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benevolus2's avatar
benevolus2
Explorer
Mar 21, 2017

To tape or not to tape

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.

19 Replies

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  • Wild_Card's avatar
    Wild_Card
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2017
    no tape on flared fittings. the thread is not the seal and you could hinder the seal of the flare.
  • Cobra21's avatar
    Cobra21
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2017
    Don't use the tape, not for flared fittings. Do make sure you soap test once installed.
    Brian
  • fpresto's avatar
    fpresto
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2017
    As others have said, tape especially too much, can actually cause leaks on a flared fitting. There is no reason to use it.
  • eHoefler's avatar
    eHoefler
    Explorer II
    Mar 21, 2017
    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.
  • Tom_M1's avatar
    Tom_M1
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2017
    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.

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