PTFE Tape

PTFE Pipe Thread Seal Tape

PTFE plumbers tape is also referred to as “Teflon Tape.” Teflon is a trademarked brand, and the Teflon material is chemically and functionally identical to PTFE. However, the Teflon trademark holder no longer manufactures any products in tape form.

There is no such thing as Teflon-branded thread sealing tape in today’s market. However, many people continue to use the Teflon brand name to refer to generic PTFE tape.

Unlike the discontinued Teflon thread sealing tape, PTFE tape is widely available. We use both names because it is commonly known by both. Generic PTFE tape has the same chemical and physical properties as the discontinued tape, so using one over the other should not impact your project.

Please contact usif you have specific questions on Tape Jungle PTFE tape.

PTFE Tape

How does PTFE tape work? PTFE is a film tapecommonly used in plumbing for sealing pipe threads. The tape’s natural lubricating nature works with the threads on a pipe joint. The threads don’t have to fight as much friction to sit deeply together, creating a tighter seal and fewer leaks.

The thread seal tape also helps prevent the threads from seizing when the joint is unscrewed. The lubrication helps reduce friction upon unscrewing, so pipes can be easily removed. It also helps prevent corrosion, making disassembly and reassembly easier.

PTFE Tape: Coated Glass Fabric

Not all PTFE tape is intended for plumbing use. Coated glass fabric PTFE tape is different from pipe thread seal tape (plumber’s tape). This fiberglass cloth consists of warp and fill yarns coated with a high-temperature silicone adhesive and includes PTFE for lubrication and nonstick properties.

Coated glass fabric tape has excellent electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties for many uses. It’s designed to last for long periods despite high temperatures. As a result, coated glass fabric PTFE tape is used as a primary insulation in a variety of situations, such as:

• Electrical equipment
• Heat sealing bars
• Chute liners
• Gaskets
• Bearing surfaces
• Tabletop covers
• Guide rails
• Roll covers

High-quality PTFE coated glass fabric tape has an electrical strength of 6100 total volts. It should also have a breaking strength of 135 pounds per inch on the warp and 120 pounds per inch on the fill. This allows it to stand up to heavy use in industrial settings.

Teflon Tape Applications

You can use Teflon tape in a wide variety of situations, including on all standard metal pipe materials as well as rigid plastic pipes. You can even use some plumber’s tape on certain gas pipe connections. You’ll need a special plumber’s tape, typically colored yellow, rated for gas lines. This PTFE tape is treated specifically to prevent gas leaks.

Some of the more common places we’ve seen plumber’s tape used include:

• Shower arms
• Showerheads
• Threaded tub spouts
• Kitchen sink leaks
• Pipe-to-coupling connections
• Pipe-to-valve connections
• Temporary fixes for vehicles

Another common variety of PTFE tape is Pure Skived PTFE. With a high-temperature silicone adhesive, it is used in electrical applications such as:

• Harness/coil wraps and separators
• Transformers
• Slot liners

You can use Pure Skived PTFE whenever good insulation and heat resistance are required. Similarly, Pure Skived PTFE tape provides excellent lubricity and maximum slip for mechanical environments with high temperatures, such as:

• Heat sealing bars and jaws
• Labeling machine pressure pads
• Chute liners
• Antifriction devices
• Bearings
• Forming dies
• Aircraft mold release
• Guide rails

The skived tape’s high elongation permits tight wrapping, which allows it to conform to sharp bends and irregular surfaces. No matter what shape or irregular surface you need to insulate or add a nonslip surface to, skived PTFE tape is an excellent solution.

Questions About PTFE Tape

A common question is whether PTFE tape oil-resistant qualities are strong enough to withstand heavy use. The answer is yes, they are. PTFE tape is oil and petrol-resistant due to its notable chemical inertness. That’s why it’s commonly used to seal and lubricate joints around fuel lines in automotive applications.

Another frequently asked question is how to use Teflon tape properly. Plumbers tape is very easy to use, making it one of the easiest ways to improve a plumbing project. However, there’s a right and wrong wayto apply it. How do you apply Teflon tape correctly? The trick to getting plumber’s tape right is to wrap it around the pipe in the proper direction. The friction of the pipe turning could unravel or ball up the tape, so wrap the tape in the opposite direction as the threads twist. Start at the open end of the pipe and move away from the opening so the tape partially covers where you started.

This will help the tape settle further into the threads. When the pipe is turned, the friction of the mating threads should tighten the tape around the pipe rather than work against it. Each twist will help make a tighter seal.

Note that by applying the tape this way, the tape will most likely come off when you remove the pipe later. This is not a problem since you should replace the Teflon tape whenever you refit a plumbing joint. The unscrewing action will catch the end of the tape and help loosen it so you can remove it and replace it cleanly.

Work With Tape Jungle To Supply All Your Tape Needs

Whether you’re looking for simple Teflon tape, PTFE glass-coated fabric tape, or pure skived tape, look no further than Tape Jungle. Tape Jungle provides the tapes you need no matter your industry. Why is Tape Jungle the perfect tape superstore for your needs? Because we offer benefits such as:

• Wide variety: Tape Jungle offers more than 300 tapes and other packaging supplies, from plumber’s tape to aeronautical tape to scrapbooking supplies. Regardless of what kind of tape you need, you’re sure to find something that suits your requirements.
• Custom tape orders: If you can’t find the specific length or width online, Tape Jungle is prepared to fill custom orders. You can specify the length or width you want, up to 59 inches wide and as long as you need. You can contact usfor custom orders at any time.
• No minimum order: There’s no need to order in bulk if you need only one roll. Tape Jungle offers many products by roll or subpack. There’s no minimum order, so you can order just what you need without wasting money.
• Fast shipping: Ninety-five percent of orders ship within two business days. Even specialized products can usually be shipped in three business days or fewer. You’ll get your tape when you need it.
• More than 20 years of experience: Tape Jungle has been in a top tape superstore for over 20 years, supplying tapes and packaging supplies to the U.S., Canada, and internationally. With that much experience, Tape Jungle will ensure your order is fulfilled on time and to your specifications.

Get the PTFE Tape You Need Today

PTFE tape is an invaluable resource for any business working in plumbing or ductwork. Having the right PTFE tape on hand ensures that your projects are on time and without leaks. Get the PTFE tape, Pure Skived tape, or PTFE glass tapeyou need today from Tape Jungle.