how to make a smoking pipe out of brass fittings

That being said, most experienced technicians usually advise coupling pipe dope with metal fittings and Teflon tape on plastics. To avoid this, you must wrap the tape by following the thread (clockwork). This way you risk the breaking down of the tape over time, as the tape is most likely made out of small threads. On the other hand, even tape requires some level of skill – you can’t just simply wrap it around the end of the pipe. On the other hand, the old-school pipe dope is more of something you would find in a toolbox of a regular plumber, mechanic, or a DIY-er.Įven though most of the users are swearing in the simplicity of its use, those who are less experienced are also less likely to make a mess using sealant tape. We can see the Teflon tape is not really an adhesive, it is more of a lubricant that binds the threaded ends by holding onto the threads and creating a barrier that in turn seals and prevents leakage. It is apparent that the main difference between these two sealants is the way in which they operate, which is determined by their own components. What allows this dope to support the pipe mechanism is simply its chemical composition.

It seals and prevents leakage by drying into the applied area and connecting threaded ends. This means that it’s pretty easy to find and most likely also inexpensive. This type of sealant is the older one on the market and is fairly popular among plumbers and other similar technicians. You simply apply it to the threaded ends of the pipes you are planning to connect, and you do so by brush, or by some other tool like a spatula (personal choice). Different terms also used for this adhesive are ‘PVC glue’ or ‘pipe glue’. What is Pipe Dope?Ī pipe dope, on the other hand, is essentially a sticky compound in a can that is applied using a brush. It does so by serving as a lubricant between the threaded pipes, which allows them to stick to each other more easily by simultaneously achieving the non-leakage effect. Not to bring any confusion in, because even with the missing sticky feature, the Teflon tape still provides an effective seal to some of the pipes in a specific way it works. This sealant is basically a tape, and more so a non-adhesive one. First, we have the Teflon tape, also called the ‘pipe thread sealant tape’ or simply ‘plumber’s tape’. Pipe dope vs Teflon tape: Differences at First GlanceĪt a first glance, there are some noticeable differences between these two types of sealants. To save you some time for making this decision, we did the research for you.Ĭontinue reading to easily find out which one is the right fit for your situation. We are sure you heard or read different discussions on this topic time and time again, and this can create some confusion next time you have to decide which type of seal to use in your home.ĭeciding whether pipe dope vs Teflon tape is the best type of sealant to use usually depends on the material you plan to work on, and sometimes even on the individual needs and preferences. Without the right knowledge of these types of sealants and their usage, you can face some serious damage such as water leakage, and that is what you want to avoid. Truth be told – both create the liquid tightness in-between the threads when used properly.

Pipe dope vs Teflon tape – how do you know whether it is smarter to use one or the other?

How to make a smoking pipe out of brass fittings