Forum

[ed.lazda]

Just read the stripped gearbox plug thread and seen PTFE tape mentioned.

I've been wondering if it has any effect on nuts/bolts working themselves loose? If it does, it might be more satisfactory than loctite. Any thoughts / comments?

[Anders F. R.]

I rather think that this PTFE tape can have the opposite effect, i.e. preventing threaded bolts and plugs from seizing or getting impossible to remove. After all, PTFE is roughly the same stuff as Teflon, which is commonly used as non stick coating in frying pans, kettles (and human brains.....). Hence, I don't think it will do anything to increase the friction and keep a nut or a bolt in place. I would stick to blue Loctite, no. 243 if I am not mistaken. Regards, Anders F. R.

[MadMike]

PTFE tape (Polytetrafluoroethylene IIRC) is a low friction material. Its use in plumbing is to seal threads against liquid or gas leaks. Because of its extremely low coefficient of friction, and its very low film weight, thickness, it can be used to fill threads and will still allow a female threaded part to be screwed onto a male thread until tight. So it's good for sealing leaks. If you want a material which will prevent threads loosening due to vibration, or bearings rotating in your engine casings, then the appropriate grade of Loctite will do the job. HTH.

[Alan R]

Hi guys----------- this might help choose }------ http://www.loctite.be/fullproduct-list-loctite-4995.htm ---------------------- Don't forget to clik "Translate"

[simon]

It's a pet hate of mine, its a perfectly good product but its designed for plumbing joints which you generally never intend to undo. With cars there are quite often oversize kits sold. You simply tap the stripped hole out with a tap with grease in its flutes to catch the swarf and put in the larger plug. If the the hole thread is only partially stripped and you have the appropriate button die it is reasonably easy to make a slightly oversized plug and you won't have to re wrap in ptfe every time you change lubricant.
S.

[ed.lazda]

Alan, it's available on the UK website too: http://www.loctite.co.uk/fullproduct-li ... Dfull%257C

I've never used PTFE tape for this purpose. I was just idly wondering if maybe it had a cushioning effect on the threaded joint and would resist the effects of vibration. I guess the answer is probably not.

[ed.lazda]

Bggr. That link probably won't work, but you get the general idea.

[Alan R]

Hi guys--------- hello Ed, thanks for the try there... Particularly annoying for me as I've accessed their UK products site before and now can't find it....Je blâme la CEE !!!