I have to remove quite a bit of hardened silicone type sump gasket goo stuff, some is on alloy so I need to be careful and my thumb nail is starting to protest - any magic that helps remove it, except plain old elbow grease?

Id just use a sharp new stanley blade, and shave it off in steps

Petrol.

for silicone sealoant there is remover type stuff that softens it so it can be scraped off with a brush e.g, old toothbrush. not sure if it will work on gasket stuff.

I use a bluntish dining knife as there is little change of gouging the alloy - after wards a quick rub down with some fine wet 'n dry.

I use one those wallpaper scrapers that takes a 4" blade. Be careful though as they will take chunks out of ali.

Like this:

those who are forced to do dishes for their tea or face starvation will know that a sneaky stolen one of these is the weapon for this task, just add petrol

All good suggestions - my thumb nail says thank you.

i find scrunched up aluminium foil excellent for this kind of thing, a little less scratchy than wire wool and stanley blades.

edit: (with a splash of petrol)

atb

will

[Edited on 1/12/08 by dinosaurjuice]

lolly sticks are also good - or tongue depressors, if you know somebody in the medical business.