PTFE Tape on Skin-Fitting & Seacock Threads??

[DannyB]

PTFE tape is banned on offshore oil installations, so I always use a proper thread sealant.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Arise, oh zombie thread from 2006.......

Aaargh didn't think to check the date!!!!!!! Still it's always a good topic for discussion.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Yes but we're not discussing offshore oil installations, were talking about low pressure water applications on MABs.

PTFE tape is banned on offshore oil installations, so I always use a proper thread sealant.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I used to use PTFE tape on all my fittings. This was mostly the cheep thin stuff that was a bit hit and miss. I was given some chesterman PTFE tape that is much thicker and worked every time but could not get anymore so I have now used locktite and it had worked every time providing the threads are dry and clean.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Loktite and ptfe perform different functions. Loktite is a thread locker which isn't what you want, ptfe is a lubricant/sealant.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Loktite and ptfe perform different functions. Loktite is a thread locker which isn't what you want, ptfe is a lubricant/sealant.

Yes but some types are formulated as a pipe thread sealer.

http://www.na.henkel-adhesives.com/adhesives/product-search-1554.htm?nodeid=8797713629185

Some claim the ptfe is only a lubricant. The main purpose of PTFE tape is to seal the threads and the use of PTFE is for its inert properties not its low friction which once you screw the pipe fitting together is not very effective due the the action of screwing the threads together which breaks the tape into little strips that fill the gaps in the threads and sealing the thread.

 

[Malish]

I stopped using PTFE tape a long time ago; I much prefer liquid PTFE thread compound..

 

[Mrnotming]

Well I may as well keep the hemp or flax on board with the plumbers mate.
I was able to get a squeeze bottle of red liquid in my Plumb shop,but they seem to have stopped stocking this item.
I found it good, but perhaps the trade rebelled and went back to hairpieces!

 

[Mrnotming]

Many types of sealant on offer!
http://www.menards.com/main/home-decor/office-supplies/adhesives-tape/thread-tape-sealant/c-8534.htm

 

[nigelmercier]

I stopped using PTFE tape a long time ago; I much prefer liquid PTFE thread compound..

So for something you really don't want to come undone, a thread sealer with locking properties is the best solution, rather than a sealer with lubricating properties.

 

[ghostlymoron]

So for something you really don't want to come undone, a thread sealer with locking properties is the best solution, rather than a sealer with lubricating properties.

No doubt, but the situation under discussion is not that. There's no way that a 1" seacock with a hose attached is going to shake itself loose.

 

[KellysEye]

>Use Sikkaflex, it seals a treat and it does allow disassembly. Due to the hermetic nature of the sealing there is no ingress of sea water into the threads and hence no corrosion.

Agree. What I was told to do by a shipright is leave a quarter of a turn when tightening, wait for it to dry and then tighten it .