A few months ago I bought a portable air compressor, and it came
supplied with a roll of teflon tape. When assembling all of the
various couplers/hoses/tools, I found that I needed to use copious
amounts of that tape on all the threads in order to get anything to
hold pressure. So far, so good.
This morning I was reading a review of a large Porter Cable compressor
on Amazon, and the reviewer made the following statement regarding a
leaking connector:
"After depressurizing the tank, I removed the factory compound from the
threads and put on fresh joint compound (teflon tape is a no-no for air
applications)."
So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors? It's
worked like a charm for me so far.
Thanks in advance.
The source of the comment should be enough to ignore it. Its a bogus
comment. Even the idea of removing all the factory compound and
redoing all the joints is weird. Did they repaint the compressor as
well?
You'll do fine with Teflon. I believe the comment from the person who
is a pipefitter is as well founded advise as you could get.
Bob
The problem with teflon is the failure mode. When it lets go, it sends
millions of razor sharp shards of teflon in every direction at 850
miles per second. You definitely should take out all your teflon and
replace it immediately. It's like having a bomb in your shop waiting
to go off. Now I've never known anyone personally who was killed by
exploding teflon, but I don't want to be the first. :)
DonkeyHody
"We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom
that is in it - and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down
on a hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove-lid
again---and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold
one anymore." - Mark Twain
On Sun, 20 Nov 2005 14:40:04 GMT, "Lyndell Thompson"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>While we are on this subject............. how much do I need to libricate my
>air tools for woodworking
I follow each manufacturer's recommendation.
Some of my tools are oil-free, like my Porta-Nails flooring nailer.
Oil will quickly ruin them. Others need a drop or three daily, or
even a constant source from an FRL unit in the air line.
With nailers, I've found that over oiling them can be almost as bad as
not oiling them, as the extra oil gets all over the wood or
woodworker.
One of the best suggestions I picked up a long time ago was to add a
"literature drawer" to the shop. Manuals are stored alphabetically by
manufacturer. Some of my tools don't get used that often and being
able to find the manual quickly is priceless. I also staple the
exploded view, purchase reciept, and other info into the manual.
Barry
Morris Dovey said:
>[email protected] (in
>[email protected]) said:
>
>| So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors?
>| It's worked like a charm for me so far.
>
>Little 'threads' of Teflon probably won't help air tools work better.
>
>That said, I'll confess that I used the tape for the majority of my
>tool and hose couplings.
As do I, but I am careful to wrap the tape carefully to avoid having
any tape extending into the air pathways. I also wrap in a direction
that makes insertion tighten the wrap, rather than loosen. I usually
peel the excess from the fitting when done - but I'm kind of anal...
I also cover my air inlets, insure there is no dirt in the coupler
before connecting a tool, and oil my tools regularly.
I have never heard of any chemical reactions that would cause failure
of either the compressor, hose or tools. But I could be in error.
I would be interested in seeing reputable evidence supporting the
magazine writer's phobia.
FWIW,
Greg G.
On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:36:34 -0600, "Amused" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Actually, I don't know. Are you talking about the flared part of a
>compression fitting?
No, those are "flares" - I think the terminology is the same. An olive
is the loose ring that's used in some other types of joint. They can
either be soldered in place (an old sort of flare) or they're
sharp-edged and used on soft copper pipe with a compression fitting.
Andy Dingley said:
>On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:14:54 -0500, Greg G.<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Hmm... metal olives - quaint term. I believe I'll have one of those
>>in my next Martini. Shaken, not stirred...
>
>So what do you call them in the USA ?
I was thinking of basin cock couplings - something which is not seen
much anymore. Could also be used for compression ring couplings.
>And what's a "Martini" Outside of M*A*S*H and Bond I think I've seen
>more of these as rifles than as drinks. Does anyone really drink them?
A cocktail made of gin or vodka and dry vermouth. <g>
Plutocrats love'em.
Greg G.
W Canaday wrote:
> On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 22:16:25 +0000, Badger wrote:
>
>
>
>>Its not always effective either:
>>http://www.ecs.soton.ac.uk/fire2005/pictures/large/pan.jpg possibly caused
>>by a Teflon taped thread leaking...
>
>
> That's a pretty big fire. I'm curious why you would associate a Teflon
> taped plumbing connection with it. Frankly, if Teflon was involved in any
> sense, I'd be more inclined to believe that the source of the problem was
> the failure of the pipefitter to properly tighten the joint.
>
> I probably tape a dozen or so tapered pipe joints a week (I handle
> machinery setup and repair for my employer) and never have one leak.
>
> Bill
Cylinder outlet valve where it was screwed into the neck of the
cylinder, sealed with teflon tape...Small leak of a pyrophoric explosive
gas (silane) leading toa big fire, last I heard £100,000,000 and still
climbing....
Andy Dingley wrote:
> On Sun, 20 Nov 2005 21:32:05 GMT, badger <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>>Small leak of a pyrophoric explosive gas (silane) leading to a big fire,
>
>
> So it's confirmed as silane then ?
No, its one of several theories.
> Not a big surprise.
I agree....
The "party" line is it was probably a 30KVA UPS that caught fire...
Agreed, & same here; never had a problem with it & it's
convenient when making changes/mods to my setups which I do
occasionally.
"Morris Dovey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
: [email protected] (in
: [email protected]) said:
:
: | So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for
compressors?
: | It's worked like a charm for me so far.
:
: Little 'threads' of Teflon probably won't help air tools work
better.
:
: That said, I'll confess that I used the tape for the majority
of my
: tool and hose couplings.
:
: --
: Morris Dovey
: DeSoto Solar
: DeSoto, Iowa USA
: http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/solar.html
:
:
It wasn't screw in tight enough or the threads were damaged. Neither teflon
tape or pipe dope are sealers, they are lubricants.
"badger" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Cylinder outlet valve where it was screwed into the neck of the
> cylinder, sealed with teflon tape...Small leak of a pyrophoric explosive
> gas (silane) leading toa big fire, last I heard £100,000,000 and still
> climbing....
>
"Andy Dingley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:14:54 -0500, Greg G.<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Hmm... metal olives - quaint term. I believe I'll have one of those
>>in my next Martini. Shaken, not stirred...
>
> So what do you call them in the USA ?
>
> And what's a "Martini" Outside of M*A*S*H and Bond I think I've seen
> more of these as rifles than as drinks. Does anyone really drink them?
>
Actually, I don't know. Are you talking about the flared part of a
compression fitting?
Yes. People drink martini's.
On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:14:54 -0500, Greg G.<[email protected]> wrote:
>Hmm... metal olives - quaint term. I believe I'll have one of those
>in my next Martini. Shaken, not stirred...
So what do you call them in the USA ?
And what's a "Martini" Outside of M*A*S*H and Bond I think I've seen
more of these as rifles than as drinks. Does anyone really drink them?
While we are on this subject............. how much do I need to libricate my
air tools for woodworking? I do all the same things you do Greg, cover inlet
ports etc. My regulator bit the dust and I sprang for a new regulator,
filter & lubricator. Got a good deal.
Anyway I have always oiled my automotive style D/A sander about once a day
(few drops) then ran it with a rag around the exhaust, until no oil was
coming out, to protect my wood from oil. I did a google search and did not
find any useful info. I am thinking about leaving the lubricator run dry cuz
I think if the air hose gets saturated with oil......you will always have
some oil coming out of it. Not good for woodworking. What say ye?
Thank in advance Lyndell
"Greg G." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Morris Dovey said:
>
>>[email protected] (in
>>[email protected]) said:
>>
>>| So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors?
>>| It's worked like a charm for me so far.
>>
>>Little 'threads' of Teflon probably won't help air tools work better.
>>
>>That said, I'll confess that I used the tape for the majority of my
>>tool and hose couplings.
>
> As do I, but I am careful to wrap the tape carefully to avoid having
> any tape extending into the air pathways. I also wrap in a direction
> that makes insertion tighten the wrap, rather than loosen. I usually
> peel the excess from the fitting when done - but I'm kind of anal...
>
> I also cover my air inlets, insure there is no dirt in the coupler
> before connecting a tool, and oil my tools regularly.
>
> I have never heard of any chemical reactions that would cause failure
> of either the compressor, hose or tools. But I could be in error.
> I would be interested in seeing reputable evidence supporting the
> magazine writer's phobia.
>
> FWIW,
>
> Greg G.
Lyndell Thompson said:
>While we are on this subject............. how much do I need to libricate my
>air tools for woodworking? I do all the same things you do Greg, cover inlet
>ports etc. My regulator bit the dust and I sprang for a new regulator,
>filter & lubricator. Got a good deal.
>Anyway I have always oiled my automotive style D/A sander about once a day
>(few drops) then ran it with a rag around the exhaust, until no oil was
>coming out, to protect my wood from oil. I did a google search and did not
>find any useful info. I am thinking about leaving the lubricator run dry cuz
>I think if the air hose gets saturated with oil......you will always have
>some oil coming out of it. Not good for woodworking. What say ye?
> Thank in advance Lyndell
Most tools come with general lubricating schedule advise in the
manual. I use a couple/several drops in brad nailers per brad strip,
and 5 or so drops in a framing nailer per slide load. A disc sander
would get several drops every few hours of use. Pneumatic air tools
such as impacts wrenches and ratchets use far more. The tool's sound
changes subtly when in need of oil - but waiting till that point is
probably problematic. If the tool hasn't been used in a while, I
generally add a drop of two more than usual the first time.
I used a dedicated line lubricator with automotive tools, but would
never do this with woodworking tools. Some are oil-free, they need
varying degrees of lubrication, and subsequently using the hoses and
such for finishing is out of the question - for me.
Of course, finishing requires clean air, and there are filters and
moisture traps available for use. Clean hoses are also necessary.
Even using the air for such pedestrian tasks as blowing dust off a
sanded surface requires clean air.
So, it's a PITA, but I would (and do) oil tools individually and as
needed. Another option is to have dual lines, one oiled, and one not.
Automotive shops do a similar thing - either with segregated dedicated
lines, or with 'modules' of air hose/lubricator/moisture trap/filter
that can be moved about to service permanent basic air ports.
So, that didn't help you a bit, did it? <g>
FWIW,
Greg G.
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "After depressurizing the tank, I removed the factory compound from the
> threads and put on fresh joint compound (teflon tape is a no-no for air
> applications)."
>
> So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors? It's
> worked like a charm for me so far.
>
> Thanks in advance.
There is a thicker Yellow colored Teflon Tape that is made for gas
connections. I have been using Teflon tape on compressor fittings and air
hose fittings for years however the Yellow stuff is much easier to work with
as it tends to not stick back on itself.
Morris Dovey wrote:
> [email protected] (in
> [email protected]) said:
>
> | So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors?
> | It's worked like a charm for me so far.
>
> Little 'threads' of Teflon probably won't help air tools work better.
>
> That said, I'll confess that I used the tape for the majority of my
> tool and hose couplings.
If installed properly there are no 'little threads' to get in the way.
It should be installed 1 thread down from the end so there is no end
overlap and 3 complete wraps in the opposite direction of the threads so
it doesn't bunch up when twisted on. I've never ever had a problem
using teflon tape for any thread sealing work, air, water, fuel or
anything else I've used it on.
John
Phisherman wrote:
> I've been using Teflon tape on all my air line connections. No issues
> for 15 years. It might even be cleaner than dope--perhaps less chance
> of excess breaking off into the line.
When properly wrapped around the male fitting before installing the
fitting, it's almost impossible for any teflon tape to enter the tool's
air inlet.
Dave
In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] says...
> So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors? It's
> worked like a charm for me so far.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
I use Teflon tape everyday at work. ( 31 years as a Pipe fitter). We use
it on any threaded connection. On air lines, especially instrument air
lines, you have to be careful not to allow any of the tape to extent over
the ends of the threads. This could let lose pieces of tape come off and
enter the air system. Lose pieces in the system can stop up air ports or
any filters in the system. If you are concerned about this possibility
you can buy liquid Teflon in a tube from HD or any hardware store.
In reality the Teflon in not a sealant. It is an anti-galling compound
that keeps the male and female thread from galling together (welding
together by the heat of friction) when you tighten the connection up.
Henry
On 11/19/2005 10:17 AM Morris Dovey mumbled something about the following:
> [email protected] (in
> [email protected]) said:
>
> | So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors?
> | It's worked like a charm for me so far.
>
> Little 'threads' of Teflon probably won't help air tools work better.
>
> That said, I'll confess that I used the tape for the majority of my
> tool and hose couplings.
>
That works both ways for tape and dope. If improperly applied, both can
allow pieces of tape or dope into the system and clog up air tools.
Tape is easier to apply without allowing it into the system than is dope.
--
Odinn
RCOS #7 SENS BS ???
"The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never
worshiped anything but himself." -- Sir Richard Francis Burton
Reeky's unofficial homepage ... http://www.reeky.org
'03 FLHTI ........... http://www.sloanclan.org/gallery/ElectraGlide
'97 VN1500D ......... http://www.sloanclan.org/gallery/VulcanClassic
Atlanta Biker Net ... http://www.atlantabiker.net
Vulcan Riders Assoc . http://www.vulcanriders.org
rot13 [email protected] to reply
On 11/19/2005 10:13 AM [email protected] mumbled something about the
following:
> A few months ago I bought a portable air compressor, and it came
> supplied with a roll of teflon tape. When assembling all of the
> various couplers/hoses/tools, I found that I needed to use copious
> amounts of that tape on all the threads in order to get anything to
> hold pressure. So far, so good.
>
> This morning I was reading a review of a large Porter Cable compressor
> on Amazon, and the reviewer made the following statement regarding a
> leaking connector:
>
> "After depressurizing the tank, I removed the factory compound from the
> threads and put on fresh joint compound (teflon tape is a no-no for air
> applications)."
>
> So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors? It's
> worked like a charm for me so far.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
The person who made that comment has no clue. Teflon tape is as good
(if not better than) teflon pipe dope for air applications. If you wind
teflon tape wrong, it's a no-no in any application, as it can block
air/water/fuel/etc passage. If you wind it correctly, it's preferrable
to teflon pipe dope.
--
Odinn
RCOS #7 SENS BS ???
"The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never
worshiped anything but himself." -- Sir Richard Francis Burton
Reeky's unofficial homepage ... http://www.reeky.org
'03 FLHTI ........... http://www.sloanclan.org/gallery/ElectraGlide
'97 VN1500D ......... http://www.sloanclan.org/gallery/VulcanClassic
Atlanta Biker Net ... http://www.atlantabiker.net
Vulcan Riders Assoc . http://www.vulcanriders.org
rot13 [email protected] to reply
"Andy Dingley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:36:34 -0600, "Amused" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>>Actually, I don't know. Are you talking about the flared part of a
>>compression fitting?
>
> No, those are "flares" - I think the terminology is the same. An olive
> is the loose ring that's used in some other types of joint. They can
> either be soldered in place (an old sort of flare) or they're
> sharp-edged and used on soft copper pipe with a compression fitting.
>
LOL. I didn't know they had a name. I've always called them "the
compression ring". Let me check the Web.
Ahhhh....
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infplumb/infcomp.shtm
Compression ring is the American jargon.
Adding "olive" to the same google search, produces some UK sites.
http://www.diyfixit.co.uk/nflash/plumbing/CopperComp/CopperComp.htm
olive = compression ring
BTW...it appears that
Spanner = Pipe wrench
Morris Dovey wrote:
>> So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors?
>> It's worked like a charm for me so far.
>
> Little 'threads' of Teflon probably won't help air tools work better.
>
> That said, I'll confess that I used the tape for the majority of my
> tool and hose couplings.
As do I. I ran a scuba shop for ten years in my first career, and teflon tape
was commonly used throughout that industry for making high pressure air
connections anywhere there wasn't already a captured o-ring. We used
compression fittings a lot too.... either copper for up to 2500 psi and
stainless steel for pressures up to 5-6000 psi. But we used teflon tape damned
near everywhere. I never saw anyone use pipe dope for air fittings.
--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
[email protected]
Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
> As do I. I ran a scuba shop for ten years in my first career, and teflon tape
> was commonly used throughout that industry for making high pressure air
> connections anywhere there wasn't already a captured o-ring. We used
> compression fittings a lot too.... either copper for up to 2500 psi and
> stainless steel for pressures up to 5-6000 psi. But we used teflon tape damned
> near everywhere. I never saw anyone use pipe dope for air fittings.
>
Teflon/ptfe for oxygen rich needs to be oil free, most tapes arn't oil free.
Its not always effective either:
http://www.ecs.soton.ac.uk/fire2005/pictures/large/pan.jpg
possibly caused by a Teflon taped thread leaking...
The issue with Teflon tape is getting into the air tools. However this
being said We use teflon tape on everything up to and including the 350HP
units we service (I am an Atlas copco service technician). One of the things
I have found is that the teflon tape most people get in borgs is way to
thin. You can get thicker tape in ACR/HVAC supply houses. the thicker tape
applies better and does not tear out. By the way when you change the oil on
your compressor remove the drain line, install a longer pipe with a cap so
as to be able to drain the unit into a bucket without making a major mess.
Seal the pipe cap with Teflon tape and also the full plug. Most compressors
use 30 weight NON DETERGENT oil. some use 40 weight. It must be non
detergent. You will eat the rings out if you use the wrong stuff. any other
specifics you have questions on let me know.
[email protected]
Andy Dingley wrote:
> On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:36:34 -0600, "Amused" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>>Actually, I don't know. Are you talking about the flared part of a
>>compression fitting?
>
>
> No, those are "flares" - I think the terminology is the same. An olive
> is the loose ring that's used in some other types of joint. They can
> either be soldered in place (an old sort of flare) or they're
> sharp-edged and used on soft copper pipe with a compression fitting.
>
I've always heard them called "farrels".
On 19 Nov 2005 07:13:17 -0800, [email protected] wrote:
>why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors?
It isn't - it works fine. You can even use it on oxygen systems.
You might need (or be required by local bylaws) to use the high density
PTFE tape for sealing flammable gas systems in your locality (yellow
spools in the UK) rather than the "water grade". The cost is only
trivially more so many people only use the "gas grade" for everything.
Remember too that PTFE thread sealer tape is only useful on tapered
threads, not parallel threads (there needs to be some compression) and
it's certainly not useful on metal compression joints, metal face joints
or around metal olives. If you're using parallel threaded pipe, use a
liquid sealer that sets.
[email protected] (in
[email protected]) said:
| So my question is, why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors?
| It's worked like a charm for me so far.
Little 'threads' of Teflon probably won't help air tools work better.
That said, I'll confess that I used the tape for the majority of my
tool and hose couplings.
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/solar.html
On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 12:35:51 -0600, "Amused" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Spanner = Pipe wrench
Not really. We do use "spanner" much more commonly than wrench, but
rarely in plumbing. A ratchet wrench uses a "socket" but the common
double-ended workshop tool is always a "spanner" (except amongst
muzzleloaders with wheellocks). For the sort of adjustables used in
plumbing we generally call them "waterpump pliers", "Moles", "Stillsons"
(tradenames) or just "adjustables", sometimes wrenches but almost never
spanners.
On 19 Nov 2005 07:13:17 -0800, [email protected] wrote:
>"After depressurizing the tank, I removed the factory compound from the
>threads and put on fresh joint compound (teflon tape is a no-no for air
>applications)."
I'd accept the fact that PC _includes_ Teflon tape with the compressor
kit that the Amazon reviewer has his/her head up the ol' arse. <G>
Barry
On Sun, 20 Nov 2005 21:32:05 GMT, badger <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Small leak of a pyrophoric explosive gas (silane) leading to a big fire,
So it's confirmed as silane then ? Not a big surprise.
I'd always have been wary having that sort of chemistry in a building
that size. Last time I worked in a fab we were a single story garden
shed. The corridors creaked as you walked along them, but if we blew
ourselves up at least we wouldn't disturb the neighbours.
On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 20:18:03 +0000, Andy Dingley wrote:
> On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 12:35:51 -0600, "Amused" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>>Spanner = Pipe wrench
>
> Not really. We do use "spanner" much more commonly than wrench, but
> rarely in plumbing. A ratchet wrench uses a "socket" but the common
> double-ended workshop tool is always a "spanner" (except amongst
> muzzleloaders with wheellocks). For the sort of adjustables used in
> plumbing we generally call them "waterpump pliers", "Moles", "Stillsons"
> (tradenames) or just "adjustables", sometimes wrenches but almost never
> spanners.
Hmmm I thought that a Stillson wrench was a smooth-faced pipe wrench.
Bill
On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 22:18:39 +0000, Ba r r y wrote:
> On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 20:18:03 +0000, Andy Dingley <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>>On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 12:35:51 -0600, "Amused" <[email protected]>
>>wrote:
>>
>>>Spanner = Pipe wrench
>>
>>Not really. We do use "spanner" much more commonly than wrench, but
>>rarely in plumbing.
>
> I've seen "spanners" used on bicycles, cameras, old computers, and
> telescopes. These have fixed "C" shaped jaws with pins along one side.
> The pins interlock with holes or depressions around a ring-shaped nut.
> Other spanners have a ring-shaped business end to wrap around a strange
> shaped collar.
>
> Here's some examples:
> For motorcycle shocks:
> <http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/shock/spanner.JPG> Lock rings, as seen on
> cameras and old computers:
> <http://www.micro-tools.com/Merchant2/images/sp1.jpg> Bicycle bottom
> bracket rings:
> <http://www.revolutionbike.com/SPANNER-WRENCH.jpg>
>
> A pipe wrench would destroy the subjects! <G>
>
> Barry
Those are "pin spanners" and they are not always of a fixed span. I have
several adjustable pin spanners that either hook into the face of a
shallow ring that's been drilled to accept the pins or with a single pin
meant to wrap around the outer edge of a ring that has been drilled on the
edge (usually at several locations) to accept the pin.
I formerly worked as both a machinist and as a die-maker. Working to
international standards (British, German, Japanese, American, French) will
definitely cost you a BUNCH of money in tooling!
Bill
On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 22:16:25 +0000, Badger wrote:
> Its not always effective either:
> http://www.ecs.soton.ac.uk/fire2005/pictures/large/pan.jpg possibly caused
> by a Teflon taped thread leaking...
That's a pretty big fire. I'm curious why you would associate a Teflon
taped plumbing connection with it. Frankly, if Teflon was involved in any
sense, I'd be more inclined to believe that the source of the problem was
the failure of the pipefitter to properly tighten the joint.
I probably tape a dozen or so tapered pipe joints a week (I handle
machinery setup and repair for my employer) and never have one leak.
Bill
On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 20:18:03 +0000, Andy Dingley
<[email protected]> wrote:
>On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 12:35:51 -0600, "Amused" <[email protected]>
>wrote:
>
>>Spanner = Pipe wrench
>
>Not really. We do use "spanner" much more commonly than wrench, but
>rarely in plumbing.
I've seen "spanners" used on bicycles, cameras, old computers, and
telescopes. These have fixed "C" shaped jaws with pins along one
side. The pins interlock with holes or depressions around a
ring-shaped nut. Other spanners have a ring-shaped business end to
wrap around a strange shaped collar.
Here's some examples:
For motorcycle shocks:
<http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/shock/spanner.JPG>
Lock rings, as seen on cameras and old computers:
<http://www.micro-tools.com/Merchant2/images/sp1.jpg>
Bicycle bottom bracket rings:
<http://www.revolutionbike.com/SPANNER-WRENCH.jpg>
A pipe wrench would destroy the subjects! <G>
Barry
Andy Dingley said:
>On 19 Nov 2005 07:13:17 -0800, [email protected] wrote:
>
>>why is Teflon tape a bad idea for compressors?
>
>It isn't - it works fine. You can even use it on oxygen systems.
>
>You might need (or be required by local bylaws) to use the high density
>PTFE tape for sealing flammable gas systems in your locality (yellow
>spools in the UK) rather than the "water grade". The cost is only
>trivially more so many people only use the "gas grade" for everything.
>
>Remember too that PTFE thread sealer tape is only useful on tapered
>threads, not parallel threads (there needs to be some compression) and
>it's certainly not useful on metal compression joints, metal face joints
>or around metal olives. If you're using parallel threaded pipe, use a
>liquid sealer that sets.
Hmm... metal olives - quaint term. I believe I'll have one of those
in my next Martini. Shaken, not stirred...
(I know what you are referring to, just never heard them called that
before - you're in the UK, no?)
Greg G.
Ba r r y said:
>On 19 Nov 2005 07:13:17 -0800, [email protected] wrote:
>
>
>>"After depressurizing the tank, I removed the factory compound from the
>>threads and put on fresh joint compound (teflon tape is a no-no for air
>>applications)."
>
>I'd accept the fact that PC _includes_ Teflon tape with the compressor
>kit that the Amazon reviewer has his/her head up the ol' arse. <G>
I don't dissagree with your conclusion, but by that analogy, including
keys with a new car is not necessarily in the public's best interest.
<g>
Greg G.
On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 21:31:50 -0500, W Canaday <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Hmmm I thought that a Stillson wrench was a smooth-faced pipe wrench.
A Stillson is a pipe wrench (it's intended for gripping pipes, not
really flat-faced nuts) but they always have asymmetric vee grooves cut
into the faces. They need a certain amount of wedging action to work,
because their jaws aren't parallel. Without the teeth I doubt they'd
grip at all.
http://www.tooled-up.com/artwork/ProdImage/BRIST350PB.jpg
It's generally a good guide to not trust any British domestic plumber
wielding a Stillson. We don't use the large threaded connections where
they'd be appropriate and they're infamous for chewing up the soft brass
fittings we do have. A plumber with a Stillson probably has a horse and
a stetson too.
DonkeyHody wrote:
> The problem with teflon is the failure mode. When it lets go, it sends
> millions of razor sharp shards of teflon in every direction at 850
> miles per second.
I read somewhere that polytetrafluoroethylene, especially in
conjuction with aluminium, causes Alzheimer's dementia. So that's
another thing to be wary of.
Stephen Young wrote:
> Andy Dingley wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 19 Nov 2005 11:36:34 -0600, "Amused" <[email protected]>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Actually, I don't know. Are you talking about the flared part of a
>>> compression fitting?
>>
>>
>>
>> No, those are "flares" - I think the terminology is the same. An olive
>> is the loose ring that's used in some other types of joint. They can
>> either be soldered in place (an old sort of flare) or they're
>> sharp-edged and used on soft copper pipe with a compression fitting.
>>
> I've always heard them called "farrels".
that would be ferrule.
Dave