PTFE or LSX rad tails

[Old Account]

Never used lsx ... don't even know if I ever will. Is that stuff good and useful at all? I think some stuff is not necessary to buy because the older ways always worked and will in the future.

 

[Best]

Isn't lsx just silicone sealant?

Ptfe for me, if it's not sealing with ptfe then the problems with the fittings. Avoid ptfe and oil based joint compound, the compound can attack the tape.

I always used boss white paste for years on ptfe tape and definitely no affect on the tape, as have obviously been removing some of the fittings and boilers, often usually decades later.
I also use ptfe tape on oil line fittings, which is everlasting on them, although it does look transparent if coated in kerosine.
Teflon is supposed to be non reactive - so it should be immune to corrosive chemicals.
I used ptfe from early days, despite some plumbers scepticism because I know a DuPont guy who highly rated it back then, as they developed it.

 

[Best]

Somebody else has said about the tail with a seal but I have only seen the extensions with a seal. Got a link?

Am getting them on a lot of rad valves nowadays. Fitted a couple of chrome valves today that have them.
Some of the Mistral valves packs have the rubber seal tails

 

[rpm]

Isn't lsx just silicone sealant?
.

Yes it is however not all silicone sealants are the same, every manufacture makes a range of sealants.
Over the years I`ve had joints domestic & commercial at low and high pressure that just wont totally seal with tape or cord on their own and need a smear of something. Most of my work is with old fittings not new though.

 

[thereisawizza]

Or loctite 577 for 100% leak free

I had my first leak with 577 this week. On my house too!!!!!

 

[rpm]

I had my first leak with 577 this week. On my house too!!!!!

Opps! What did her indoors say?

 

[thereisawizza]

Opps! What did her indoors say?

I'm single (very very long story, hence not many posts on here this year!)

I've fixed it for now, got my lunch box under it; it's actually a plastic thread on a BWT twin stage 22mm filter kit. I thought about using my normal PTFE but then thought "this is what this stuffs supposed to be for" etc....

Stick to Standard Procedures......

 

[rpm]

I'm single (very very long story, hence not many posts on here this year!)

I've fixed it for now, got my lunch box under it; it's actually a plastic thread on a BWT twin stage 22mm filter kit. I thought about using my normal PTFE but then thought "this is what this stuffs supposed to be for" etc..

Stick to Standard Procedures....

Check my link a few posts back, don`t think it works on plastic.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I'm single (very very long story, hence not many posts on here this year!)

I've fixed it for now, got my lunch box under it; it's actually a plastic thread on a BWT twin stage 22mm filter kit. I thought about using my normal PTFE but then thought "this is what this stuffs supposed to be for" etc..

Stick to Standard Procedures....

thats where you went wrong 577 is only for metal/ non ferrous threads wont work on plastic

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Check my link a few posts back, don`t think it works on plastic.

spot on

 

[rpm]

spot on

I don`t post unless I`m +80% certain. 😎

 

[thereisawizza]

Aah, every days a school day! Cheers guys, 22 years in and still learning!!

 

[rpm]

Aah, every days a school day! Cheers guys, 22 years in and still learning!!

Blame it on new fangled technology

 

[Harvest Fields]

I don`t post unless I`m +80% certain. 😎

That's where I'm clearly going wrong.😛😛😛

 

[stevesg18]

use loctite 55 all the time now,rarely use ptfe tape these days.

 

[Ric2013]

I wouldn't use LSX on rad tales. PTFE or Paste but I don't like paste either. 😛

What do you use then? Hemp needs paste, so you aren't using that.
Rocol thread seal goo?

 

[Harvest Fields]

What do you use then? Hemp needs paste, so you aren't using that.
Rocol thread seal goo?

Just PTFE normally.

 

[Bogart]

Have a tub of Loctite 55 so will use that and considgn the LSX to a bench drawer!

 

[Dave54]

Is there a benefit of using one over the other on radiator tails? Only ask as I have a couple of cast iron rads to fit and manufacturer says LSX over PTFE

Boss white and hemp never leak

 

[Best]

Boss white and hemp never leak

Hemp, or Flax as I call it, is terrible for when you have to remove fittings though! Often locks solid and often difficult removing bits of remaining hemp from threads.
Quite skillful to use hemp also IMO, certainly for anyone who hasn't used it before.
I would say ptfe tape at correct amount to ensure the fittings become a little resistant to fully turning in, plus some paste on it to lubricate the joint and add seal. Makes it easy for a poor bloke coming after us years later to remove a rad tail, or other fitting