Gasket Insertion Tools & Clamps

Precision-engineered tools for positioning ring gaskets into pipe flange recesses. Designed for API 6A, API 6B RTJ and NORSOK L-005 compact flange standards. Available for SBX, BX, R, HX and IX gasket types from 2-1/16" to 18-3/4" nominal bore, every tool is precision-machined from SAE 316 marine-grade stainless steel.

3D render of gasket insertion tool front view on pipe flange
3D render of gasket tool positioned between mated flanges
3D render of gasket insertion tool full flange assembly

Gasket Types & Flange Standards

We design and engineer gasket insertion tools for the three main flange gasket standards used in the oil & gas and subsea pipeline industries:

API 6A / 6BX Ring Gaskets

SBX and BX-type ring gaskets are high-pressure metallic seals used in API 6A and API 6BX flanged connections. Rated for pressures up to 20,000 psi, they are the standard for wellhead, Christmas tree and high-pressure pipeline applications.

Our tools: SBX-152, SBX-156, SBX-158, SBX-164, SBX-169

API 6B RTJ Gaskets

R-type oval and octagonal ring joint gaskets are used in API 6B ring-type joint (RTJ) flanges. These metallic gaskets provide reliable sealing for moderate-pressure pipeline connections up to 5,000 psi.

Our tools: R54

NORSOK L-005 Compact Flanges

IX and HX seal rings are used in compact flanges to NORSOK L-005 and ISO 27509 standards. Widely used in subsea and topside piping systems, compact flanges offer weight and space savings over conventional designs.

Our tools: IX-200, IX-300, HX-435

SBX / BX Series

Gasket insertion tools for SBX/BX ring gaskets to API 6A and API 6BX standards. Covering nominal bore sizes from 2-1/16" to 18-3/4", rated for pressures up to 20,000 psi.

SBX-152 gasket insertion tool for 2-1/16 inch API 6A flanges

SBX-152 (2-1/16")

Nominal Bore2-1/16"
Gasket TypeSBX / BX
MaterialSAE 316 Stainless Steel
Dimensions239 x 113 x 1.5mm, 140g
Data Sheet Enquire
SBX-156 gasket insertion tool for 7-1/16 inch API 6A flanges

SBX-156 (7-1/16")

Nominal Bore7-1/16"
Gasket TypeSBX / BX
MaterialSAE 316 Stainless Steel
Dimensions441 x 261 x 3mm, 40g
Data Sheet Enquire
SBX-158 gasket insertion tool for 11 inch API 6A flanges

SBX-158 (11")

Nominal Bore11"
Gasket TypeSBX / BX
MaterialSAE 316 Stainless Steel
Dimensions559 x 384 x 4mm, 817g
Data Sheet Enquire
SBX-164 gasket insertion tool for 18-3/4 inch API 6A flanges

SBX-164 (18-3/4")

Nominal Bore18-3/4"
Gasket TypeSBX / BX
MaterialSAE 316 Stainless Steel
Dimensions809 x 612 x 2mm, 50g
Data Sheet Enquire
SBX-169 gasket insertion tool for 5-1/8 inch API 6A flanges

SBX-169 (5-1/8")

Nominal Bore5-1/8"
Gasket TypeSBX / BX
MaterialSAE 316 Stainless Steel
Dimensions371 x 197 x 2mm, 30g
Data Sheet Enquire

R, HX & IX Series

Gasket insertion tools for R-type oval/octagonal ring joint (RTJ) gaskets to API 6B, HX enhanced IX seal rings for subsea compact flanges, and IX seal rings for NORSOK L-005 / ISO 27509 compact flange connections.

R54 gasket insertion tool for 11 inch API 6B RTJ flanges

R54 (11")

Nominal Bore11"
Gasket TypeR (Oval / Octagonal)
MaterialSAE 316 Stainless Steel
Dimensions467 x 366 x 3mm, 790g
Data Sheet Enquire
HX-435 gasket insertion tool for subsea compact flange HX seal rings

HX-435

Gasket TypeHX (Enhanced IX Seal Ring)
MaterialSAE 316 Stainless Steel
Enquire
IX-200 gasket insertion clamp for 8 inch DN 200 NORSOK compact flanges

IX-200 Clamp (8" / DN 200)

Nominal Bore8" (DN 200)
Gasket TypeIX (NORSOK Compact Flange)
MaterialSAE 316 Stainless Steel
Enquire
IX-300 gasket insertion clamp for 12 inch DN 300 NORSOK compact flanges

IX-300 Clamp (12" / DN 300)

Nominal Bore12" (DN 300)
Gasket TypeIX (NORSOK Compact Flange)
MaterialSAE 316 Stainless Steel
Enquire

Frequently Asked Questions

What material are the tools made from?

All our gasket insertion tools are precision-machined from SAE 316 marine-grade stainless steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance for subsea and offshore environments.

Can these tools be used underwater?

Yes. Our gasket insertion tools are designed for subsea use and can be operated by divers in zero-visibility conditions.

What gasket sizes do your tools cover?

Our standard range covers SBX/BX gaskets from ring 152 (2-1/16" bore) to ring 164 (18-3/4" bore), R-type gaskets including the R54 (11"), IX compact flange seals from DN 200 (8") to DN 300 (12"), and HX seal rings. Contact us for other sizes.

Are the tools reusable?

Yes. All Saltwater Technologies gasket insertion tools are built for repeated use across multiple installations, providing excellent long-term value and reducing project costs.

What is the difference between SBX/BX and R-type gaskets?

SBX/BX gaskets are high-pressure ring gaskets used in API 6A and API 6BX flanged connections, rated for pressures up to 20,000 psi. R-type gaskets are oval or octagonal ring joint (RTJ) gaskets used in API 6B flanges, rated up to 5,000 psi. Each gasket type requires a specific insertion tool matched to its size and profile.

What are NORSOK compact flange seal rings?

IX and HX seal rings are metallic gaskets used in compact flanges designed to NORSOK L-005 and ISO 27509 standards. Compact flanges are widely used in subsea and topside piping because they are lighter and more compact than conventional API flanges. Our IX-200 and IX-300 clamps are designed specifically for these seal rings.

What flange standards are your tools compatible with?

Our tools cover the three main flange gasket standards in the oil & gas industry: API 6A / API 6BX (SBX/BX series tools), API 6B ring-type joint flanges (R series tools), and NORSOK L-005 / ISO 27509 compact flanges (IX and HX series tools).

Need a Custom Solution?

We can design and engineer gasket insertion tools for non-standard flange sizes and configurations. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Contact Our Engineers