THE CHALK TEST IS A SIMPLE MEANS OF DETERMINING IF THE GASKET IS IN CONTINUOUS CONTACT WITH THE KNIFE EDGE WHEN A CLOSURE IS DOGGED. A SUCCESSFUL CHALK TEST DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT A CLOSURE IS WATERTIGHT, BUT IF THE GASKET IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND THE DOGS ARE PROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT DOES PROVIDE A REASONABLE ASSURANCE OF WATERTIGHT INTEGRITY.
TESTING IN SIX EASY STEPS
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CLEAN THE KNIFE EDGE.
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CLEAN THE GASKET.
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RUB CHALK ON THE KNIFE EDGE.
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CLOSE AND DOG THE CLOSURE TIGHTLY. THE GASKET SHOULD BE COMPRESSED 1/8".
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WHILE THE CLOSURE IS DOGGED DOWN, CHECK FOR ANY LOOSE DOGS. IF ANY DOG IS LOOSE, YOU MUST ADJUST IT AND REPEAT THE CHALK TEST.
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OPEN THE CLOSURE AND OBSERVE THE IMPRINT OF CHALK ON THE GASKET. THE CHALK IMPRINT SHOULD BE IN THE CENTER THREE-FIFTHS OF THE EXPOSED GASKET AREA. IF THE CHALK LINE IS NOT CONTINUOUS, THE CLOSURE IS NOT WATERTIGHT AND REQUIRES FURTHER ADJUSTMENT OR REPAIR. IF THE CHALK IMPRINT HAS A GAP NEAR A DOG IT MAY MEAN THE DOG IS LOOSE OR OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. HOWEVER, IT MAY ALSO INDICATE THAT THE OPPOSITE DOG IS TOO TIGHT, CAUSING A "BIND" IN THE CLOSURE.
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