Installing pressure switch on air compressor: dry threads, teflon tape, anti-seize, Loctite?

[KFBR392]

What's the general consensus on installing these? The pressure switch on my hundred dollar Kobalt hot dog compressor died. Unscrewed it from the tank, and there was nothing on the threads. It seems wise to add something to the threads on the replacement to prevent leaks and/or rust, but I am finding conflicting information. Any help appreciated. I would like to avoid turning my shop compressor into a pipe bomb with pressure switch shrapnel.

 

[PoorUB]

Definitely not dry, pipe dope or teflon tape.

 

[The Cobbler]

avoid turning my shop compressor into a pipe bomb with pressure switch shrapnel.

not to worry, that won't happen with or without pipe sealer .
I have been using teflon pipe dope lately over tape and having good success
I've even been using crazy glue on hose threads with good results

 

[BillK]

I have been using Permatex white teflon thread sealer for years. Theoretically pipe threads should seal up with nothing on them like yours did from the factory

 

[niget2002]

I use Teflon tape. I use yellow if I have it or white if I don't. My understanding is that yellow is supposed to work better for gases.

But my air compressor plumbing has a leak, so maybe I'm not a good example.

 

[goldtang]

I use either teflon tape or paste depending what I have on hand

 

[mm08822]

Pressure is pressure. The components need to be rated at a higher max pressure than the working pressure.

A leak at the threads does not imply an explosion is eminent. Only that the system is not sealed/tight.

I've used pipe dope mostly, occasionally white Teflon tape.

 

[CraigStu]

Since it is just air and maybe a bit of moisture I think dope or tape will be fine. No need for anything specifically rated for a certain chemical. I realize pipe threads should seal on their own but my take is that either tape or dope reduces friction so you can get the threads tighter.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Definitely not dry, pipe dope or teflon tape.

Both !

 

[timgunn1962]

I'd use an anaerobic pipe sealant. Pressure switches usually need to be "clocked" and the anaerobic sealant makes it easy.

 

[nadogail]

I have been using Permatex white teflon thread sealer for years. Theoretically pipe threads should seal up with nothing on them like yours did from the factory

Theory, and what works, in actual practice; is often different.

 

[Codyboy]

I have been using Permatex white teflon thread sealer for years. Theoretically pipe threads should seal up with nothing on them like yours did from the factory

Ive read up on that before. Technically true .
But the tolerances are so wide you'll probably never achieve a tight seal.
I'm sure it could be done with perfectly machined male and female pipe threading.
But no manufacturer has time for that when mass producing parts.

OP. I don't think that gauge is rocket science.
It's just pipe thread on a compressor in the shop and not a critical component on the space shuttle.
Heck even if it was, NASA probably just used some tape and dope. Lol

 

[tulowd]

I've found dope to be superior to teflon (both orange and white) tape in terms of installation time and offers better lubricity and smaller interference for the threads, which is the reason they don't tighten properly most of the time. The rough iron finish on all the thread faces is a challenge for sure. Dope/tape also means it can come apart reasonably easy for service or modification later. Fun Fact: My 2 stroke snowmobile engine uses bolts that clamp the cylinder head cover to the cylinders, threading into open water jackets; Polaris recommends a Loctite aenerobic thread sealer for this, (which never hardens); it is pressurized, exposed to coolant and heat cycled continuously. Also, the dope is easier /faster to brush on than rolling the tape; PSA - thread sealer/tape should not extend beyond the first or second thread so it doesn't end up inside the pipe and eventually your tools or regulator/dryer etc.