Gaskets & Packings

If you’re searching for information on gaskets and packings, you may want to look at this Yellow Pages® heading.  A gasket or packing is a device that is used to seal a hole between two devices.  These are commonly used in devices that provide some type of compression, or otherwise allow the opportunity for an air or liquid to escape through a hole.  Plumbers and mechanics are some of the most popular users of gaskets and packings, due to the nature of their work.  Gaskets can be made from a variety of materials, each holding their own benefits in relation to the material that they are sealing.

One common use of a gasket is in pipe work, typically pipes that are being used to carry water.  The gasket provides a seal between the two pipes, ensuring that leaks don’t occur.  While the two pipes will usually be held together with a screwed on fitting, water is still able to escape through the threads on the screwed object.  Another example of where a gasket is commonly used is inside of an engine.  This is used to maintain pressure inside of the engine, as well as ensure that materials such as fuel do not leak.

Gaskets can be made from a variety of materials.  Typically, the material must be flexible enough to create a seal between the two objects.  Rubber is a very common material used for gaskets, although it usually does eventually corrode, especially when used in water pipes.  More popular materials that are used modern day are plastic, cork, etc.  These provide a seal, as well as protection from normal wear and tear.