Gaskets can, and are, made of many different materials, depending on the application. My question is about the paper gaskets. In the past, and still, quick repairs have been made using home-made gaskets fashioned from cardboard or heavy paper of sorts. Depending on the flatness and the flexibility of the mating surfaces, different materials should be used. For steel castings etc. where the mating surfaces do not flex, I would guess that a more spongy gasket might be best. However, I'd guess that a flexible surface might need a material that expands a little AFTER it is in place and tightened down. Its expansion could come from the introduction of either water or a petrolium product.
Is this really how gaskets are designed and used?
What material have you fashioned your home-made gaskets from?
When do you decide to use sealer with a gasket?
Thanks for your input.
Rance
