Teflon tape for grease gun?

paulharvey · Oct 17, 2013

I blew apart the grease hose on my new to me(ancient, from scrap pile) grease gun. I picked up a cheap replacement hose at HF. Should I use Teflon tape? Old one didn't.

Also grabbed new 1/4" quick connect for air hose, old one was on with no tape, just a thread sealant, probably should tape right.

I've heard of using electric tape instead, and have done so in a pinch, but didn't care for the sticky mess when I changed fitting later.

Only asking cause my 7 yr old son seams to have stolen/misplaced my Teflon tape.

I worked as a plumbers helper many years ago, and did a galvanized steel shop air system at a bus barn, I seem to remember using tape and dope on each connection.

Gary Fowler · Oct 17, 2013

I use Teflon tape on fittings all the time, you just have to put it on correctly and not leave any of the tape over the end of the fitting. For a grease gun, you could pretty well do without anything on it and it will seal. I have to remove the fitting from my pneumatic gun to expose the check valve every time I put in a new cartridge to get it to pump out the air and I just screw it back together without any thread sealant and it doesn't leak.

Soundguy · Oct 17, 2013

i agree.. it's a taper thread issue and will likely seal without it. in doubt.. use dope or a lil tape wrapped correctly.

this is a for sure non critical application that if done wrong.. can be corrected with no loss that a paper towel won't correct.

paulharvey · Oct 17, 2013

Soundguy said:
i agree.. it's a taper thread issue and will likely seal without it. in doubt.. use dope or a lil tape wrapped correctly.

this is a for sure non critical application that if done wrong.. can be corrected with no loss that a paper towel won't correct.

True, guess I was just trying to avoid stopping at Advanced Auto on way home tonight.

Soundguy · Oct 17, 2013

any pipe dope just about would work ( not glue ). caulk would too probably.. so would chewing gum. all you are doiung is making up minute space between thread root and point in a taper fitting that deforms pretty good anyway .. plus you are pushing grease not oil aor air.. so leaks are less likely anyway.

gasket sealent.. permatex.. rtv. any of that stuff will work if it will save you a trip.. etc..

paulharvey · Oct 17, 2013

Soundguy said:
any pipe dope just about would work ( not glue ). caulk would too probably.. so would chewing gum. all you are doiung is making up minute space between thread root and point in a taper fitting that deforms pretty good anyway .. plus you are pushing grease not oil aor air.. so leaks are less likely anyway.

gasket sealent.. permatex.. rtv. any of that stuff will work if it will save you a trip.. etc..

Will probably use RTV. After all I dont plan to remove it any time soon.