How to cut a paper gasket

[Charlie G]

My step dad did this all the time. I've done it in a pinch. It works on gasket material fine. I don't think I'd cut with the hammer on alloy, unless I was stranded and no other choices. Old school skills are good to know. Thanks for the post.

cg

[shockvalue]

cutting gaskets

I used regular old notebook paper and got the exact pattern with that then just transfered it on my material, if that helps. You can also take a ver small amount of caulking on the valve cover or whatever and then press the gasket material on the caulking and it will leave the exact form you need.... my pennys worth.......

[drejal]

I recently did my valve shim adjustment, and cut my own gasket with the bulk stuff they sell at auto part stores. Coated the mating surface with motor oil and pressed it on the material so it would leave a stain. Traced around the stain with ball point pen. Put it on a flat wood surface and cut it out with an Xacto knife. Start to finish, the job took less than half an hour.

Worked like a charm! Paid 5.99 for the roll of material and 1.99 for the hole punch (6.3mm, perfect for 6mm bolts!), got the valve cover gasket, breather gasket, and also made a new ignition cover and starter cover gasket....and STILL had enough material left over that I could have made a few carb gaskets if I had needed. Yay, cheap diy!

[Jethro]

^^^ that is how I do it too. Using sheet gasket material, I spray a light coating of wd 40 on the part, then set it down on the gasket material. The wetness leaves behind the exact shape of the part whichI then cut out with a razor knife. I have die cutters for the bolt holes.