How to Measure a Gasket

Tightening bolts up may seem trivial but certain patterns and a number of passes are necessary to help ensure the life expectancy of a gasket. Bolts should be damage free and well lubricated. Once the gasket is in place between the two surfaces to be sealed, insert the bolts and ‘finger-tight’ secure them. Next, tighten the bolts in the patterns shown below (ascending order). Keep in mind that it is best to completely secure the bolts over three to four passes, in those patterns. In the last pass, the bolts must only be tightened clockwise.