Compression fittings and PTFE tape

[DIYStuart]

Why do people insist on putting reals of PTFE tape on compression fittings? Had the father-in-law over at the weekend to help out and within 5 minutes he'd popped out to B&Q and came back with 2 rolls (yes .. 2 rolls!) of PTFE tape and a pot of that nasty boss green stuff.

I was always told to make sure everything is clean then hand tight plus 1/2 turn. This gives me a nice tidy joint an on the rare occasion that I get a small drip, another 1/4 turn fixes it. I can't find anywhere that says you should cover all the treads in PTFE ... so why do so many people seem to do it?

 

[dumbrill]

You're absolutely right, but it won't stop a lot of people telling you otherwise.

The olive needs to bite into the pipe to hold it in place and to form the seal. Adding PTFE tape might make a seal, but leave the olive 'loose' on the pipe. It's not good practice.

 

[xr4x4]

i perfer to use PTFE on the olive and make the joint tigher.

handtight and 1/4 turn is the best way to get a watertight seal but just doesnt feel tight enough for me.

in the early days when i didnt use PTFE a joint that wasnt leaking when fitted was 'seeping' when i came back to it over a year later.

 

[misterdubya]

Not another topic about PTFE & Compression fittings

Just read these and be done with it....
www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1786250#1786250
www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1846311#1846311
www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1795115#1795115 - very informative

Mr. W.

 

[xr4x4]

tomplum uses it on youtube.. so it must be right.

 

[joe-90]

PTFE is a lubricant.

 

[xr4x4]

super...

 

[joe-90]

PTFE? That IS rocket science.

 

[Onetap]

PTFE is a lubricant.

You know where you can put it then.
Some K-Y might help; that's a lubricant as well, I am reliably informed.

 

[Wangerman]

I usually use a smear of Jet blue to be honest but have made many joints without any problems so no idea why you would waste time and money on PTFE ?

 

[Wangerman]

PTFE is a lubricant.

You know where you can put it then.
Some K-Y might help; that's a lubricant as well, I am reliably informed.

Spit is cheaper

 

[Phigo]

There are actually some doughnut web sites that tell you to put PTFE on the threads. http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/copper_compression_joints.htm

On that same web site there is a little video, in this video he suggests that you tighten the nut 1 turn. In my book 1 turn is 360 degrees but that is far too much. He actually only turns the nut by 1 flat so maybe thats what he means, what do you guys think.

 

[seco services]

1 flat's not even going to compress the olive

 

[dcds4]

do it up tight!!!!!!!!

 

[chappers]

the ptfe should be between the olive and the fitting