A case for Boss White on every compression joint.

[DeltaT2]

I was covering 'call-outs' yesterday, for one of our chaps that has just become a new Dad. Got a call early PM to a 70s housing estate near me, with a leaking F&E tank in the attic; plastic tank split at the tank connector(blow lamp & copper pipe hole saw!!), so a quick visit to Toolstation for a new tank & the job was done in an hour.

However, every pipe I moved to replace the tank had leaks at the old Kuterlite compression joints, now, these old joints were fitted dry - with no Boss White!! Kuterlite are good fittings & they were tight, but the 70s muppet didn't use any Boss White on the compression joints, so move a pipe & it leaks!!

Always use Boss White on compression joints!

 

[JohnD]

Move into the 1990's

PTFE tape on the olive is 100% is better.

 

[DeltaT2]

Move into the 1990's

PTFE tape on the olive is 100% is better.

You know John; every time I see a compression joint with PTFE on it I know a DIY'er or cowboy has fitted it. Always make sure you know where the stopcocks & valves are before you touch a compression joint with that white tell-tale PTFE around it - cause it'll come apart in your hands!!!
The only time I've ever used PTFE on compression joints; is when the olive has been overtightened!!
Always use Boss White on compression fittings!!

 

[expertgasman]

I was covering 'call-outs' yesterday, for one of our chaps that has just become a new Dad.

What a hero! Where were your multitude of artisans then, are they all with child?

I bet you won't find Charlie Mullins crawling around a loft space.

 

[JohnD]

a compression joint with that white tell-tale PTFE around it - cause it'll come apart in your hands!!!

Wrong

It really is better

In the old days I used to use Boss White.

It's time you moved across to the better solution that PTFE gives. Throw away your tub of tallow, the hank of hemp, and your paraffin blowlamp as well.

 

[ChrisOxford]

every time I see a compression joint with PTFE on it I know a DIY'er or cowboy has fitted it. Always make sure you know where the stopcocks & valves are before you touch a compression joint with that white tell-tale PTFE around it - cause it'll come apart in your hands!!!

True enough if it's on the threads and visible with the joint completed.

But a single turn on top of the olive works wonders, isn't messy to apply, isn't visible externally, all but eliminates weepy joints, and doesn't compromise the integrity of the joint in any way. Well, that's my opinion, anyway!

 

[JohnD]

Me too, and it's not opinion, it's fact.

PTFE tape on the olive

 

[bobthebender]

Boss white on olives,copper tube as holesaw and rawplug chisel for hanging rads and fitting downpipes & bathroom suites.
Thems was the days on the largest housing estate in europe in 1976.No power unless you wanted to spend 2 hours trying to find a generator .no battery drills and no lights in the roofs.
everything on a price and no time to waste.

 

[DeltaT2]

I was covering 'call-outs' yesterday, for one of our chaps that has just become a new Dad.

What a hero! Where were your multitude of artisans then, are they all with child?

No mate none of our employees are pergnant, one of our Foremen looks like it though, fat lazy git!!

Yes, I like to keep my hand in, nothing like a wee spell 'on the tools'. Swop the Armani suit for the boiler suit - keeps you grounded.

 

[DeltaT2]

Nope, PTFE on compression joints is the Hall Mark of cowboys, it's Boss White every time. It lubricates the thread & seals the metal-metal of the olive & fitting. Next you'll be telling me Type B fittings don't need Boss White!!

 

[DeltaT2]

Boss white on olives,copper tube as holesaw and rawplug chisel for hanging rads and fitting downpipes & bathroom suites.
Thems was the days on the largest housing estate in europe in 1976.No power unless you wanted to spend 2 hours trying to find a generator .no battery drills and no lights in the roofs.
everything on a price and no time to waste.

Happy, happy days!! Tell you what mate, we made a fortune & pzzed it against the wall...............

 

[Youllneverguess]

Hell's teeth.... I never thought I would agree with knobby !!!!

But sadly on this I do.

 

[mickyg]

diyers think they know best if you need ptfe to stop your joints leaking your doing something wrong.

 

[DeltaT2]

Hell's teeth.... I never thought I would agree with knobby !!!!

But sadly on this I do.

Good man, you know it makes sense............
Follow my lead son & you'll not go wrong!!

 

[JohnD]

this is a DIY site

PTFE on a DIY olive will seal it better than leaving it bare and better than boss white.

you're just stuck in the past.

Blue overalls, cloth cap, boss white, hank of hemp...