I just received my new two stage propane regulator and twin pigtail(Camco) hoses with the inverted male flares.The instructions say that Teflon tape is not necessary because of the flared fitting. Looking up online, propane companies also say no tape on flared fittings, only NPT ones.Then I see some people saying you should tape the threads with yellow Teflon.What the opinion on this issue?Thanks.

Tape them if it makes you feel better. Truth is it is not needed but I won't hurt.

I have never used tape on any flared fitting. About the only reason I can think of using it, would be to prevent corrosion from seizing the threads.

Flared fittings do not seal at the threads like pipe fittings. The tape can cause a leak in the flared connection if it was to get between the mating surfaces. The tape is ment to seal and lubricate the threads in a tappered pipe fitting.

As others have said, tape especially too much, can actually cause leaks on a flared fitting. There is no reason to use it.

To tape or not to tape | Good Sam Community

drsteve
Explorer
Mar 22, 2017
No tape, no sealer, no anti-seize. Just the proper amount of torque.
Charlie_D_
Explorer
Mar 22, 2017
Wouldn't hurt to use a tiny bit of anti-seize on the threads.
benevolus2
Explorer
Mar 21, 2017
Almot wrote:
People saying to tape flared, don't understand how flared fitting works. Like Cloud Dancer said, tape or sealant would make things worse.

I didn't understand either till I learned here. Never noticed that little seal on the female side! So only on tapered or straight threads.
Almot
Explorer III
Mar 21, 2017
People saying to tape flared, don't understand how flared fitting works. Like Cloud Dancer said, tape or sealant would make things worse.
benevolus2
Explorer
Mar 21, 2017
Well, the verdict is in : no tape. Thanks to all for your answers and expertise.
delwhjr
Explorer
Mar 21, 2017
beemerphile1 wrote:
Flared fittings do not get tape, or sealant of any sort.

X2
Cloud_Dancer
Explorer II
Mar 21, 2017
To use tape on flare fittings would be akin to wrapping o-rings with teflon tape before installing. IMO it would spoil the seal.
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 21, 2017
The pigtails have flare fittings, no tape.
The main hose to the RV is NPT, yes tape.

So do you use tape on a regulator? Yes and No.
CT_WANDERER
Explorer
Mar 21, 2017
no tape on flare fittings, it is the flare joints that are the sealing joints. If I was going to use tape on a flare fitting I would use the white tape on the threaded part, only to keep it from bonding to the mated tread joint. However make sure it is not leaking when you are done.
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 21, 2017
No tape on flares.

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