Making/cutting your own gaskets

[klickitatsacket]

I have always used a punch, hammer and a soft 2x4 to cut my small screw holes. I found these after this was up. I bought one for myself and 3 more to sell. The largest hole is 4mm perfect for screws. There are a total of 5 The other thing that was cool is that it comes with 500 gromets too for eyelets. Normally I would put this in the used equipment section but this seemed like an appropriate place for it. If you want a set they are $12 and includes shipping to the US.

 

[Chris J.]

Dean, glad that you bumped this. I PU'd two sets of punches from Michael's, about $18.00 + tax, and this gives me 12?? sizes (metric since Jreds are my thing). Also purchased the wheel thing, which my wife wanted , which I can use, if I can find where she hides it . I checked the local Northern Tools retail store, and bought a decent exacto knife set for $3.99. Also got a cheap metric socket set, in case I decide to try my hand at griding. Cool tools, eh?

Thanks again, Chris J.

 

[klickitatsacket]

for my carburetor gaskets I used a 12" long water pipe with a cap on one end. I used a belt sander to sharpen the other end. This cuts a very nice 1" hole.

 

[thompson1600]

Anyone found that one type gasket material works better than others? Any good sources for gasket material sheets?

Tom

 

[Chris J.]

To coattail Tom's questions, is there a reason to use the metal fiber gasket material? I think Al said that it's hard to cut.

 

[Ashley P]

Regarding punching holes, I use different diameter bolts to punch holes in gasket material and thin sheetmetal. The ends of most hardware bolts have a "ring" like shape and work pretty well.

 

[p38lightning]

I just use an exacto knife set and diamond tip bits on my dremel. It takes a little longer but they come out perfect.

 

[16:1mix]

Depending on what size of hole you need, I use a spent 22 caliber rifle shell to cut some of my holes. I also use 30 caliber and 44 caliber shells also. They work good. Just place the material on a 2X4 and use a small hammer.

Yep,

Ya beat me to it, but I'll echo the comment and add that it works quite well.

Cartridges are typicaly know by bullet diameter:

.308
9 mm
.45
.380
etc.

A dial caliper across the O.D. of the case neck will give the size of the hole you will get.

 

[Al Smith]

On this subject of materials for gaskets,I've used every thing from newspaper to soft aluminum.Soft copper sheet makes a dandy head gasket.
If however someone wanted or preferred to use more standard materials,McMaster -Carr has a very wide selection on line to view .
Garlock,which is a brand of gasketing material,makes a wide selection .
On the subject of holes,about any sharpened tubular shape will work,ammo cases are a novel idea.You can find a set is inexpensive punches for usually less than $20.They probably aren't the best but unless you are going to be in business making gaskets, will suffice and last a long time.

 

[Caledonian]

I keep a selection of ball bearings for cutting holes. Simply leave your gasket paper in place, place the ball bearing where the hole is to be cut and tap with a hammer. Can i stress, the hammer blow should be firm, but, in relation to the material (cast steel, alloys etc.)

 

[16:1mix]

Simply leave your gasket paper in place, place the ball bearing where the hole is to be cut and tap with a hammer. Can i stress, the hammer blow should be firm, but, in relation to the material QUOTE]


Thanks for the idea!

 

[Fish]

Why use "spent" ammo casings? You all have no sense of adventure.