Liquid PTFE

[Roger Mills]

In a recent thread, the consensus seemed to be that liquid PTFE was superior to tape for sealing (for example) the threads on radiator tails. It is also quite a lot more expensive!

Can I ask those who use the liquid where you normally get it, and in what quantities?

How much do I need for 10 radiators (20 tails)?

I see that Screwfix sell 50 ml for about a tenner (a bit cheaper at Toolstation) or you can get 250 ml from Plumb Center for about £19 + VAT. What is its shelf life, once opened?

[Also, can anyone tell me where I can get a 1/2"BSP tap (as in tap and die!) to clean up the threads in my rads prior to fitting new valves?]

[wattie]

Try here

[Roger Mills]

[John Stumbles]

I use the 'True Blue' stuff (not to be confused with Loo Bloo :-)) in tubes, from Toolstation. It's better than tape if the rad's threads are a bit tight or rough and would tear up tape or stop it going in on the tail, but for nicely machined threads there's not much in it: tape's more fiddly, liquid more messy. The cost isn't enough to be significant compared to the costs of other materials involved.

One tube.

Dunno but I could do with one: had to send a towel rad back the other day because the threads were so poorly formed.

[fred]

Or if you have an RS trade counter nearby, Dow Corning Plumba Thread, stock code 423-6950 5.35 + vat