OxyAcetylne Tank Thread Question

[TxDoc]

When hooking up gauges, is it okay to put some Teflon tape on the threads of the tanks?

I know any kind of oil contamination on the threads is dangerous, but did not know about the tape or Permatex liquid thread sealant.

Thanks

 

[Jononon]

Teflon tape is fine, with the slight caveat that you need to make sure there aren't any bits frayed off that could end up in your regulators (not dangerous, it'll just gunk up the dials) I don't know about the thread sealant, but I'd be extremely wary of anything that doesn't expressly mention acetylene.

 

[Uncle Buck]

When hooking up gauges, is it okay to put some Teflon tape on the threads of the tanks?

I know any kind of oil contamination on the threads is dangerous, but did not know about the tape or Permatex liquid thread sealant.

Thanks

I really think the best practice is to never apply anything to the treads.

 

[jimvannoy]

I have never used anything on mine and would not do so.

 

[Namocsid]

When switching to a new regulator on my acetylene tank here at work, I tried it without tape and couldn't get a good seal. Talked with the welding instructor at school, and he said it's OK to tape it. No problems now

 

[goodfellow]

Actually, the manufacturers don't recommend putting tape or sealer on the threads. Regulators make a tight seal through highly polished and machined surfaces and the clamping pressure created by the threads. If the sealer or tape gets lodged in the machined surfaces then it'll most likely leak.

 

[TxDoc]

Okay, I'll forego anything on the threads. Thanks for ALL of the replies and the speed!

 

[Jononon]

I'm going to amend my response, having read the responses from others, then checked leaflet with my set and the guidelines from the instructor. The instructor's notes indicate it's fine, but those that came with the set say "DO NOT use any sealant on pressurized gas fittings". Not really sure whether I trust some old guy who used to weld submarines less than the Chinese, but I suppose the manufacturer's advice should always be followed where O/A is concerned !

 

[Franz©]

ONE MORE TIME
No sealing occurrs on the threads of either oxygen or acetelene cylinder connectors.
If they were taper thread seals the damn valves would wear out in about a year of turnarounds.
The only thing teflon tape does is lubricate the threads when somebody misuses it on a cylinder. Come to think, the only thing teflon tape does on a tapered pipe thread is lubricate it so it can be brought up tight.

 

[Namocsid]

Having re-read this thread and the original question, I'd like to clarify that on the connection of the brass ****** to the regulator I used tape, but on the connection to the tank no tape at all.

 

[TxDoc]

Alright. Thanks for the info. Appreciate the time and the effort with helping.

 

[russlaferrera]

When switching to a new regulator on my acetylene tank here at work, I tried it without tape and couldn't get a good seal. Talked with the welding instructor at school, and he said it's OK to tape it. No problems now

There is something wrong with the regulator or the valve, dirt or a nick. The seal is between the end of the fitting and the inside of the valve, all the nut does is clamps it tightly together.

 

[Uncle Buck]

There is something wrong with the regulator or the valve, dirt or a nick. The seal is between the end of the fitting and the inside of the valve, all the nut does is clamps it tightly together.

A tip of the hat for a great description!

 

[russlaferrera]

Having re-read this thread and the original question, I'd like to clarify that on the connection of the brass ****** to the regulator I used tape, but on the connection to the tank no tape at all.

You are OK

 

[Jaytree]

I have had buying a brand new set of regulators on the back burner for the better part of the year now. Who makes a good set at a decent price for a full size setup?

As for the thread tape, I use it on the guage threads and the regulator ******* as well, but not on the ball connector. Not to say that I haven't tried it before. I get an uneasy feeling when I smell gas right after a cut!

 

[Red Green]

I have had good luck with my Harris torch set the tip is easy to clean because when you take the tip out to clean it any crud that is in it can fall out of the back. The Smith set I have is lighter but the tip has a design that is not as easy to clean. A friend of mine has a Firepower set I think it came from TSC they are a good set if you are not using them alot. By alot I mean my set gets used almost every day some days I spend about 5-8 hours running the torch. Buy a visor or a lens and use it when you use the torch. If you are new to using a torch plan on buying a couple extra tips when you get it and a set of tip cleaners

 

[russlaferrera]

I have a Smiths Equipment, MW series set for over 30 years without any problems. I recently purchased a 2nd Smiths set up with single stage regulators for $250. Smiths is USA made with a lifetime warranty on the torch.

Victor Equipment is also torch set up.

I have picked up a few deals up on Ebay. As always you have to watch your prices as a complete set up is cheaper than the parts. There are some deals out there. IMO name brand is the way to go. BUT make sure they are still in business

 

[Uncle Buck]

I have a Smiths Equipment, MW series set for over 30 years without any problems. I recently purchased a 2nd Smiths set up with single stage regulators for $250. Smiths is USA made with a lifetime warranty on the torch.

Victor Equipment is also torch set up.

I have picked up a few deals up on Ebay. As always you have to watch your prices as a complete set up is cheaper than the parts. There are some deals out there. IMO name brand is the way to go. BUT make sure they are still in business

Oxweld? or Oxwell? Something like that is long gone isn't it?

 

[Bigger Hammer]

Oxweld? or Oxwell? Something like that is long gone isn't it?

I believe that name is associated with ESAB now.

 

[russlaferrera]

Oxweld is the right name I don't know what or who took them over. There are more companies that MAY be in that group: Harris, Purox. I think these companies exist, but are not a well known as Victor, Smiths and Henrob.

Aicco, Prest o Lite, Marquette, Alexander Milburn, Radnor Craftsman, Snap-On, Gross, Easab, As some of these companies are well known I am not sure about their availability of oxy/acetylene torches.