more efficient way of doing it. Do any of you have any tips and tricks? Are there any tools or punches out there that would make the bolt holes easier and cleaner? I have an idea for a way of doing the hole but I want to know if it is already out there.

[Xowner]

a hole punch from the craft store.....

[LonesomeTriZ]

I looked at them but they do not go up into the sizes I need.

[Blown 331]

Gasket hole punches = fired bullet casings. .22, 9mm, .357, .44 etc. Seriously works awesome.

[swampthang]

I've never made my own gaskets but couldn't you just use a utility knife and a drill??

[LonesomeTriZ]

Shell casings is an awsome idea.


The drill ruins the bolt holes and a razor knife does not always work.

[Blown 331]

Probably use the .22 for most ATV gaskets, the bigger casings work for automotive use.
I've done the drill thing. It does tear a lot of times but I've found if you back the gasket material with a wooden 2x4 it works a little better. Still no where near as good as punching them though.

[LonesomeTriZ]

I am going to see what is rolling around the back of my truck. I know I have some 5.56, .40, and some .22 back there.

[big red in iowa]

You can also lay the gasket over the surface and use the round end of a ball peen hammer, just tap lightly around the hole and it will cut them out perfect

[Angore]

Snowmobile track stud drill .
Only one size , but if you want a very clean hole this is the ticket :

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j343/32364/cutter.jpg

[Scootertrash]

I usually lay the gasket material over the surface that needs the gasket, then tap around the perimeter with a small brass hammer. Works the same if you need to make an opening on the inside of the gasket too.

For bolt holes I have an assortment of steel ball bearings, you can usually get them at local hardware stores. I use a bearing a bit larger than the hole, press it into the gasket material so it stays, then give it a nice rap or two with the brass hammer. I also have a brass hammer with a peen end on it. Sometimes it's easier to use that since I have a handle to hold onto. Set the gasket material in place. Tap the gasket material with the peen end to make a dent in the gasket material, then set the peen end in the dent and rap it with the other brass hammer.

[hoosierlogger]

There are punches out there that are made for cutting holes in gasket paper. I cannot remember where I saw them, but they are available.

For making gaskets for large or complicated shaped parts, I use a can of cheap spray paint. Spray the heck out of a piece of cardboard so that it has a good thick wet layer of paint on it. Lay the piece that needs the gasket made for it in the paint, then quickly remove it and lay it on the gasket material. That does a pretty good job of transferring the lines.

[kawasaki666]

Harbor Freight has a set of hole punches in various sizes. The punches look like the "Snowmobile Track Stud" tool.

[LonesomeTriZ]

I cannot beleive all this time these tricks were out there and I did not know about them.

[hoosierlogger]

I cannot beleive all this time these tricks were out there and I did not know about them.

Just think of all of the things that are out there that we as a group dont even know about!!!

[RIDE-RED 250r]

I believe there are some hole punches out there in various sizes designed for use in leather work... I have never bought any myself but my father-in-law has some leather hole punches I have used on gasket material and they work great. If they can punch a clean hole in leather, gasket material is a cinch.

I really like thet bullet shell idea though! I'm sure I will be trying that next time I make a gasket when I'm not hangin with the father-in-law

[LonesomeTriZ]

That is why I ask these questions, I love learning about it.

[KASEY]

i just use a gasket punch set... punches made for gaskets from 1" to 1/4"

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n592/KASEYII/DSC00198.jpg

[aldochina]

you can get a cheap set of gasket punches from harbor freight in a roll up case for peanuts! assortment of sizes, just tap em with a hammer, and you got a nice clean properly sized hole! I also like the shell idea!!

[pipeline triker]

hey kasey, nice set, it is the same one I have. old Mac one. With the hole punches make sure you have a good piece of hard wood behind your gasket to cut against. I just used a 4 foot by 5 foot piece of gasket material up yesterday making gaskets for my bulldozer, diferant shapes and some complex and large. To get the shape of a gasket with the hole placement this is what I do. Say you need a case side cover gasket for something, clean the cover mating surface off so it is ready to bolt on, then coat with a nice heavy grease, like bearing or lower unit grease for boats works really good and is usally a bright color. Once the mating surface is evenly covered with grease lay it on the gasket material gently and then apply a little presure. Lift the cover off and you have the perfect design of the gasket you need. take a good scissors and hole punch and cut it out. if it is a real narrow gasket, punch the holes first. And take your time.

[Angore]

if it is a real narrow gasket, punch the holes first.

Good info ! ^

[LonesomeTriZ]

That is a nice set. But I have a HF budget.

[4cylinders]

hey, leather punches here. also scanner/printer to make some gaskets.

[LonesomeTriZ]

The scanner trick works, I have used it before.