Dipstick Rubbing Guide

How to take a rubbing of an existing dipstick for replacement

If you don't know the dimensions of your tank but have an old — even broken — dipstick, we can use a rubbing of that to manufacture a replacement. We can even convert a gallons dipstick into litres or correct a dipstick that is giving false measurements.

1

Preparation

Wearing gloves, assemble the dipsticks you want rubbings of in a safe area and examine them for damage. If damage is evident, take care when handling. Dry the dipsticks with the cloth and lay them side by side so they can be examined to see if any are identical (all lines need to line up, not just equal volumes). If there are identical dipsticks, only one rubbing need be taken with a note saying you require multiple dipsticks from this one rubbing.

2

Method

The rubbing is done in the manner of taking a brass rubbing of a coin or plaque. Tape the paper strip at the base of the dipstick, pull the strip along the length of the dipstick and with a light pull, stretch the paper and tape it to the top of the dipstick. Using the pencil, rub over the paper where the lines and numbers are.

!

Important Note

If you can't make out the details then we won't be able to! If the details that we require are not clearly visible on the rubbing, use the pencil to mark the line or write out the number on the paper.

4

Additional Information

On the upper, blank part of the rubbing write down the overall length of the dipstick you require and, if you want it shown on the dipstick, the tank reference and type of fuel it contains.

5

Send It to Us

Once you've taken the rubbing, fold it up so that it fits in a standard envelope and post it, together with your name and contact details, to our workshop. The address can be found on the contact page.

Download Printable Guide (PDF)

What You Will Need

  • Lint-free cloth
  • Gloves
  • Strip of paper the length of the dipstick (till roll is ideal)
  • Tape
  • Pencil

What Must Be Visible

  • The base of the dipstick
  • All the lines
  • The first and last few sets of numbers
  • The full volume number

Send Your Rubbing To

Dipsticks Engineering
The Lodge, Wood Lane
Hinstock, Shropshire
TF9 2TA