Gasket scrapers can be purchased individually or as a set. Sets, which can contain up to 9 pieces, usually have several scrapers of different sizes and sometimes other tools that are needed when removing gaskets.
Plastic gasket scraper sets
Plastic gasket scraper sets usually contain several scrapers, each with blades of different widths. Scrapers with wide blades are suitable for larger areas and narrower blades can be used on smaller, harder-to-reach areas. Plastic scrapers are best suited to scraping materials such as aluminium, which mark easily. Compared with a metal scraper, a plastic one is less likely to damage the surface of the gasket when scraping.
The different sizes of blade found on plastic gasket scrapers are 19mm (¾”), 22mm (⅞”), 25mm (1″) and 38mm (1½”).
Gasket removing sets
There are four piece gasket removing sets which come with a scraper, two hooks and an awl. The scraper is used for removing residue, while the dismantling hooks and picks can be used in hard-to-reach areas, for applications such as the fitting and removal of O rings, springs, seals, and fuses. Larger hooks are suitable for removing water pipes which can be difficult to remove.
The awl can be used to mark surfaces or pierce materials, however, it can also be used to pry the gasket from the engine block. If you need tools for the whole process of removing a gasket, or if your engine is full of residue and the parts are difficult to remove, this is likely to be the right set for you.
Rigid blade gasket and windscreen scraper sets
There are sets available which are used for gasket scraping and windscreen preparation. The scrapers have ultra-stiff, stainless steel blades and soft grip handles. Some sets also have a scraper with an angled blade for easier and more efficient removal of tougher residue. The angled blade allows the scraper to be held more upright while the blade is placed underneath the residue. This gives the user more control of the handle, space and the ability to apply more force to the scraper, removing tough residue more easily.
For windscreen preparation, they scrape and remove any residue that is left over, such as sealant and dirt when an old windscreen is removed. This then makes the frame clean and allows a new windscreen to be glued and put in place.
The handles have caps that are designed to permit careful use with hammers. If you need to use a bit of force to remove particularly stubborn residue from a gasket or a windscreen, then this is the ideal set for you.
The rigid blade gasket scrapers usually have blade widths ranging from 32 to 50 mm (1.2 to 2 inch). The angle of the 32 mm (1.2 inch) scraper is typically 20°.
Reverse and offset scrapers are usually found in sets together, each with 25 mm (1 inch) wide hardened steel blade designed for gasket scraping.
The reverse scraper gives the user more control with a pull back motion. The offset scraper allows the user to scrape at the same time as preventing their knuckles from damage.
Scraper and knife sets with changeable blades
This type of scraper set contains a utility knife and a scraper handle with several interchangeable blades made of high carbon. The scraper is designed to remove stickers from windscreens, but can also be used to remove gasket residue.
The utility knife can be used to cut away any persistent or large pieces of residue. It can even be used for other tasks such as cutting material or opening items.
The blades included are usually 12mm (½”), 16mm (⅝”) and 20mm (¾”) wide. Some sets also have a 16mm (⅝”) blade with a 53 degree angle.
The blade with an angle of 53 degrees could be used when scraping small areas. The tip of the blade can fit into tight spaces where the straight blades could not. The blade can also be used like a knife to cut material and other items.
To change the blades on the scraper, unscrew the nut on the handle and place the blade you desire into the handle. Then, tighten the nut to lock the blade in place.
