PAM case crystal gasket installation.

[Drulee]

Is there a proper way to install the gasket? In other words, should you make sure that one particular side is "up"? I thought I'd read somewhere that the gasket is shaped with one part protruding a bit more, but I can't see this using my loupe.

[Guest avitt]

There is typically a thinner side, and it's always mounted "up" (away from the case, towards the crystal).

Before I re-install crystal gaskets, I'll actually mic several points on both edges - I don't trust my eyes to see the fine difference.

There's usually no penalty for installing one upside-down, but it will increase your odds of catching an edge, and crushing the gasket.

[Drulee]

There is typically a thinner side, and it's always mounted "up" (away from the case, towards the crystal).

Before I re-install crystal gaskets, I'll actually mic several points on both edges - I don't trust my eyes to see the fine difference.

There's usually no penalty for installing one upside-down, but it will increase your odds of catching an edge, and crushing the gasket.

If only my notifications had been working, I may have avoided destroying a gasket Thanks for the info .... now who has an extra crystal gasket

[HauteHippie]

You're sure you crushed it? Bummer. But it happens.

[Drulee]

You're sure you crushed it? Bummer. But it happens.

Hmm, now my notifications are working.

Yup, a section of it (about an inch in length) is now noticeably thinner than the rest

Is it best to remove the bezel as well when installing the crystal?

[Guest avitt]

While removing the bezel isn't necessary, it will give you a better view of what you're doing, and allow you to do a better job of aligning the crystal for the press.

(This assumes that you're not working with one of the Marina Militare style cases from Jackson or Getat. With these, the crystal is actually inserted into the bezel, and not the case.)