Compressed Air Leaks

jedens · Nov 11, 2002

I bought one of the pressurized sand blasters for connection to my compressor. Bought it from Harbor Freight and it came in many pieces. I can't seem to get the connections tight no matter how much teflon tape I put on them. Its not just one connection that leaks but about 5 or 6 of them. Is there something better than teflon tape? I've taken it apart several times to try to fix them but it is a real pain to disconnect and as I think I've got one connection fixed I've accidentally loosed another and it leaks. Would it work if I put silicon calking around the outside of each of the connection joints completely sealing them while leaving the teflon tape on the threads? Any suggestions appreciated.

Jeff396 · Nov 11, 2002

When I installed a bunch of steel pipe for my compressor I had the same problem. Teflon tape just wouldn't do the job. Then while building our house I watched the gas guys put in some pipe. They not only use teflon tape but also add some of the white pipe muck on top of the tape. When I did it this way I had no problem whatsoever. Of course, that would require you taking them apart again.

Jeff

gerard · Nov 11, 2002

There's some stuff called "goop" as well as other products that come in tubes that are specifically designed as sealers without setting up. Silicone might work but getting them apart afterward may be hard.

hazmat · Nov 11, 2002

Also known as pipe dope. Ask at the local hardware store or plumbing shop.

Inspector507 · Nov 11, 2002

Around here, commonly called "pipe dope". spread it on the threads, thread everything together..........works great. It can be bought at any hardware or big box store in the plumbing section.

Jerry

DocHeb · Nov 11, 2002

I've had problems with some cheap brass fittings in the past. I gave them my usual "down tight" and they leaked. The more I tried to crank them down, the more they leaked, probably since I had deformed them. It was so bad I had to buy a replacement hose and fittings. I've learned to have a "lighter hand" with plumbing and I've had more success. I hope the pipe dope works for you.

mrcaptainbob · Nov 11, 2002

The teflon pipe dope is supposed to be God's gift to high pressure lines. I used it on some hydraulic lines and they leaked as though I used nothing. I previously tried the yellow teflon tape that's for oils and such. I went back over all the joints with the regular water-pipe-joint compound and (finally)that seemed to work. This is on a system with around 2,000 psi. THe only down side I can see with using any kind of dope on the fittings is if it get's blown through to the air driven item. Maybe using the air gun for a bit would eject any thing that would come loose.

chim · Nov 11, 2002

Try to get your hands on some Gasoila Softset or Laco Teflon Paste. They stay pliable almost forever. Stuff like the red Gasoila hardens like laquer, and is a bit more fussy.

Just be glad you're not doing stainless. That's a tape 'n paste job and still is hard to get sealed...............chim

Turfman · Nov 12, 2002

I had the same problem with a sprinkler system I installed. It had about 150 PSI at the inlet. Those valves I sealed with tape leaked. I changed them and used Rector Seal T that is a pipe dope approved for everything (including ABS). No more leaks.

With teflon tape I've been told you use three wraps around the pipe. The down side is that you are adding dimension to the pipe. With pipe dope you are only sealing the voids as you thread it into the fitting. I use a lot of teflon tape on pipe joints and buy it you the case. When I really am worried about a joint I use the Rector Seal and never have a problem. One tip is to spread it on the pipe and the coupling threads for a secure seal.

Hoeman00 · Nov 12, 2002

At work all we use is Locktite 567 PST
it seals all pipes including SS and works for
all fuels and water.
If the tooling we build has pipe tape it 'VOIDS' the
warranty on valving and controls.
The liquid sealer works great and we hardly ever
have leaks (usually bad fittings).
NAPA seals a liquid pipe sealer w/ teflon that
I used when trucking and it works very well too.
Look at the threads very close and u will see
jagged edges on them,this usually ruins the
tape when assembling.