Gasket – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
A gasket is a thin, ring-shaped seal—usually made from silicone, rubber, or PTFE—that sits between threaded metal parts in tanks, drippers, and Genesis atomizers. Its main purpose is to create an air- and liquid-tight barrier so e-liquid stays inside the Tank“>glass tank and doesn’t leak out onto the 510 connection or battery. By cushioning threads and preventing metal-on-metal contact, gaskets also reduce the chance of gurgling sounds caused by loose seals.
Technical Details
Gaskets operate by compression: when a top cap or chimney is tightened, the gasket deforms slightly to fill microscopic gaps. Typical thickness ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm; Diameter“>inner diameter (ID) can be 4 mm for mouth-to-lung clearomisers up to 28 mm for large sub-ohm tanks. Shore A durometer (softness) usually sits between 40–70 for silicone variants, giving flexibility without tearing. Common variations include:
- Standard O-rings (round cross-section)
- Square-cut gaskets for RTA juiceflow control
- PTFE gaskets with gold plated contact faces for conductivity
- Coloured silicone gaskets that match resin drip tips
Usage & Tips
Inspect gaskets every time you re-wick or change coils; cracks or gunk buildup compromise sealing. Lightly coat new gaskets with a drop of e-liquid to reduce friction during installation—never use petroleum jelly. If you notice persistent leakage, swap the gasket for one 0.5 mm thicker; too thick and threads strip. Store spare gaskets in a zip-lock away from sunlight to prevent hardening. Always confirm the gasket sits flush before firing to avoid vacuum lock that starves wicks and causes dry hits.
Brief History
Early cig-a-likes relied on glued joints that cracked under heat. When rebuildable tanks emerged in 2012, vapers repurposed plumbing O-rings; manufacturers soon standardized silicone and Viton gaskets, leading to the colour-coded kits we see today across the Australian vape market.