Quick and Easy Woodstove Door Gasket Replacement

If you use a wood-stove on a regular basis, replacing the gasket or "rope" that seals the door shut becomes a regular part of ongoing maintenance. For those that want to try doing this themselves for the first time, or have found it difficult in the past, have a watch as I show the simple way that I've developed over the years to do this without frustration. Please like/share/subscribe if you found this helpful.
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[@XtraSeraffyn]

I'm finally going to replace my gasket today, and I am so glad I found your video! Super helpful!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad it helped!

[@sama.2586]

FYI: The hinges on your wood stove make it VERY easy to remove the door and take it outside somewhere so the dust doesn't get everywhere. I recommend using an angle grinder with a wire wheel attachment. You could use a brass wheel to avoid smudging the metal of the actual stove door casting. Great video!

[@TheBladepolisher]

Good call Sam . . . . . I was thinking the same thing. Acetone also helps when removing old sealant. It's a good idea to soak the gasket material by dunking it in to bucket of water and it's ready to put in. A hair dryer on low helps to set the sealant up. A hair dryer on high on the other side of the door also helps.

[@sama.2586]

@@TheBladepolisher Good call with the dryer. I have a heat gun I can try. I'll be replacing the seals after the season is over. Cheers!

[@mrbrown6421]

I remove my door every couple of weeks (when its warm), and take it to the shop for a good cleaning. Too bad your door is hard to remove.

[@Silver_wolf68]

I removed mine off the stove and put it on my workbench in the shed. I used my oscillating tool. Only took me about 10-15 minutes. Then I wiped it down to remove all the dust and debris. Then

[@donlliteras8418]

​@@mrbrown64216th 7.

[@laurie-annew9923]

You described me trying to get it to stay in place and got covered in glue during my first THREE failed attemps 😂 … lots of swearing, glad to know I’m not alone. Thanks for this!

[@DDPizazz]

Thank you for this nice video! 1) Lay down plastic to protect your floor 2) remove your door if its easy, if not, work with it on. 3) Wear a mask during removal of old rope and getting the door slot clean so you don't breath in any fiberglass. 4) Follow the instructions for your adhesive, smear it into the slot, let it get tacky for 5 minutes. 5), press in the new rope into place starting in the lower left and working upward, without stretching it. Hold in place with precut masking tape strips as you work around the sections. 6) close the door and lock it. And let it dry for 12 hours before lighting a fire.

[@phillipmcsorley7840]

thanks!

[@CommentFactsAndNotNegativity]

Nice summary

[@maineguitarists]

After throwing a tool across the floor, i decided to watch a video of this. the tape thing is the answer. Thanks so much!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad I could help!

[@anyacanna5121]

I am bravely following your advice on this and thank you as my anxiety about doing this job has all but gone!

[@clive-t.m.d7955]

Thank you - lots of good "obvious" but non-obvious-until-you've-done-it-once tips 👏

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mkcm1966]

Thank ypu for taking time to show us. I have exact sane stove. Cousin sleeps all day not helping. I'm very grateful. First video I looked. Same wood stove. Blessings!

[@LaurieBurdon]

Thanks so much for this video! I followed your instructions and replacing the gaskets went well. Waiting 12 hours now and then will fire 'er up. Cleaning the glue out was easily the hardest part. I had a bit of a panic when the fresh glue dripped onto the window a bit, but paper towels, straight vinegar and some elbow grease got it clean. Thanks again

[@maritimegardening4887]

you're welcome!

[@annabelt]

Thank you for your video! Exactly what we needed before losing our minds!

[@olgaa.9718]

Thank you very much! Very helpful video.

[@laineparnell]

going to give this a try in the morning, great video!

[@matthewbarrie2188]

I experienced the “losing your dam mind” part. Thank you!

[@sallyprice4256]

When I take off the gasket I use a Dremel tool with their Grinding Stone (952) to clean the channel where the gasket is place. Using tape to secure the gasket on the door is a great idea! Thank you!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thanks

[@davidjgomm]

Sounds faster! I just use a stiff wire brush.

[@andrewhoward5623]

Thanks for your help and advice, I watched this before attempting... could see it wasn't going to go as planned! Lol

[@ANTHONYSIKORSKI-w9b]

I just done mine I took my door off buffed the gasket channel used Perkins graphite gasket Perkins 80 gasket cement (it’s thick paste if have to leave door on) the Perkins gasket is awesome it’s better then when stove was new make sure you clean gasket channel I used a die grinder with gasket pad the gasket in video is cheapest you can buy glue is water buy Perkins $20 cement and gasket worth the extra $5

[@leegarner4111]

Theres nothing like wood heat,you feel so warm and cozy.Great little tip there.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Agreed!

[@icecold4559]

Yes natural heat that heats the air instead of blowing heat like a furnace

[@laineparnell]

well, I did it! my woodstove has the gasket on the body of the stove, not the door. so glad i watched this video first, esp about waiting til the glue got tacky. and i pre measured the gasket. one surprise, when i cut the gasket after measuring, a bunch of fibreglas flakes flew around. so i grabbed a mask at that point. i bought a flat gasket as the previous one, rounded, never fit right. we'll see what happens tomorrow morning when i open the door.

[@Venice1917]

This was GREAT!! Short, to the point, well filmed, informative and done by a nice guy who´s funny! Thanks.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wudgee]

Thank you so much, all your tips like leaving it till tacky and the tape will help us hugely. It will be the first time we’ve done this so thank you for making it achievable.

[@maritimegardening4887]

You are so welcome!

[@hilaryboyd8594]

I have been dreading replacing the gaskets in our wood stove because I thought it would be super complicated. This was really helpful. Thanks!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Go for it!

[@vickiparrish3235]

Super great video. And very truthful/funny man! Thanks. And, this vet picked up your, "Squared away" military comment.

[@juliamontoya4153]

Thank you, it is my next project. So I appreciate your expertise. 👍🏼

[@susanaesmerald2291]

I changed mine a couple days ago. I did exactly as you show. It is all working fantastically now, thank you very much!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Great to hear!

[@janellestroschein9905]

Thanks! 😮 Until 7 years ago I have only seen a free standing wood stove! We moved across country to the East and discovered this style. 😮 I have never been made aware that it was missing the gasket! My fireplace has been serviced several times in these last 7 years. I ordered some heat resistant cement for a small project several months ago, Now I know what purpose it serves!😂

[@maritimegardening4887]

Oh wow!

[@rayc1503]

Bless you, I'm going to be doing this task at mums later. Atleast the stove door is removable in her house. I took the door off to measure up the gasket. It doesn't seem so daunting now that I've seen your tutorial 👍.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Wonderful!

[@jl2831]

I watched this video and one other. Ill combine both to replace mine. But next time you might try popping the door off. Have a good from Alaska

[@cyndi9009]

Thanks for this! My stove needs a new gasket & now I know how to easily replace it.

[@tomhigson3989]

Thanks man. Finally got it done after watching your method here. I was losing my mind before

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad I could help

[@jaydunstall4641]

The door on my pacific is one rivet that pops right out. Take literally 2 seconds to get the door off and then the glue works awesome. Air powered wire wheel and blow gun, put down the glue, push in the seal, viola took like 20 mins off to back on again. This is a good video if you cant get the door off though. TY.

[@hahnchenland3483]

Thank you for the helpful video! You explained a tedious job in a humorous and lighthearted way -- a pleasure to watch. Have a great one!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnsonbar5022]

This is so helpful, beyond words. THANK YOU. Very well done and narrated.

[@kingrider75]

Thanks for this video. Just replaced the seal on my stove and I got a feeling this saved me from a variety of dirty words lol.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Great thanks

[@ta3061]

Thank you, just got mine done with your help! 🙌🏼

[@theressomelovelyfilthdownh4329]

Cheers for the masking tape tip. I have been out in the shed sorting my old wood stove.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad to help

[@mcbst2]

Expat here in Switzerland. I have a wood stove in a large 200 year old house...thanks, glad I found your channel..lots of projects to do renovating. I noticed the glass itself has seals also all very old and your right just fell almost apart when I removed them..

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thanks man! Glad you found it useful

[@davefarley4318]

I was a jet engine mechanic in the navy. we dipped after burner bolts in milk of magnesia. it prevents heat problems with bolts

[@seangorman6168]

Buddy thanks man for this video ur a god im haveing to do this for the fiirst time ur a real big help thanku

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad I could help

[@MolloRelax]

You happen to have the exact same stove as I do too. And I did remove the door off of mine. The pins do not have any locking device. Gravity holds it down nicely.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Mine is not held by gravity. Why would I make that up?

[@MolloRelax]

@@maritimegardening4887 I never said you made it up. The 2 hinge pins on mine do not have holes. Upon a more thorough look , your model could be bigger, as your window seems to be larger .My model has about 2 inches of metal all around the window. The new gasket is drying as of this comment. Good thing it is a mild day here in Alberta

[@joelcordier6762]

Great video - ✅✅✅✅✅✅ I suggest to put the cut in the middle of a straight line, you can easily fiddle to perfectly adjust.

[@susanaesmerald2291]

Thank you very much for this video. I am changing mine today and this video helped me a lot.

[@maritimegardening4887]

You are welcome!

[@MakeGodSmileToday]

Thank you so much! Recently divorced and having to learn how to do a lot of things on my own. This really helped! Blessings to you and your family.

[@maritimegardening4887]

You are so welcome

[@tpriestess]

Yay! Very helpful! I am going to do this job at my friend’s place tomorrow! I appreciate your guidance!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Good luck!!

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

Yes! Doing stuff like this for a friend is he best

[@fpineros9189]

I use a wire wheel on my cordless drill to clean the contact surface completely clean.

[@marciamccormick8376]

Never done this before, but your tips will undoubtedly save me lots of fumbling and frustration. Thank You!!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad to help!

[@glenncurtis5071]

Finished watching video...you answered my question. GREAT video...

[@maritimegardening4887]

OK cool :)

[@RideOp74]

Thanks for the video. Getting ready to replace the gasket on our wood fireplace furnace for the first time since we bought the house 27 years ago. Yeah, it was a bit overdue.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Good luck!

[@1972piledriver]

Thank you ,Great video It's getting a bit cold here in Wales now 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 so I'll be doing mine over the weekend

[@davidlessard9317]

Looks very helpful. I am putting on a new gasket this week, and I will follow these tips.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Good luck!

[@dpduckca]

I wanted to thank you very much Greg for this video. It was fantastic and made the job so much easier!!! Thanks

[@maritimegardening4887]

You're welcome!

[@jimhill6998]

I use a wire brush on my drill to get the glue off😮 works good

[@suzanneleblanc1077]

Thank you so much, mine came apart last nught, december 25,2021 while I was adding a peice of wood to the blazing fire, could not get the door shut had to keep it closed by jacking a peice of wood against it, and, let the fire go out, it was -17 here in Quebec, Canada, on the Gaspe coast!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Yikes! What a crazy thing to have happen on that particular day!

[@Itsjustbeau]

I love my stove the room it’s in use to be the coldest room in the house. All that changed after adding it. Now it’s were we spend most of our time in the winter.

[@maritimegardening4887]

The heat is wonderful isn't it!

[@alexb8971]

Great video! Thank you, I've never replaced the gasket yet and bought that same kit. This will save me a lot of cussing😁

[@01kilik10]

I have to replace the rope seals on both of my wood burners. I've never done it before, but I'm sure this video will save me from making mistakes. Thank you!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad to help

[@mightyjaws]

Thank you for making this excellent tutorial video. I have found it so helpful.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donaldsaunders3059]

Thanks for the video I’m ready to change my gasket now and I appreciate the info. All the best

[@maritimegardening4887]

Awesome!

[@dianeforpeaceandkindness]

Thank you! This was really helpful. I called a wood stove company to come and replace it - but no show! So I guess I'm going to have to give it a go on my own. I feel like I can do it after watching this. PS - so glad I didn't have to pop the door off!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad I could help!

[@mmerriman4995]

Thanks for this. 2019... the before times.... Last month I replaced the window & today I replaced the original gaskets and window pads in my 12 year old Jotul 55 . Thanks for the hacks. I removed too much of the glue as I found out when removing the masking tape and some of the gasket came with. Easy repair as most of it is stuck down well. The new glass and the tight seal are really worth the money and effort - looks and operates so much better!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Jotuls are wonderful stoves :)

[@ting1084]

doing that very job today! Glad i thought to think of checking KZbin to see if some kind person with expertise did a how-to.. thank you and i am planning my Maine garden fir this year and look forward to your common sense help.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Awesome, thank you!

[@JohnSmith-pl1xk]

Thanks very helpful. I have dual doors on my main fireplace which is an Opel model that is 25 years old. Unfortunately not easy to get doors off. Most helpful things were 1) letting the glue get tacky and 2) masking tape! Both of these are really key when one has to do the job with the doors still vertical. Also putting something down on the floor. I kind of wish that the adhesive supplied with the gasket was a bit more viscous. It's really a pain to apply on the horizontal portions of the channel. Thanks again. Cheers.

[@phillipmcsorley7840]

good video. crazy that you heat 2000 sqft with that stove. mine heats my 900 sqft cabin high in the Colorado mountains as our only heat source, but I never figured one stove could heat such a large area.

[@TheRealChuckNorris]

Insulation and circulation goes a long way when heating a home.

[@trickshotsforthegiggles3280]

Thanks for sharing! We appreciate you!

[@maritimegardening4887]

So nice of you

[@lawrencepaul82nd]

Had that problem last night. Winter storm dumped snow in Northern California and the power was out for two days. We were freezing so had to stoke the fire. Well it smelt like smoke or carbon dioxide was filling the house. After investigation and testing for carbon dioxide I saw the seal was flat. I could see gaps. Great video. Thank you.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thanks!

[@moviehubusa82]

I wonder if putting the adhesive in the freezer for a bit would keep it from running?

[@colincairns1497]

Great video love the tape idea you saved me a trip to the looney bin! One suggestion I have is to use a wire wheel on a drill to clean the old glue off.

[@maritimegardening4887]

That's a great idea!

[@canamrider7195]

My original seal lasted about 10 years, burning 5 to 6 cords of wood a year in Montana. Popping the new one in was simple. 1. Take the door off the stove. 2. Mine at least, didn't seem to have any adhesive holding it in place. Of course with the new one, I did install with the supplied adhesive. I was also able to put some washers/shims to help realign the door as over the years it was sagging a bit. Now it closes accurately and tight.

[@kingspraiseathome9544]

Really helpful video, saved me having to take the stove to bits!

[@garystafford297]

great video most helpful made the task easy

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thanks man :)

[@curtismacdonald4579]

Thanks man.. very helpful

[@charlesmurray1220]

In your recap you left out putting a plastic bag / drop-cloth down to protect your tiles. Good simple procedural instructions. Thumbs Up!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Great tip!

[@Jin88866]

The gasket shouldn't need be be replaced every year, I think you can use one for about 5 or 6 years, even when it looks a little old it's still good (you'd notice if there's a leak). If it detaches it's probably a little too thick for your stove? Anyway, thank you for the video, very clear and informative. Stay safe and wear a mask so that you don't breathe the dust! :)

[@maritimegardening4887]

It needs to be replaced when it is compromised. How long between replacement depends on how often you use your stove, the quality of the gasket, and and quality of the adhesive.

[@dianeminutilli9081]

Agreed, even if you are using your stove daily, you really shouldn't need to replace yearly, unless you know there are air leaks. Dirt, ash and burn marks are normal. Former chimney sweep here. You mentioned using cheap adhesive and gasket, maybe that is why you are replacing yearly. Not that it can hurt to do it yearly but who needs another task? I second using a dremel tool or grinder if you have big chunks of cement stuck in the groove, you want to get all of the old stuff out of there before replacing the gasket, otherwise your fit is compromised. Our stove has a very tight door and we have to get the groove as smooth as can be before putting in the new gasket to get the door to close properly. Thanks for this video, well done!

[@Bootneckrm]

Good advice my hinges come off but will do tape trick cheers rick

[@freedomisfromtruth]

We have a carbon monoxide detector, I would recommend to all, its been at 0 then seal starting wearing and detector started going up. No other way to know stove is leaking. Your starting point is great, I started at middle of bottom and the 2 ropes meet and cutting made it frayed. Had to redo that part.

[@alansach8437]

Sometimes a leaking door sucks air in, which reduces the efficiency of the stove. It may burn wood a bit faster. The only reliable way to check a door gasket (unless, of course, it is falling apart) is to do the dollar bill test. Use a piece of paper about the size of a dollar bill. Close the door on it and attempt to pull it out. It should be very difficult, possibly tearing before it pulls out. Retest all around the door. If it pulls out easily, tighten the door if possible or replace the gasket. Retest.

[@watchtheirhands3346]

@@alansach8437 I'm in Canada and they did away with our $1 bills. They were replaced with a Loonie coin so will that work as well?

[@Gord1812]

Thanks for the video. It showed me a few things.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad it helped

[@jusded6803]

Perfect video. We have a cheap tiawanese woodstove, that doesn't have any gaskets on it

[@HuplesCat]

Thank you so much much for this video

[@maritimegardening4887]

Most welcome 😊

[@walkingwater893]

Just what we needed! Thank you for sharing your trials. You and another channel have inspired my gardening methods as well. Is very warm in S. Co. today. I will be working in the dirt, and some snow!!

[@maritimegardening4887]

That's great, thanks! Good luck with the garden and the wood stove!

[@Lydia1914]

Oh wow, great video. Sharing this with my boy. He inherited our wood stove and I bought it when he was 2 or 3. He’s 41 now. I never new the gasket needed changing. Great tips. Simple and easy to understand. Margie, Eddie and Colleen Guy from southern Maryland “Hanging with the Guys”

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thanks!

[@RockStarVee]

I grew up in southern MD!!!

[@Lydia1914]

RockStarVee nice. Where at?

[@chezgiardino]

Awesome timing! I actually need to change mine and never did it before... thanks for the tips!

[@maritimegardening4887]

That's great - hope it works out well for you!

[@dominickdeflorio193]

Great tips. Thank you!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arlingtonguy54]

You would think the instructions would suggest letting the glue tack up and using tape. Your suggestions were very helpful and yes I was loosing my mind trying to do it before I watched this.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thanks man :)

[@debbiegallett1125]

That was excellent, very helpful.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Right on thanks :)

[@kevywilliams3304]

Awesome video thanks

[@maritimegardening4887]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rayjohn3946]

Good job Man. Thanks for sharing!

[@maritimegardening4887]

No problem!

[@greatdanerescuemom1]

we have the same one for over 20 yrs. gonna have to replace this yr...

[@richardgriffin8517]

Nice video and good job my friend

[@thepennsylvanian9280]

I have to do this in a day or so! Great video! And comical too!😂🤣

[@brianlusignan828]

Excellent video!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thank you very much!

[@stevecollins8582]

Awesome thanks

[@sebern2]

Thank you so much!

[@maritimegardening4887]

No worries!

[@laurawellstead5347]

Thank you so much for sharing all the tips and tricks of this task. My husband passed away and I'm learning all kinds of new home maintenance skills. You can imagine my dismay when I opened the woodburner door and the gasket fell out!! I feel confident that I can take on this project and complete it successfully. What a relief!

[@maritimegardening4887]

I hope it works out good for you :)

[@laurawellstead5347]

@@maritimegardening4887 Worked like a charm! The trick with the tape was pure genius (and so stupid simple!!). My stove is chugging right along, working perfectly just in time for the next cold snap.

[@predator-hunter-31]

Laura wellstead condolences to you. Was your husband vaccinated?

[@laurawellstead5347]

@@predator-hunter-31 He passed in Oct 2019, so that was just before Covid. Thank you for asking, though. I am fully vaccinated and boosted.

[@2453Debi]

Thank you thank you

[@ThedawnchorusPlot]

Off to do mine now,thanks for sharing, regards alan

[@maritimegardening4887]

That's great - good luck!

[@andreaatkinson2251]

Thank you very much. I was able to do our wood burner door this morning after watching this video. Andrea

[@maritimegardening4887]

That's great, hope it stays on a good while

[@Random-rt5ec]

Excellent video - On my pellet stove the gasket is on the stove not the door & your install tips should work just the same. I don't want to wait 24 hours for the gasket adhesive to dry so I am going to use faster drying high heat silicone on my gasket & hopefully it will hold the gasket in place.

[@maritimegardening4887]

Cool, thanks

[@iswhatitis2744]

Thanks

[@treeman7616]

Well, here we are in a new year of wood burning. WHERE DID SUMMER GO?!?! lol I have neglected my earth stove and it’s a very dirty girl. lol Your video made me laugh and i’m Less intimidated by the job so I’m going to give it a whirl once stores open back up. It’s Thanksgiving. lol I better do it before it gets any colder. Thanks Again for the Understandable Video!

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thanks and good luck :)

[@lisastrine9682]

Thank you for the tips!

[@maritimegardening4887]

You're welcome :)

[@Alex-zv1ly]

Excellent 👌 job

[@maritimegardening4887]

Thanks for watching

[@beckystenberg2028]

About to re-do mine because the fire won't hold overnight any more. The gasket doesn't crumble, it just gets too compressed. What I remember from last time is that I compressed the cord as I went along to fill the channel as full as possible, which was mostly good, except that the door then wouldn't close. Fortunately I discovered it immediately and was able to adjust and cut off the excess and re-insert before the cement dried. 12 hours before fire, yikes! The house could get chilly!