How I Make All My Gaskets - Step by Step Process Including Tools, Materials & Sealers!

[@ironman3406]

When I was still a field tech I can’t tell you how many Cat parts boxes got turned into gaskets to get a guy going if I didn’t have all the actual genuine parts on the truck. As a matter of fact I think the video where I get my No. 12 grader going I made a gasket from a parts box, and it’s still there.

[@kenhawkins1033]

You're good at demonstrating stuff. I just figured someone should tell you that, in case you were unaware.

[@Advanced_pack]

I couldn’t agree more! Just one of the many reasons Toby is the best.

[@rogerkrey]

“ In Order to Know Where you are headed ( going ) You Have to Know where you have Been “. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge to be gain by history. Cutting your own gaskets is a perfect example.

[@nojelgof]

Squatch: Early in my career I worked for a land surveyor. Before the days of electronic distance measuring and gps. Watching a survey crew the other day and chatting with the surveyor I told that story of hand measuring, vernier degree measurement, and range pole elevations. He said he'd hire me in a second. A bit dumbfounded, I asked him why. He said the youngsters don't know what to do when the computerized "total station" goes down.

[@nicholasneidlinger1323]

I agree with your opening comments about modern times completely! Many many years ago when I started out in the carpentry business, we only allowed to use hand tools. Only after you had mastered that, we were allowed to use power tools. Power tools made work easier, but using the hand tools first helped you understand the process. Keep up the good work. 👍👍

[@aserta]

Basically it's "learn to walk before you run". Has to be done that way.

[@WatchWesWork]

I wonder if these people have ever actually tried to laser cut a gasket. You can't really "scan" a larger part. If you take a picture, you have to somehow undo the lens distortion. Then you still have to trace it and create the program. By the time you do that you could have cut 50 gaskets. I have a laser, I've tried it. That said, paper gaskets are obsolete technology IMHO. If you are sealing the gasket with RTV, why bother even having the gasket? It's one of the things we learned from the Japanese back in the 70s. They made these weird engines sealed with RTV that didn't leak oil everywhere. Gaskets are still needed for high pressure (head gasket) or where you have dissimilar materials (plastic valve cover, steel oil pan on aluminum block, etc) and the parts have different rates of thermal expansion. In those applications, rubber or O-ring style gaskets work much better.

[@kurtg1961]

Can your next video be how I put my shoes on in the morning? Just kidding you explain everything so good. 👍

[@tatoo3796]

The ol watch the bolt til it stops when you drop it so you know where it is technique. Perfect 😂

[@ronzezulka6646]

Squatch enjoys being old school, and he's damn good at it.

[@aserta]

The masses asked, the man delivered! Awesome.

[@robertamerrick2000]

Youngens don’t understands how the older generation got by without technology.

[@rawbsworld6604]

👍 … 😂 tap tap tap tap !! 🤦‍♂️ recall back in the day ,teens! Tapping out holes and both sides of a gasket 🤷‍♂️ no snippy tool 🤪 , Plus more than once a cereal box volunteered to be a gasket 🤷‍♂️🙄 ✌️🤙

[@rawbsworld6604]

😂 the missus enjoyed it she said to say thankyou on her behalf, here’s a few text she sent …Already enjoying the vid!!🤗🤗and it’s just a little over 10 minutes in!!! 🤔😆I’m just wondering if he saves the punched out gasket material to make gasket confetti for special tractor events ??!!🤣🤣🤣🤣😆😆😆😳😝😝😝🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️……….. 🤣🤣also, some of those older larger punch might make some excellent biscuit cutters !!!🤦🏻‍♀️😳😆😆😆😆 … she sees I forwarded them , I’ll be making my own dinner 😳 😝

[@wesleydill7704]

This was my first time seeing gasket making. Content like this is exactly why I follow your channel.

[@timstouder5149]

I think I would like to see that edited footage of the rant! My dad showed me how to make gaskets he had this small ballpeen hammer that was used ONLY to make gaskets

[@parochial2356]

I agree 100% with your comments in the first 2 minutes. When I was in motorcycle mechanics school in 1976, I was trained to measure parts using OG style vernier micrometers & calipers and reading to .0001 inch, despite what the service manual specification or tolerance was. IIRC, there were "digital" [mechanical] direct readout type tools around but there were none in his classroom. The instructor was adamant that we learn to use the vernier style first, then, if we chose, we could buy & use "digital" measuring tools once we were working in the field. I do recall as a fact that he was a former NASA inspector. Think Apollo missions era. Nuff said.

[@Denis-tu1pd]

If you don't have a gasket to give the machine then it has nothing to read off of . Old school always prevails. Just like the new computerized car .first thing you do check for vacuum leaks. I love that old school way . I have been heavy equipment mechanic over 40 years and I used the hammer methods for years

[@melsplace4007]

It is a different area of live, but I've been a type 1 diabetic since 1992. I still work at a camp in the summer for diabetic children. I had to learn how to do a lot what our new diabetic kids have done for them by sensors and pumps. Is there system better? Yes, I will admit as I use it, too, but man when it does die, I can still keep myself healthy while they were never made to learn the "analog" way and are lost. I don't want to go back, but when conditions force me, it is good to know I can.

[@danielstickney2400]

Scanners and lasers and 3-D printers are great for the guys making Jay Leno level money because it allows them to reproduce irreplaceable one of a kind parts but as Jay himself says anything made by hand can be reproduced by hand because hands are still available. Automation only pays off with repeat work and you'd spend a lor more time dicking around with a scanner than it would take to make one gasket by hand.

[@RangieNZ]

The 'head gasket' in my air compressor, has been a piece of a cereal packet for the last 10 years. It hasn't let me down. :)

[@brycewiborg8095]

Just like Martha Stewart would do it !!! Thank you.

[@boe4448]

Squatch, I wish scissor manufactures would make the handles to fit larger hands. So frustrating trying to get them off your hands! Boe

[@coniow]

One of my old workmates was an engineer before retirement. He learned using a Lathe and Making Things from a block. All the new hires had trained on the basics of "This is how a Lathe works, but this CNC is what you will be using." One day that had an OLD piece of equipment come in for Repair / Re-Building. Made using a Lathe. And they couldn't program the CNC machine to the right tolerances. Neither could any of them do it on a Lathe, because "You won't be using one of those these days. . . . ." "Hey, Dave. . . .How do you do this. . . ." Practically all Navy ships have a Lathe. To make the unexpected parts that brake at sea, where there is no dock-yard. No CNC machine available there! In my line of work I keep getting "Oh, we can't do that because there is no Fork Lift Truck Driver available." Half the time, when they have buggered off, I get out the Powered Pump Truck, and get the job done. "What? How did you do that?" Using my head, thinking outside the box, and trying it out! Without a load of folks telling me how it can't be done, because it has not been done like that before. Sometime it DON'T work. But most times it does.

[@1murder99]

My father showed me how to do this when I was a preteen. It has been useful to me for the last 60+ years.

[@JA-ux7dd]

"Zen and the Art of Tractor Maintenance" As in the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" there is a time and place for advanced technology, and there is a time for zen with the world...

[@BobY52944]

"There is nothing more permanent than a temporary repair."

[@tuckercudmore7945]

The allpax gasket cutter is still available new, and it has a "special" cutting board intended to be used with it. The nice thing about the cutting board is that it has metal inserts for the center pin to go into to give a nice center to rotate around.

[@Ihbinder14]

I use one like this couple times a week at work cutting out pipe flange gaskets.

[@aserta]

Can also use a NT Cutter C-3000GP.

[@Steve_Sandman]

I think Squatch253 should consider buying and restoring a Trackson T2 loader for one of his D2s. Randy Walker recently showed one on his KZbin channel. It is in rough shape but looks mostly complete and he said he is willing to sell it or sell parts off it.

[@d.r.ledbetter2286]

Thank you for another informative episode. I remember as a kid my Dad always had Indianhead Shellac in his garage and sitting there watching him make gaskets out of cardboard then coating them with Indianhead Shellac.

[@RobertBrothersJr-dc7nr]

I have made all my gaskets exactly like you for over 45 years now and it’s always worked out fine for me. You’re right about technology the younger generation doesn’t know what to do without technology. There is a lot of knowledge about how to do things the old fashioned way that is being lost. Great video as always. Thanks

[@michaeldurling793]

Good stuff and ya didn't need to edit the rant, us old timers love a good rant, keeps our blood moving.

[@donwilson6617]

Using a Ball peen hammer to make gaskets was taught in the Us navy and I have made hundreds with a ball peen. Works every time...however the person doing it must be smarter than the Hammer...It's great watching a person with true talent...EXPERIENCE...is the teacher.

[@Gears_N_Grease]

Great video awesome work . And here I thought I was the only one with an antique Allpax gasket cutter! Thanks for helping to keep these skills alive in our modern times .

[@ZigZagMarquis]

Squatch, thanks for this video. It will serve as good reference material. @ 26:30, way way back when I was a kid in the late 1900s, I helped my Dad make a gasket for an automobile coolant system thermostat in a similar manner, but using the cardboard from an old tissue box.

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

While time consuming making your own gaskets is satisfactory work on a visceral level.

[@michaelspinello3607]

Old school gasket making was how I was taught ! 👌

[@archbuilder71]

I thought your comments on the laser were good. I am an Architect, and the younger ones question why they have to sketch and do hand drafting when they start school. I use a computer to draw everyday, but you wouldn't believe how many times i have sketched details in the field. It never fails, you go to a job and someone has a question that they need answered right then. Being able to sketch is an invaluable skill to my industry. I agree with starting with the old school way of doing things and building up from there. I have made a few gaskets, but your video was very informative.

[@jamesgeddes797]

When I was a kid playing with mower engines I remember making a head gasket out of Cheerios box. Not sure how long it lasted, but it worked!

[@TomGraber-r7g]

Cereal box gasket = beer can rod bearing? Anything in a pinch! Love the video Squatch !

[@richardphelan8414]

Toby , I have been making gaskets like you for over 60 years ,and the gasket material is the important factor, Ball Peen hammer all the way, hole punches is great if you have them ,I've used tapered punches and pins, instead of bolts it holds the material tighter to the part while tapping out the gasket , Very good and important viewing material for making gaskets you just can't get

[@UweBehrendt]

one is never too old to learn new ways of doing things 40 years as a tinkerer and im still learning thanks

[@50gmb]

I highly recommend Fiskar scissors without the finger loops. Extremely sharp and no thumb/finger pain.

[@chriscornett3144]

Ahh the cereal box gasket… it’s like finding beer can shim’s..

[@donaldtaylor5358]

That was awesome cuz I always struggled to make gaskets your scissors look like they're from Walmart😊

[@geraldharkness8830]

you are all missing the point he is showing how with simple tools a gasket can be made no need to spend a fortune and if the time is your own,well thats all to the good! i enjoyed it as well

[@deezelfairy]

Your correct about learning to crawl before yiu can walk. Im a forklift mechanic and when you start learning the electrical side its important to learn how to diagnose things the 'old fashioned way' with a multimeter and logic rather than reaching straight for the analyser/laptop. Sometimes the laptop doesn't catch the fault or a day will come when the laptops flat and there's no way charge it or its breaks - at least if you know the manual way you can still get the job done.

[@rickyjessome4359]

Fantastic video Squatch! This was like watching my grandfather make gaskets when I was a kid. I'm glad he taught me how to do it. It can really save a guys butt!He still has alot of the same tools you have for making them. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Cheers

[@BillTheTractorMan]

Hats off to you Toby! Your voice and way of explaining far exceeds mine, I gave up making KZbin videos what feels like long ago. I recently bought a Minneapolis Moline ZB. Partially because my Grandpa had an R I grew up on, but also your Moline series has had me itching to have my own. I look forward to when you are ready to getting back to yours. Thanks for sharing.

[@Mmmyess]

And so you can divide your subscribers into pre- and post-"Caterpillar D2 #5J1113 Diesel Engine Assembly Ep.11." Cheers from a long-time fan!

[@dennislaws5187]

I am an ex Ford Dealership mechanic, been making gaskets for over 60 years, I have learned a few tricks from you, but I make gaskets much the same way as you do, dont think I need this one.

[@jefflewis6331]

Thanks for the video. I learned some things. How about a dovetail for the doll-head joint? Easily cut with a sharp knife, self-locking. Just a thought.

[@BrianSmith-lo3mj]

Hey Squatch, thank you for giving that 20 minute rant at the end about how modern technology/electronics is ruining our younger generation. I'm Gen. X (47) and I know exactly what you're talking about. I like the fact that you are strictly business and don't have any fillers, fluff or exotic music in your videos. I love those old Farmall tractors. We have an H, Super H, 966 Hydro and a Case IH Maxxum125. I hope to restore my Grandfather's H just like you're doing one day. Thanks again for all the great content and valuable info you put out here on YT.

[@squatch253]

Thanks -- I'm only a just few years younger than you and I'm pretty sure we're both in the same boat - grew up not having any of this techie stuff so still know how to operate without it, but also possess the knowledge to take advantage of it when necessary. Standing on both sides of the fence, if you will :-)

[@BrianSmith-lo3mj]

@@squatch253 You're very welcome! I noticed how you didn't have your phone in your pocket and you didn't feel the need to check your text ASAP when you got a new one like the Gen Z kids do today ... lol (I kinda thought you were a 97/98 H.S. Graduate.) I'm on video 18 of the Farmall H restoration and I'm loving it.

[@Dudleymiddleton]

Never fear - Gasket man is here!

[@JSchrumm]

Join us next tim for Squatch makes his bed followed by Squatch makes breakfast. Do you put your pants on one leg at a time? All great procedures I watch 805 Roadking also.

[@wemedeeres4105]

My grandpa taught me how to cut gaskets the same way, last weekend I passed on that knowledge to my daughter when she was out helping in the shop. It’s a skill some may see as a nonessential but it has come in handy many times, I guess I’d rather have that knowledge taking up space in my brain than God knows what had I just loaded the laser cutter, pushed a couple buttons and watched more KZbin until my gasket was cut……..😂

[@longbowrider]

You are a true professional! I look forward to all you produce! Very proud of you!

[@donaldelrod9172]

hurt my thumb-in a pinch? cute! compliments to your script writer.

[@rpmunlimited397]

Being an old fart now I remember having to make do with what was available to put jobs back in order. Now if they can't throw money at it and order it off amazon, they are clueless on how to move forward. One more item you might could use is a pair of RC car body Lexan scissors, very handy to do delicate trim work in tight corners.

[@bernhardfahrni2336]

Thank you Toby for that very educational lesson! You may still learn to crawl by yourself but to learn to walk and run, you must have someone teaching you where you can see and copy how this is done!

[@zackjacobs3337]

My dad used beer boxes and cereal boxes for almost everything!

[@paulsilva3346]

HOW I MAKE Gaskets, PART 3...? 1113 oil pan install. I enjoy your posts, Squatch...

[@baztyrrell3569]

Good info on gasket/ joint making, we were trained to make dovetails instead on your puzzle connections. Brown parcel paper makes a good gasket material as does newspaper.

[@rickbrandt9559]

This is a library video for all time!! phone book,back of tablets for emergency materials sealants, a mention/suggestion was appropriate... Your skill/methods great demo!!!, Inspiration for all of us....😃😃

[@lawrencejneuser8801]

I had a transmission that I got from a salvage yard. and they specified that I had to make sure that it stayed lubricated or did not lose any fluid to be warranted for 90 days. I replace the seals And then I had one spot where I suspected There might be possibility of a leak, And they did not sell a transmission gasket for that location, but I ended up using a paper thin gasket Which I made myself and I totally sealed The transmission with the gasket and silicone that originally never was intended to be sealed as such. A lot of times people trust just silicone to seal up a transmission or something of the sort. I thought about bringing it the new in the old ideas together and my transmission never leaked.

[@geneguenther4325]

Thanks for sharing Toby! Lots of valuable information you gave us. I know it’s lots of things you’ve gone over before but things we all are curious about. Thanks again and have a wonderful 4th!

[@hoophil]

Yes, a very informative video, Thank you for your time. I've tried making gaskets and they never turn out like yours. Now I know some tools to find and what is a good gasket material. So many times, I buy gaskets and the holes don't line up!! No, I don't want to buy a scanner or laser to cut gaskets, just need a simple way to make gaskets at home or at the farm. With my luck, my computer would die in the middle of a project, just like my computer did last week! Thanks again!

[@thomashaley7657]

I'm not a member, but I am a long time subscriber. Making your own gaskets insures that it's only on you if you have a leak. I remember making thermostat gaskets on more than one occasion from a piece of shotgun shell box. It probably wasn't recommended, but it was very affective. Thanks for all of the great videos Brother! Thomas, Mississippi!!!

[@ImpHalla66]

I learned a bit more about "sealing" this time around, than from your previous videos. I was going to tell the NEW viewers to support the channel and go back and watch all your previous videos. They would have learned this, and how to clean parts too. The added bonus was the material manufactor and the sealent types. Thx Squatch.

[@bchdsailor]

Same procedure was learned as a ship's engine repairman apprentice in 1972 and I still do it the same way - p'fect

[@SootHead]

One for the books, Toby! Covers it all in your usual entertaining-but-informative manner. Interestingly, in the U.S. Army's marine engineer courses (at least around 1970), I recall about a half day of hands-on training on this topic. Stood me in good stead in the ensuing 55 or so years.

[@AB-nu5we]

So glad you did this video. I've made gaskets before, but always felt 'sketchy' about my work. This video nails all my misgivings moving forward. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Well worth it for me.

[@JovinRepairs]

I definitely agree on the interface gasket material. When it has to work, their materials just work. The International T-442 sealant brought a smile to my face. There is a reason 7.3 oil pans only have a few bolts, to hold the pan up while the sealant cures because once it does, I would almost swear that bolts are no longer required. I also have an assortment of putty knives and old carpet knives filed to various shapes and thicknesses just for separating gaskets(especially if T-442 is involved). I also may or may not have a few old truck cast iron transfer cases still running around with a box for certain frosty beverages used for gaskets in a pinch....or a box from another gasket set if it was all I had at the moment.

[@32jdmiller]

I was taught to make gaskets out of cereal boxes this same way. Though dad always had me use the hammer to cut them. He claimed it helped seal the edges better

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

Great video, buddy. I make gaskets when I have to - but the gasket material is what I mostly keyed in on. I too save the blanks from other gaskets... That's free material!

[@Barnzoid]

Squatch - you rock! New school is fine for those with tons of cash and time to learn (or kids to teach them how to do it) - Old school has worked since forever and costs next to nothing to create a fine part.

[@francishorne2553]

Squatch, you have the skills and knowledge you do not need a pretty print out 😊

[@timothyball3144]

Ultrablack FTW. I'm never going back to anything else. I have two tunes on my truck. One is open and the other is sealed. Once o use up, I open the other and buy another one. The best part about the Ultrablack is that if you put the cap right back one, it can be weeks later, and it hasn't dried on the neck.

[@JMassengill]

I’ve also seen people use a cricket vinyl cutter and fusion 360 to make custom gaskets.

[@nathancarlisle2801]

I’ve made dozens and dozens of gaskets, but never had a good brand or name for material. So I appreciate and will definitely reference this video many more times. Thank ya Toby!

[@stephenmcfadyen1385]

Well ! along with others that requested this video I am very pleased with your result, like you I have found some production gasket sets lacking, as you point out, everyone has an opinion and a way to make their own gaskets. I used this presentation to reinforce the way I make them, thank you. But it is still a very tedious job and one I do not look forward to doing but the end result is very satisfying.

[@dulin4105]

all the InterFace material you are professional

[@vincentvanderfeltz304]

Can you drop the video of your 20 Minute rant detesting modern technology please? Thanks for your time in making this video.

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Great video. Ball peen hammer is all I ever used. Great tips. Thanks.

[@harperjmichael]

In a pinch empty bullet casings make good gasket hole punches.

[@charlescastle5566]

Toby, I still use the ballpeen hammer method and it's worked as long as I can remember. I did have some round punch cutters for a while but they got stolen. I just went back to the hammer method. Can't break old habits.

[@paulhylton9503]

Pizza boxes work great too

[@kmatch1]

I wonder if any of my old parts from the 80s can be found in the wild. Some may or may not have Tony the Tiger and Tide logos found in their gaskets…

[@theskepticalnegativist1004]

I looked in to some of those modern cutters, (mostly made for the wifes hobby room.) It's all fine and dandy. BUT.... They ain't cheap. And for the amount of gaskets i make not even close to economically viable. And if it takes a given thickness of paper, half that on gasket material. I keep to my punches from my grandfather, hammer, knife and wood block.

[@stevenm3141]

I'm glad you did this video. It's very important to have a clear demonstration for those to see how to... Seems lost information is one of the most overlooked problems of the country! If the lights went out most of the country would freak out and declare a national emergency! When all they have to do is light a lantern. Thanks again.

[@ericcorse]

That is how I learned to make gaskets >50 years ago from my father.That is a smoking deal on that gasket paper.

[@highdesertbill]

Excellent Video Squatch!

[@andreasfrohler7560]

You are doing a great job explaining all steps in renovation machinery!! Good video. Good sound. You know when to take it slow en when to speed things up a bit. Just a joy to watch your videos. Done som old tractor renovations my self Swedish Volvo T 31. 15 years ago. It’s in need of a good do over again. Your videos make me inspired to start my own renovation. Great work . Keep it up. 👌👌👌

[@dscott130]

What an outstanding tutorial, Toby. You're such an awesome teacher. 💕

[@cpconstrutora2795]

Here in Brazil it is very difficult to find old CATERPILLAR, the few that came have already turned into nails a long time ago. I've been looking for a CATERPILLAR TEN for 20 years and finally I found one in Argentina, I bought it but it doesn't have the original covers and hood. I want to put it to work and make it as original as possible. It will be one of the only CATERPILLAR TEN operating here in Brazil. I need help, I need the parts below, I would like to know if you would have to sell them to me. List: T-678: hood T-683: plate right T-684: plate left T-710: door T-711; door T-381: seat back I thank you for your help

[@MrBillycan1]

I've been doing exactly what you've described for decades, Squatch, thanks for your video!!))

[@jamesflett1887]

Excellent video and answered a lot off the questions I always had on selecting gasket material for a repair. Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

[@tarheelpatch3386]

Great video,This reminds me of when grandaddy showed me how to make gaskets.He told me about during WWII they had to make do with what they had.He said for thinner gaskets he used layers of brown paper bags for thicker he used shirt card board.They didn't work that great but it kept most off the oil and fluids in.For you younger folks that don't understand real gasket material went to war production you couldn't buy it.

[@josephpetito1351]

You've pretty much got that on how we teach and train for advanced methods without the precursor skills that make for actual understanding. Kids walk into my classroom expecting to be able to do advance shop work, but once they get outside their skill range they're lost. Parents are the same. They know their kid is smart, but that's not good enough when they get into the kinetic where skill must be learned over time in order to make a successful result. Those with the determination will stick it out and become skilled and self-sufficient. Most turn back to what's safe and low-risk, and end up as cubicle residents or out on the street for lack of skill that will keep employment.

[@jmailbell]

You are ok and that’s a complement!

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

I have no idea how many times I've put gasket sealer on paper gaskets and screwed up putting pieces together and had to take them apart and rendered the gasket unusable. So I needed to learn how to make my own gaskets. Of course I did have all the fancy tools you have, just basic ball peen and sheers.