loctite 55 as thread sealant

[DXCross]

Definitely +1 for loctite. The newer shaped containers with finger imprints are a god send.

 

[gmartine]

 

[apcdave]

it's great ..... you won't regret trying this stuff... seriously the best

 

[Last Plumber]

I use it all the time and have stopped buying PTFE tape as much because this does a better job.

 

[Deleted member 96286]

I use Flomasta Pipe Thread Sealant from Screwfix on outside taps to wallplate elbow connections. It's the next best thing to welding it on, it's that strong. Using this on the threads eliminates the need to line up the wall plate elbow with the tap using a wrench as it can be turned to whatever angle you want and left for an hour to set. It won't move again and is fully watertight. When replacing outside taps, I usually replace the wall plate elbow as well so the fact that the tap can't be removed isn't a problem. To use it, I coat the threads of the tap with a zig zag line all the way round with the Flomasta and apply a ring inside the wall plate elbow. Screw both of them together to whatever angle you require, wipe off the excess and sit both on a kitchen towel for an hour. It won't come apart again.

 

[greekengineer]

After having used loctite 55 , I must report that this product gives the impression of a perfect sealing.
The tip is that you must cross - crossing the tape on the thread.
I ended up on the loctite 55 after having failures with the use of ptfe. Especially when I used ptfe on short adds on (photo below) or parts with short thread.
I noticed that loctite 55 offers a better solution .

 

[64degrees]

Ain’t used PTFE for years - normally scratch up the thread a bit to give it a bit of adhesion, another vote for loctite 55!

 

[Pickwickpick]

Ain’t used PTFE for years - normally scratch up the thread a bit to give it a bit of adhesion, another vote for loctite 55!

What do you mean by scratch up? As in like keying in with some wire wool/wet&dry/emery or something else? Have never used loctite 55 but think will give it a try after all the recommendations in this thread.

 

[gmartine]

What do you mean by scratch up? As in like keying in with some wire wool/wet&dry/emery or something else? Have never used loctite 55 but think will give it a try after all the recommendations in this thread.

See the vid in my earlier post, loctite recommend keying quality metal threads when using 55

 

[Ben-gee]

First got loctite 55 for dual fuel t-piece / element, which have a nasty habit of ending up in the wrong orientation otherwise. Now I use it for all rad tails, outside tap, shower outlet... etc It’s much better than ptfe!

 

[ShaunCorbs]

What do you mean by scratch up? As in like keying in with some wire wool/wet&dry/emery or something else? Have never used loctite 55 but think will give it a try after all the recommendations in this thread.

Cross cut a hatch pattern with a pair of grips or hacksaw blade

 

[WC1]

Got some 55 today, tiny little roll, I'll have to make sure I don't get it mixed up with my toothy floss!!
Also after spending decades generally preventing damage to threads, deliberately scratching up the thread is gonna take some getting used to. But overall looks good, thanks guys!!

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

Use miles and miles of the stuff, brilliant on threads up to 2"1/2 but got to be carefully any bigger then that as it can run up the thread even when you have scored them.

 

[WC1]

Aaah.. is that what the thread scoring is all about? - stopping it running up?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yes

 

[WC1]

Great, thanks for clarifying.

 

[greekengineer]

scoring in combination with cross -crossing the loctite on the thread is the key issue!

 

[WC1]

Copy that! Thanks 🙂

 

[64degrees]

If the thread is super smooth (well machined) I take an old screwdriver and drag it vertically down the thread to create a key for the loctite to grab to. In addition I apply from the start of the thread (ie the first thread to enter the fitting) towards the top, then back down to the start. This way the loctite is pretty sure to be dragged into the thread rather than pushed out when tightened. Love the stuff…don’t get me started on CT1

 

[Ric2013]

Loctite 55 is very good on rad tails, but I often do it with hemp and paste.

PTFE I keep for threads I don't want to seize up, and for wrapping 3/4" olives to allow connection to 1/2" alkathene. Wouldn't use PTFE to attempt to seal a thread out of choice.