What is correct way to use thread sealant?

[boomer1025]

I sometimes just use Permatex #2 gasket sealer. Never had a problem with it.

:thumbsup:

 

[SpringHollow]

I have used Teflon Tape for 40 years with no problems but then I am careful in how I use it, keeping it off the first 2 threads and removing any traces when disassembled. I also use the paste. Loctite 545 is my preferred method on new builds.

Ken

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks to everyone. The thread sealant I have will work for my use and I understand the torque feeling. One question I still have is tightening a plain brass pipe thread adapter into a plain brass pipe threaded hole. I'm thinking good and snug and then a little bit more. How does that sound?

 

[sixdogs]

I have used Teflon Tape for 40 years with no problems but then I am careful in how I use it, keeping it off the first 2 threads and removing any traces when disassembled. I also use the paste. Loctite 545 is my preferred method on new builds.

Ken

Agreed. I've only used tape for a long time and decided to switch to sealant.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Will a Teflon based sealant work for hydraulic fittings yes. BUT..... a hydraulic system does not like Teflon. When we would build up hydraulic systems it would almost always find its way to the control spool on a load sense pump. You really should use a sealant made for a hydraulic fittings. It is specs two threads past end, but it is really hard to do on small fittings.

Biggest issue we had on assembly was leaks. You can't put a torque wrench on everything. One mans tight is another mans loose. It is a learned feel..... and it quite frankly is a dying art.

For what you are doing on a one up you will be fine and on tapered pipe how you are tightening sounds ok. Good Luck.

 

[Deere Dude]

Get a bottle of loctite 545 and be done.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^What he say!

Great for hydraulics.

242 for almost anything else.

 

[sixdogs]

Will a Teflon based sealant work for hydraulic fittings yes. BUT..... a hydraulic system does not like Teflon. When we would build up hydraulic systems it would almost always find its way to the control spool on a load sense pump. You really should use a sealant made for a hydraulic fittings. It is specs two threads past end, but it is really hard to do on small fittings.

Biggest issue we had on assembly was leaks. You can't put a torque wrench on everything. One mans tight is another mans loose. It is a learned feel..... and it quite frankly is a dying art.

For what you are doing on a one up you will be fine and on tapered pipe how you are tightening sounds ok. Good Luck.

The thread sealant I'm using is here


and it says it's for, among other things, hydraulic systems. I called the parts counter and he said that's what they use for hydraulics. So, I'd say it's fine. I've done a lot of hoses over the years, just never anything beyond that and am trying not to screw it up.

 

[sixdogs]

As a follow up here to the excellent advice offered, here are some things I learned. I'm the OP.

When you tighten fittings, the join in compression ones (JIC) need to be tightened to about the same tightness as a spark plug. That's what I did and no leaks. Pipe thread brass to pipe thread brass is maybe half again tighter but err a little less and tighten if they weep. One of my brass thread to thread fittings had a small leak but I snugged it up and no follow up leaks. All is good and happiness is a leak free hydraulic connection. Thanks for the great advice.

 

[mcfarmall]

the join in compression ones (JIC)

With regard to hydraulics, JIC stands for Joint Industry Council. As in "37° JIC flare fitting" Another good reference source is the "Fluid Power Designers Lightning Reference Handbook"

JIC fitting - Wikipedia

Straight Thread O-ring Boss (STORB) fittings are the best as they can be oriented and locked down as needed by the application and require only some suitable lube on the o-ring. Pipe threads are highly prone to leakage and system contamination due to improper use of teflon tape or other sealants. Loctite PST pipe dope is excellent as well as the Loctite Hydraulic Sealant. When used properly neither product will contaminate a hydraulic system.

 

[CADplans]

The threads just hold the connection tight.
Thread lubricant (it is never a sealant when the threads are made up properly) is used to lubricate the joint so the proper torque can be applied without stripping or galling the threads.

AND,,, Teflon is a lubricant,, so, the threads can be tightened,, easier,,

BUT,,

that also means the threads can loosen easier,,, also.

Many connections do better with no lube,, the threads can stay tight better,,, possibly fewer leaks.