Paper gasket residue

[yaofeng]

What is the best way to clean the residue left from removing a paper gasket other than a razor blade?

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/yaofengchen/BMW_95_540/DSC_2742.jpg

[onewhippedpuppy]

Do you have one of those little air powered rotary cut-off/buffing tools? If so, they make a really nice little wheel with a mild plastic/rubber type of material. It's great for removing gasket material without removing metal, even on soft stuff like aluminum. Has what looks like little finger thingys on it, and it slowly wears down as you use it. Otherwise it's quality time with a scraper or emery cloth.

[Kalevera]

For aluminum: a NEW razor blade -- if it gets nicks in it, replace it so it doesn't gouge the metal. Then a scotchbrite pad.

For steel/iron: gasket scraper, razor blade, scotchbrite.

If you have air, get a plastic brush attachment for a cutoff wheel or die grinder -- but it can be difficult to clean up the residue from those.

best, whit