Introduction
An anti-seized compound is usually smeared over the fasteners. It helps in preventing threads from the damage. It is very useful when dissimilar metals are involved in making of the threads. Anti-seized compounds act as a vital tool for people who live in areas where corrosion is a major problem as it protects the threads from contamination. However, it is important to note that anti-seized compounds can cause more damage than prevention, if used in an improper way.
Tips:
The below mentioned tips can guide the proper way of using it by stating the dos and don’ts.
- Spare use of anti- seize: Anti-seize compounds are mainly used as coating on threads to prevent the substance from corrosion. It also acts as an adhesive between the fastener and the thread. If this anti-seize is applied in a large quantity, it attracts debris. Debris contaminates the thread and makes it difficult for the fastener to be removed cleanly. It’s a complete waste to anti-seize more than its necessity. Instead of protecting the threads, excessive use of anti-seize damages it and also leads to waste of the products.
- Reduction of Torque value up to 25-30%: Torque ratings on fasteners plays an important role as they are based on their target clamping force whereas anti-seize plays the role of lubricant. Those lubricating properties of anti-seize, helps in decreasing the torque value due to which required clamping force can be obtained. This process is called torque multiplier. People usually tend to forget this process but if anti-seize is used without decreasing torque value, it may scrape the threads or expand the bolts. To know more about the exact value and measurements of the torque value, one should consult the manufacturers.
- Application of correct anti-seize: Ubiquitous tub of anti-seize made by Permatex is very famous as it is stable up to 1600F. But Copper anti-seize made by LIQUI MOLY is also sold by us. It is known as LM 508 and is stable up to 2012F. Apart from its application another plus point of copper anti-seize is that it posses electrical conductivity. Compound based on nickel are also available. They are specifically designed to keep fasteners free from copper contamination. Even silver tub anti-seize contains some amount of copper.
- In which situations anti-seize should not be used: Anti-seize compounds acts as a brilliant solution for stubborn fasteners or as a perfect repair to spoiled fasteners but it should be used for some of the applications. Use of anti-seize should be avoided in the installation of fasteners when the fasteners are already damaged. Instead, repairing and re-tapping of the threads can be more useful. Anti-seize should not be used on blushing press or any mechanical assembly of calliper slide pins or threads as they require a lubricant. Also, use of anti-seize should be avoided on the exposed compound as it would attracts contaminants and would lead to thread damage. The two most frequently ask ed questions are whether it is necessary to use anti-seize on spark plugs and lung nuts? Well, answer to both the questions is no. Moreover, it can cause damage to both of them on being used.
- In which situations anti-seize can be used: It is good to use anti-seize when dissimilar metals are involved or when the threads get an exposure to corrosive effects. It should also be used when corrosion leads to acceleration in high-heat and on the fasteners that are need to be removed quickly. While using anti-seize in those situations, it is important to note that it should be used between the threads and fastener only. Use of anti-seize on exposed threads leads to high chance of contamination and damage upon removal.
- Cleaning of extra anti-seize after joining: It is necessary remove the extra anti-seize after installation of the fasteners. Anti-seize should be applied only at the area where the two materials meet of the fasteners or under the head or the threads. It is also suggestable to clean the exposed thread too for better application.
Take away
These are the few tips to make the proper use of the anti-seize and prevent the fasteners from contamination. We hope those tips will be effective for you. Please let us know through your valuable feedback and the suggestion in the drop box.