Installing fiberglass stove gasket

[Ashful]

I've noticed that 1/4" gasket material is almost always much more than 1/4" diameter. I've compared a few brands on this, and that seems to be the case for all of them. If I stretch it, I can get it down to 1/4" (and farther), but when I release it always shrinks back to a fatter / shorter state.

So, when installing stove gasket, are we supposed to install it relaxed or stretched? I always install relaxed, figuring that if I stretch it while installing, it's more likely to come off at some point, maybe before I even finish the job.

 

[DAKSY]

Relaxed. If you stretch it, you may not get the seal you need. Just like you've always done it.

 

[Ashful]

Cool. Just as I thought. This 1/4" stuff had me overthinking things, because it's fatter than 1/4", and makes the doors a little tighter than I'd like closing on the fresh gasket. I'm sure it will compress with time.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

+1 on what Bob said.


Matt