Hi, Plumbha - We're sorry you had difficulty with our CSST product. Please be advised there is no "paper friction gasket" with the associated brass fittings. It is actually a hard fiber gasket that is designed to accept the stainless steel tubing causing a gas-tight seal. It is important that the ss tubing has as clean a cut as possible. An overwhelming percentage of homeowners and contractors alike install our products with no difficulties.