Save Your Pressure Gauge

[PWProducts]

Have you had pressure gauges fail prematurely? Use a pressure snubber. You can buy it in 1/4" brass for under $7. For those that choose to minimize down time, always use medium thread locker when connecting those fittings instead of teflon tape.

Have any of you ever removed fittings that have been assembled using teflon tape and wondered where it went? That tape finds it's way to the valves and to your tip. Both General Pump and Cat Pump teach that if a vendor wants more service work, use the teflon tape!

Pressure Washer Products uses thread lock on high pressure, applicable fittings. Remember to brush on never sieze on the treads of your valve caps and manifold bolts before replacing them after maintenance and cleaning.

 

[tomtucson]

OK, what is the pressure snubber and is that the actual name to look for? DO they 'officially' teach that? I think different connections are better with different sealers, I have had smaller fittings and brass that would not seal with tape. How soon can you put the fitting in use (high pressure) with locker? And I always wonder if after it's new, is it clean enough? What about dope? Again in some situations I use it. That pipe dope is old school, every 'old' plumber I've met never accepted tape.

 

[Big Mike]

Teflon tape is a good option for soft metals such as brass. Lori, I don't agree that the tape finds its way into internals if applied properly. It usually gets pushed back out of the threads, not into the threads. Many folks use WAY too much for the threads, and that could cause the problem you describe. Thread locker is good on fittings that do not get fastened and unfastened regularly, like hose QC's etc. Fittings on hose reels, and on washing rigs are a good choice for thread locker. The key to using any thread lock (be it tape. dope, or locker), is to not overdo it. Also, thread lock is $39 for a little bottle, teflon tape is $0.99. I'll stick with the tape for wear items on my rigs.

 

[offdutyfireman]

Stick with Tef tape. It is what professionals use. What a riot to think that cat and gp would say something like that.

 

[Ron Musgraves]

I preffer Thread lock, I even like Lock tight on all the bolts. Even if when repairing I have to grind them off when repairing them later.

I cant stand problems in the field from loose connections.

 

[FullBlast]

t-tape for me.

I tried lock-tite for a lil and I thought I had more problems with it leaking, so forget that.

I'm with Ron, I hate breakdowns in the field!!!

 

[FCPWLLC]

Actually, the tape isn't meant to act as a "sealer". The teflon is simply to add lubrication in order to easily and fully tighten the connection. A simple 2 laps around and a couple of threads back from tip is all that is needed.

I saw our local vendor wrap some threads with 10+ layers. Now, that is pre-engineeering future tech work!

 

[Ron Musgraves]

A simple 2 laps around and a couple of threads back from tip is all that is needed.

I Agree with that if your going to use it.

I cant tell you how many times My guys used too much to call me later and say the surface cleaner isnt working. Then find out theres a roll of tape in the Nozzles.