How to Make a Rubber Gasket
by Kim Blakesley
Automobile part servicing or replacement may require the need for a new gasket. The proper gasket is not always right at hand, however. Make a rubber gasket out of a piece of gasket sheeting available at local automotive centers. A common process to make a gasket is to draw around the outside edge of the engine part requiring the gasket and cut it out. This process works on small gaskets but is frustrating for large complicated gaskets. Make a rubbing of the engine part and use it like a template. This is a more accurate way to make a rubber gasket.
Step 1
Place the clean and dry engine part on a workbench. Face the side that needs the gasket up.
Step 2
Use the scissors to cut a piece of butcher paper larger than the gasket area. Spray a thin coat of spray adhesive to the top of the paper. Let the adhesive tack for three to five minutes.
Step 3
Center the sprayed side of the butcher paper on top of the engine part. Press firmly and avoid wrinkles. Make the paper taut.
Step 4
Rub the long edge of the charcoal stick over the entire area. Make sure to rub it over the inside and outside edges, along with the hole positions. This creates a rubbing of the gasket area.
Step 5
Peel the rubbing off the part. Place the tacky side of the paper on another piece of paper. Use scissors, a craft knife or a rotary cutter to cut out the gasket template on the darkest lines. Mark the front of the gasket template with the letter X. The darkest lines indicate the inside and outside parameters, along with any bolt holes.
Step 6
Place the paper gasket template on the engine part. Make any adjustments to the paper gasket as needed.
Step 7
Place the gasket template face down on the sticky side of the sheet of gasket rubber. The sticky side of the gasket rubber sheet is covered with paper. Trace around the template using a sharp pencil. Cut out the gasket.
References
Tips
- Use a computer scanner to make a paper template for parts small enough to fit on the scanner bed. Place the part on the scanner bed. Press scan. Approve the scan and send it to the computer. Select print from the computer program. Cut out the paper template and place on the sticky back side of the gasket material. Trace the paper template. Cut out the gasket.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Butcher paper
- Spray adhesive
- Artist charcoal stick
- Craft knife
- Small rotary cutter
- Gasket rubber sheet
Writer Bio
Kim Blakesley is a home remodeling business owner, former art/business teacher and school principal. She began her writing and photography career in 2008. Blakesley's education, fine arts, remodeling, green living, and arts and crafts articles have appeared on numerous websites, including DeWalt Tools, as well as in "Farm Journal" and "Pro Farmer."
