Is there a way to install threaded bib taps at the right angle?
- Thread starter jacoscar
- Start date
You should be holding the tap upright, and screwing up the nut behind it! 
D
Deleted member 267285
The backplate is a female thread, nothing to tighten upYou should be holding the tap upright, and screwing up the nut behind it!
D
Deleted member 267285
It seems to me like the new tap thread might be longer than the previous thread, or just a case of trial and error. Try removing the ptfe and use a jointing compound.
D
Deleted member 267285
That’s probably the reason then. I’d say either renew backplate for a deeper one (if one exists) or change the tap for shorter thread, or at a push, cut the thread down.
Two ways:
1. Use Loctite 55.
1a. Remove tap. Clean male thread up removing all PTFE tape.
1b. Rough up male thread slightly with a file.
1c. Wind the Loctite cord across and around the threads per instructions on the container. Start with around 12 wraps.
1d. Screw tap on until fairly tight. E.g. can just be turned using the body of the tap without a spanner. You can turn it back up to around 1/3 turn to get orientation correct. If not enough, repeat with 15 wraps and so on. Clean all old 55 off between attempts.
2. Use Flomasta Pipe Seal (Screwfix 4373J) or Loctite 577. For the Flomasta:
2a. Remove tap.
2b. Thoroughly clean male thread of all PTFE tape, paint, dirt and grease.
2c. Likewise clean internal thread of tap.
2d. Apply a bead of pipe seal around the first two or three male threads, all the way round.
2e. Within a few seconds screw the tap on as far as it will go / you want it to go, then back off to correct position.
2f. Leave it for about half an hour and its done.
1. Use Loctite 55.
1a. Remove tap. Clean male thread up removing all PTFE tape.
1b. Rough up male thread slightly with a file.
1c. Wind the Loctite cord across and around the threads per instructions on the container. Start with around 12 wraps.
1d. Screw tap on until fairly tight. E.g. can just be turned using the body of the tap without a spanner. You can turn it back up to around 1/3 turn to get orientation correct. If not enough, repeat with 15 wraps and so on. Clean all old 55 off between attempts.
2. Use Flomasta Pipe Seal (Screwfix 4373J) or Loctite 577. For the Flomasta:
2a. Remove tap.
2b. Thoroughly clean male thread of all PTFE tape, paint, dirt and grease.
2c. Likewise clean internal thread of tap.
2d. Apply a bead of pipe seal around the first two or three male threads, all the way round.
2e. Within a few seconds screw the tap on as far as it will go / you want it to go, then back off to correct position.
2f. Leave it for about half an hour and its done.
Would both of these method make is more difficult to accidentally unscrew the taps when compared to just PTFE tape?
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There's a 50m Loctite pack which is "only" £6 or so. If you roughen the threads (hacksaw blade) and use a bit too much, it'll be loads tighter than ptfe. And you can back it off without it leaking, more reliably than ptfe.
Yes a setting thread sealant is a better hard fix.
You can also get fibre washers which would fill the gap which give you something to tighten onto, depending on the flange width.
Used to be a hemp and threadseal job - horrible but worked!
BTW if you replace that ugly surface pipe with chromed, it'll look a damned site better!
bes.co.uk. There are smarter ones but the wrong gender.
Yes a setting thread sealant is a better hard fix.
You can also get fibre washers which would fill the gap which give you something to tighten onto, depending on the flange width.
Used to be a hemp and threadseal job - horrible but worked!
BTW if you replace that ugly surface pipe with chromed, it'll look a damned site better!
bes.co.uk. There are smarter ones but the wrong gender.
Last edited:
Yep. I was wondering why th OP was bothered about a bit of PTFE showing, considering the state of the rest
It’s because they’re not locked in position; just a temporary solution anyway
Flowmasta pipe seal.
Same as garden taps.
Same as garden taps.
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