Elecrical tape

[metalmeltr]

On a few ocasions I have used electrical tape in place of teflon tape or thread sealant. It works well. I think it worked because the tape is very flexible and comforms to the treads.

Edit: Whoops he first poll option is suposed to say
Cool alternative to teflon tape

Why can't I edit the poll options?

Edited and moved by jrrdw.

[inonickname]

No.

Teflon tape works by cutting friction. So much so, that the pipe threads can slightly deform. This is where nearly all of the sealing comes from. The tape is basically a lubricant, not a sealant.

Electrical tape doesn't seem to fit the purpose well.

[metalmeltr]

On two pieces of metal pipe how is the metal going to deform with the help of teflon tape? I have used electrical tap on both metal to metal and metal to pvc and the tape sealed the joint. I will do some research on teflon tape and repot my finding.

Wikipedia said that teflon tape fills voids and provides lubrication to allow the treads to deform providing a seal, however the electrical tape will seal threads in a pinch

Edited by jrrdw, don't double post, use the edit button.

[clemsonguy1125]

Ive tried this and it works ok but I still prefer teflon because it does not clog up the threads like electrical tape

[metalmeltr]

Ive tried this and it works ok but I still prefer teflon because it does not clog up the threads like electrical tape

I never intended for it to replace teflon but to only serve as a substitute if teflon was not avalible.

[deathbyDWV]

Kinda ghetto... I'd always use teflon since it's already known to work. And I practically always have it...

It's cool to know anyways...

[chinnerz]

I'd always use teflon since it's already known to work. And I practically always have it...

yeah i know right?? i am always like "whats the bet that we dont have any teflon tape...." but i always seem to find some.... almost like magic eh??

[inonickname]

On two pieces of metal pipe how is the metal going to deform with the help of teflon tape? I have used electrical tap on both metal to metal and metal to pvc and the tape sealed the joint. I will do some research on teflon tape and repot my finding.

One of the defining characteristics of PTFE is how good it is at defeating friction. The use of PTFE tape in tapered pipe threads performs a lubricating function, which more easily allows the threads to be screwed together, to the point of deformation, which is what creates the majority, if not all, of the seal.

You could even ask D_Hall if you wanted. After you've screwed it down, the teflon could suddenly not exist and it would still seal.