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Gaskets are a type of mechanical seal. A gasket is just one type of many mechanical seals. Other types of mechanical seals include bungs, o-rings, wiper seals and plugs. Gaskets are used to seal spaces between two objects to stop leakage when they are compressed. They are placed in the space where two surfaces meet, because in most cases, when two surfaces are brought together, they cannot form a tight seal on their own. Gaskets can be air-tight and water-tight. They protect the innards of a working object from moisture and dust or dirt.

Gaskets come in all shapes and sizes because they must match the shape of the surfaces that they join. Gaskets are designed so that as much pressure as possible can be safely applied without any kind of leakage. The phrase "blowing a gasket" comes from situations when gaskets have failed in their purpose and allowed pressured fluids to release through a breakage of the seal.

There are gaskets used in all kinds of products and objects. Most watches have gaskets to keep foreign objects away from their operating mechanisms. Engines have gaskets for the same reasons. Engine gaskets ensure that all parts are properly sealed and that levels of fluid are maintained while also ensuring that air, water and dirt do not enter areas that would disrupt the engine's performance. If a gasket were to blow in a car engine, there could be fluid leakages, which could then damage the engine and seriously compromise its ability to work.

Gaskets can be made from a variety of materials including metal, rubber, felt, fiberglass and silicone. It is important that gaskets be made of compressible material so they can fit into any space even if it is slightly irregular.