PTFE Tape (1 Roll)

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape for sealing thread joints.
• Forms an airtight seal when applied onto a thread.
• Commonly used with airline system fittings.
• Supplied in plastic case.

What is PTFE Tape?

PTFE tape is a simple yet highly versatile lubricating material and thread sealant. Its main use is in ductwork and piping applications, and it’s also known as thread seal tape and plumber’s tape.

Like all professional adhesive tapes, it is usually sold pre-cut to a range of specified widths on small rolls or spools. Sometimes, plumber’s seal tapes come in a plastic cover or casing to protect and preserve the adhesive material during toolbox storage.

Plumber’s tape is a long synthetic polymer film strip that is sold on a spool. The key characteristics of PTFE include the fact that it is both hydrophobic and has extremely low friction. This makes PTFE tape highly useful for many different pipework and plumbing applications.

PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic fluoropolymer widely utilized in various industries and applications.

PTFE Tape Uses

It’s important to understand the uses of PTFE tape. There are several potential uses for Teflon™ tape, but ultimately, whether PTFE tape is suitable for a particular task depends on the specific requirements. PTFE tape is commonly used as a thread sealant and can help minimize leakage around certain types of joints. Different thicknesses of tape can be chosen to provide an additional barrier to leakage in ducting. These tapes often have inherently expansive properties, which help fill in any small gaps between threads and conduits once they’re wrapped around the inside of a threaded joint.

Common PTFE tape uses include:

PTFE Tape for Leaks

The application of plumber’s tape to prevent leaks is a common practice. It is mainly used as a preventive measure when assembling joints; wrapping the threads of a male component with PTFE tape before connection can assist in sealing and securing the joint internally. This offers additional protection against potential leaks in the future.

PTFE tape can also serve as a temporary solution to seal leaks in plumbing until more permanent repairs are made. It is typically applied to the outside of a joint to reduce further leakage. Nonetheless, it is not intended as a permanent fix for worn, damaged, or improperly installed joints.

PTFE Tape for Gas

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Using PTFE tape for gas pipe sealing applications is common, but it is crucial to choose the right product for the job. Gas-rated PTFE thread seal tape is readily available, but it is usually thicker and denser compared to standard PTFE tape used in liquid plumbing applications. The standard PTFE tape can be more porous and may degrade and cause leaks if used inappropriately for gas pipelines. This is often because it has been stretched thinner during the manufacturing process, unlike the heavier-duty PTFE tapes designed for natural gas piping joints.

PTFE Tape for Petrol and Oil

PTFE tape is resistant to petrol and oil because of its chemical inertness, making it commonly used in automotive applications to seal and lubricate fuel line joints. Plumber’s lubricating and sealing tape is designed to withstand moderately high pressure and heat, making it suitable for use in environments where it may encounter oil, petrol, diesel, and other fuels. When using PTFE tape, it’s important to start wrapping slightly below the first line of threading and leave one full thread circumference exposed at the insertion end of the mating joint. If any small pieces of tape are sheared off where the threads connect, you can start the wrap a little further back from the endpoint to prevent material scraps from entering and potentially contaminating connected tanks or fuel lines.

Why use PTFE tape?

PTFE tape creates a tight-fitting skin or seal around the threads of various joint types in ductwork and piping. In addition to working as a deformable filler and helping to prevent leaks – where the tape is dense and thick enough – it also lubricates the joint threads.

How to Use PTFE Tape

Applying plumber’s tape to threaded joints is straightforward. Adhering to best practices for PTFE tape use should consistently produce dependable outcomes.

The lubricating effect is due to PTFE’s extremely low surface friction. Indeed, PTFE possesses one of the lowest friction coefficients of any solid material!

Proper application of PTFE tape can ensure a tighter fit for threaded pipe joints and also prevent them from binding should they require disassembly later on.

How to Apply PTFE Tape

When applying PTFE tape, it’s imperative to first ensure you’re using the appropriate type for the task. Once confirmed, follow these steps in order:

Begin by cleaning the threads on the duct joint where the PTFE tape will be applied. For existing pipes, remove any dirt, rust, grease, or old sealant. New pipes may have metal shavings or oils from manufacturing that could compromise the seal. An industrial-strength pipe cleaner may be necessary to remove stubborn residues.

Ensure the threads are completely dry before proceeding. This can typically be done with paper towels, but allowing them to air-dry fully is advisable to eliminate any moisture in the threads.

With the fittings dry, start wrapping the PTFE tape one thread below the open end to prevent loose material from entering the duct. Wrap in the direction of the threads, moving towards the pipe, to avoid tape distortion when tightening the joint.

Overlap each tape layer by half its width for complete coverage. While some deformation can enhance the seal, excessive tape can cause problems.

If you have any questions regarding our PTFE, please contact us, our friendly team will be happy to help.