How to apply Teflon tape

Applying Teflon tape to pipe threads

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• PLCompVid
• TeflonTapeApplication
• J
• Dolen
• 11
• 09EX

[ICUC007]

Yea ok, but but but

#1) there are different thicknesses of tape. 3 turns for what thickness?

#2) Why 3 turns. Is more turns actually a problem? or just a waste of tape?

#3) If I use the wide tape, ok fine. 3 turns. But what if I use 1/2 " wide...  Should I make a 50% overlap, and does an overlap count as only 1/2 a turn, , meaning I should do 6 turnsI ask cause I'm having big probs with sprinkler valves (plastic). I keep getting leaks. Am I over/under tightning?

[johndolen]

@ICUC007

This video was intended to show my students the handskill involved in applying teflon tape. Along with a copy of the video, I gave them a couple of rolls of tape so they could practice at home. It's amazing to watch them the first time they attempt to apply teflon. There's teflon spools rolling all over the floor. It's more amazing watching their deft performance after some good practice. Competence in individual tasks such as this one, leads to a quality future plumbing force.

[johndolen]

@ICUC007 Sorry I didn't answer your question. I got carried away babbling about the good work we do with young people learning a trade. My lesson involved a 1/2" blk. nipple. Logic tells me that a larger diameter thread would require wider tape or a spiraling of the tape with a 1/2 to 2/3 overlap. You didn't mention the size of the plastic pipe that you're using but, if you're having trouble sealing the threads, I would consider brushing a good quality (PVC acceptable)pipe dope over the tape

[ssgtSchmu]

That's wrong mr.dolan

[johndolen]

@ssgtSchmu

Perhaps, but my experience tells me to stand by it nonetheless

[OmnirodRJC]

Wow...Please rename this video "How not to apply teflon tape". You are supposed to start the tape back one thread to be sure you do not get any into the system. Three wraps you say? Totally depends on the pipe size and quality of the tape. The easy way to tell this is when the pipe is almost tight you should see "squirts" of the tape coming out of the threads.( 6-10 wraps of thick tape on 2 1/2" and up pipe) AND you should be using the edge of the roll to pack the tape into the threads.

[csjs123]

Thank you very much. You video is right to the point, clear and concise.

[woobusmallard]

Thanks that was helpful

[kjbaert]

plumma!!!