[andyh1956]

I just bead blasted & primed a couple of WW2 ammo cans & I need to replace the seals (Gaskets, not baby seals!USN2) Am I stuck with hardware store peel & stick foam or is there anything closer to what was on them? Thanks

 

[stevegun 1]

Andy; have you tried McMaster Carr? I picked one with this link, I didn't want to read anymore. Look around their site once you've used the link. I've always liked what I've gotten from them.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-rubber-weatherstripping-strips/=12o3l8d

 

[wiz1997]

Doing an internet search the same questions have come up over the years with the same replies, no one makes replacement gaskets.

I did find new gaskets for a 20mm can are available, but none of the other sizes.

Perhaps the 20mm can gasket could be cut down to fit whatever can you are working on.

Small blob of RTV at any connection points on the gasket.

 

[pickax]

Instead of replacing gaskets, I suggest food grade silicone or (expensive best) Girling grease. which is made for car brake rubber seals and boots.
Remove and rub 'em down, and replace.

 

[Killashrub]

Flexseal. Ive been meaning to try this on some ammo cans ive got.

 

[andyh1956]

We use McMaster Carr all the time, I will check them. The gaskets are rotten & I scraped all the old material out already. The old gasket material looks almost like small vacuum hose.

 

[Dougboffl]

What about that rubber rope (spline) used for installing bug screens?

Think it comes in different diameters as well.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Phifer-0-210-in-x-100-ft-Black-Spline-3033401/100533442

 

[XXXMarine]

I have used small rubber hose, just slit it with a razor knife and slip over the edge.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

There are O Ring kits that have bulk material in them and then you simply cut to fit.

An example:

https://www.zoro.com/value-brand-st...gclid=CM6I1enGic0CFYaTfgod9Q8MIw&gclsrc=aw.ds

Replacement material is available.

Hobo

 

[covert]

I second the 100% silicone. take some black silicone caulk put in a bead about the same thickness as the gasket. let it dry a few days, and your done.

 

[High Voltage]

Silicone would work good, but you have to very consistent with putting it on with a good bead. Don't know how good I would be. I like the posts that show where you can get some rubber seals to replace the gasket.

It would be so nice to buy those seals from the manufacturer.

 

[MrM1A]

I would swear to have seen a source for these gaskets at one time but for the life of me I can't find it in my saved links or searches.

 

[MrM1A]

Here's some for the 20mm cans....

http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/ammo-cans-storage-containers/brand-new-20mm-ammo-can-gasket.html

*Not exactly what the OP wants but maybe someone here can use them.

 

[CHARLIED308]

What about that rubber rope (spline) used for installing bug screens?

Think it comes in different diameters as well.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Phifer-0-210-in-x-100-ft-Black-Spline-3033401/100533442

This is exactly what I plan on trying, but you beat me to the punch before I posted. I figure a little dab of silicone rubber where the ends meet should give you a 360 degree seal.

 

[GardenValley]

I suggest not purchasing cans that do not have a good gasket. Makes life much easier.

 

[High Voltage]

I suggest not purchasing cans that do not have a good gasket. Makes life much easier.

I understand what you are saying, but why have an ammo can without the gasket? I guess you wouldn't be concerned about the moisture possibility in that situation.

 

[GardenValley]

I understand what you are saying, but why have an ammo can without the gasket? I guess you wouldn't be concerned about the moisture possibility in that situation.

The functional purpose of an ammo can is totally negated if it does not have a good gasket. What I am saying is, if the can does not have a good gasket, do not buy it. Buying a can without a good gasket and then embarking on a quest to find a gasket is not exactly a useful activity. At least as I see it.

 

[pickax]

I see your point Garden Valley, and all my cans have good gaskets. but prices on a good can are way high now, considering we always took them for granted as a cheap item.
Lots of good ideas in this thread.

 

[High Voltage]

I must have totally misread your post GardenValley! Now I really understand what you are saying! DI5

 

[CHARLIED308]

I suggest not purchasing cans that do not have a good gasket. Makes life much easier.

I agree with you 100% when that is an option. A lot of the ammo cans filled with loose 30-06 I purchased from the CMP have bad gaskets. Some of them are in really good shape and it would be useful to have gaskets that sealed well.