What do you use scrapers for?

[T45]

I see lots of carbon (or gasket) scrapers around, and in toolbox pics.

Just curious what ya'll actually do with these?

 

[Cope]

To state the obvious, scrape gaskets.

 

[maxpower_hd]

Hmmmm....is this a trick question? I use mine for scraping gaskets. Go figure. I cannot see you pic but I am assuming it is a typical gasket scraper?

 

[Tonellin]

mainly gaskets on differentials but to be honest I just end up using a flat razor most of the time

 

[bert1913]

Scraper and heat gun to remove decals/stickers

 

[ssdave]

Scrape gaskets off heads, pans, front covers, water pumps, etc. Thought that was what they were made for? Is there another use?

 

[M6erfan]

Just used one yesterday for, you guessed it, scraping gaskets. I was cleaning up a 40 year old motorcycle cylinder head, a good scraper makes life so much easier....

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

To scrape gaskets, but it usually won't get ALL the material off... so I usually just use a single-edge razor on a handle instead.

 

[gungatim]

I have used mine as a screwdriver...and once to stir chili and chop up the ground meat...but mostly to scrape gaskets...

 

[finn]

Gaskets and paint after application of chemical stripper, caked on grease and mung, sheet rock mud dropped on the floor.......

 

[T45]

Thanks for all the replies so far :

Do these things risk damage to modern aluminum surfaces?

 

[M6erfan]

Thanks for all the replies so far :

Do these things risk trashing machined/aluminum surfaces?

yes, if you're careless. Mine are very sharp and I use them on aluminum all the time. Some of the parts I use them on are NLA, so have to be careful. That said, I've never had an issue...

 

[dnschmidt]

I don't use a conventional gasket scraper to remove gaskets I use carbide paint scrapers that you use on the pull stroke, like a Japanese hand saw, for that task. Much more controllable and actually a lot safer. These are the nuts for aluminum. A 3M white bristle disc cookie wheel, bring on the haters, works quite well too. In all cases operator talent plays a part. Pay attention and don't get stupid while removing a gasket from aluminum.

 

[gungatim]

I don't use a conventional gasket scraper to remove gaskets I use carbide paint scrapers that you use on the pull stroke, like a Japanese hand saw, for that task. Much more controllable and actually a lot safer. These are the nuts for aluminum. A 3M white bristle disc cookie wheel, bring on the haters, works quite well too. In all cases operator talent plays a part. Pay attention and don't get stupid while removing a gasket from aluminum.

hmmmm, may have to try that. I've got a few scrapers like that in the woodshop. never thought about using them for gaskets...I've got the long ones with the knob, and a couple shorty craftsman branded ones...

 

[firworks]

Psh you call that a scraper... THIS is a scraper.
View media item 68277
I use it to scrape gaskets... off the EARTH.

 

[Tenex]

I use Bojo plastic scrapers to remove gasket material. No matter how hard I lay into them I won't have to worry about gouging the surface I'm working on. I use metal scrapers for everything else less delicate.

 

[Aspen RT]

Pretty much scraped off all.the undercoating on one of my project cars. Also works for mud on garden tools, and dog **** on shoes....lol

 

[Brad54]

What DON'T I use my scrapers for??
Gaskets, undercoating, really stuck weather stripping, and anything in the house you've ever used a screwdriver to scrape, if you didn't have a gasket scraper.

-Brad

 

[T45]

hmmmm, may have to try that. I've got a few scrapers like that in the woodshop. never thought about using them for gaskets...I've got the long ones with the knob, and a couple shorty craftsman branded ones...

These look interesting,

also considering the bojo kit for plastic when needed.

 

[rlitman]

yes, if you're careless. Mine are very sharp and I use them on aluminum all the time. Some of the parts I use them on are NLA, so have to be careful. That said, I've never had an issue...

I have a few dozen wood chisels if I want something actually sharp. I keep a few scrapers around with burr free, but not all that sharp edges. Sharp enough to easily get under a label, but less likely to damage stuff than something actually sharp.

I use them for all sorts of tasks. From removing rust and glue from my tablesaw top to deburring things, to LIGHT prybar use (when I need something thinner than usual, just to open a gap to get a real bar in there).

 

[T45]

Scrape gaskets off heads, pans, front covers, water pumps, etc. Thought that was what they were made for? Is there another use?

Dave, do you take precautions for softer metals? Any tips or tricks to share. Like favorite brands, designs, etc?

 

[L.Cheapo]

These look interesting,

also considering the bojo kit for plastic when needed.

The bottom scraper looks like the SuperScraper SS-5. Eric O from SMA featured it in one of his videos a year or so ago, and I bought one. Carbide tipped, free lifetime sharpening from the Mfr if you ever need it. Nice tool, around $20.

Bojo had a sale right before Christmas. Some of their larger sets were 50% off. I had been thinking about it for a while, but as their shipping is pricy, I waited. Bought a large set of prybars and scrapers, very happy.

 

[M6erfan]

These look interesting,

also considering the bojo kit for plastic when needed.

I have the smaller Superscraper, IMO its great for certain gasket materials (Silicone based Form-a-Gasket type stuff for example). But for old hardened composite, paper, cork gaskets, I prefer my sharp beveled scraper to get under it and help gently peel it off.

Different tools for different jobs...

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I bought that Craftsman 3 piece set a few years back. Mine get used allot for scraping built up dirt and grease. The steel in the Craftsman scrapers is noticeably softer than My ProTo and SnapOn scrapers. I try to keep them filed to a razor sharp edge.. The Craftsman get used mostly for the general cleanup chores, while the SnapOn is used for stubborn gaskets, and gets a razor sharp touch-up before cleaning any aluminum surfaces.

Keeping them sharp is the key for gasket removal.

 

[mrborohachi]

Exhaust carbon deposits on aluminum heads

 

[Kenskip1]

After honing the edge to razor sharp I use one to scrape the callus off my foot.

 

[PelicanPines]

After honing the edge to razor sharp I use one to scrape the callus off my foot.

+1

 

[davethorik]

I have a Mayhew Dominator scraper, it is a handy tool. I've used it as a wood chisel in a pinch.

 

[Infinia]

After honing the edge to razor sharp I use one to scrape the callus off my foot.

TMI
try an angle grinder?


I bought a Stainless Steel hamburger flipper from a restaurant supplier and sharpened it.
>tip from a boat cleaner<

 

[mrjaw14]

Anyone use the super scraper brand scrapers or similar carbide tipped scrapers?

 

[M6erfan]

Anyone use the super scraper brand scrapers or similar carbide tipped scrapers?

Really? Try looking at post #23 (or reading the whole thread)...

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I have a Mayhew Dominator scraper, it is a handy tool. I've used it as a wood chisel in a pinch.

I had to chuckle when I read that.. I have an old Stanley wood chisel that has spent it's life as an honorary scraper. There are times My scrapers were too long, and that old Stanley was a perfect fit.

 

[crackit]

I have an old Stanley wood chisel that has spent it's life as an honorary scraper. There are times My scrapers were too long, and that old Stanley was a perfect fit.

I keep an old Stanley chisel in my road box for just this purpose. It works fine.

 

[WittHay]

Recently got a Mac strikeable scraper, some stuff just gets baked on and you have to chisel it off.

 

[Wamsutta]

I just used one the other day to remove the license plate sticker.

 

[mrjaw14]

Really? Try looking at post #23 (or reading the whole thread)...

I was really looking for more than one or two opinions before I buy one

 

[Coach James]

After honing the edge to razor sharp I use one to scrape the callus off my foot.

I use a Surform to take them off my heels. Freaked my wife out the first time she saw me do that.

Coach

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I bought a SnapOn pneumatic gasket scraper back in the 1980'S.

That was one nasty gasket eating machine. Bought it, and the next week Snappy sold Me a regulator valve to try keep it under control.. Darn thing lived slightly beyond the warranty period before self destructing.

 

[csargents1546]

I have the larger super scraper that I use for just about anything from head gaskets to diffs. Works best on the pull versus push. I have used it on aluminum and cast iron alike.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[T45]

I was really looking for more than one or two opinions before I buy one

OK, here is a fifth recommendation on Carbide designs

http://toolguyd.com/carbide-super-scraper-review/