I may never use teflon tape again

[smackey05]

I've used to mostly dope on vehicles. The tape works but the dope is much easier and looks better on the cars.

 

[mike93lx]

I've used to mostly dope on vehicles. The tape works but the dope is much easier and looks better on the cars.

What stuff are you using dope for on cars?

 

[Mr onetwo]

I saw it on a YouTube video of a boiler install in the UK. Using a bit of heat to release should be no problem...any joints I use this on I do not intend to ever take apart. US distributor are these guys https://starlightmaintenance.com/products/rapidseal-foliac-rapid-curing-pipe-sealant-30026

 

[Mr onetwo]

I wonder how a female taper pipe thread seals at all. After all, most of them are tapped. A taper pipe tap will always leave an incomplete thread since it is always engaged in cutting at the point that it stops and reverses. It’s impossible for the thread to be accurate when produced in this fashion.

This is why I thread mill internal pipe threads.

You are over thinking it dude.There are literally billions of these type threaded connections out there leak free and reliable.However the tolerances of imported fittings and the propensity of mallable iron fittings to stretch when over tightened is a problem.Back in the day we always used cast iron fittings for everything but oil and gas service.CI does not stretch and is much more stable for steam and hot water heating service.Alas those fittings have pretty much disappeared.I have found Canadian steel pipe to be pretty good. The **** at Home Depot is almost un-threadable with a Rigid hand die even with brand new teeth and lots of oil. Hard spots all thru it ...tears the threads out.I always clean all the threads with Brakleen ,2 wraps of Blue monster tape and a bit of Blue Monster dope.I have found it to be helpful to put a bit of dope on the female threads of 1 1/2" and 2" fittings...but not too much.

 

[gregs]

Just to add my favorite. I started using this a couple of years ago for a variety of connections (water, oil, etc.) and have been happy with it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EVF88A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[smackey05]

What stuff are you using dope for on cars?

Coolant lines on a classic car. Fuel system is running AN fittings everywhere.

 

[1612cutter]

If you really need to seal a connection and nothing else will work, Loctite 55 is the best option. It’s a cord sealant, and can seal straight threads without the need for a rubber washer. You see straight threaded fittings like this on some European showers, and it allows you to adjust the depth of the shower to suit your needs, but it’s a pain in the *** to seal properly and you wouldn’t have a chance with any combination of teflon tape and dope.

 

[Zeke]

There may be rare uses for Teflon tape, but never combined with pipe dope, which won't stick to Teflon tape.

Not sticking is not the point. And likely no engineer or scientist said this was optimum. But you can't refute 1000's of success stories of using both. I think only dope is fine but people are not patient and don't let it set long enough. So the tape captures enough to hold while the curing process takes place.

Obviously, no curing period for tape alone. But it can do only what it can do and that is not to correct poor fitting parts. Over taping is not a solution.