Thread: Teflon/plumber's tape or grease?

I tried the stuff with the holes in it but it ruined my BB cups and shell... The teflon works much better and won't cut you either ;)

Nah, no support needed. It's just internet protocol. After all, if we all knew how to work on our bikes satisfactorily, would we be posing beginner questions or advice to others on the 'net? Of course not, but everyone is an expert (including me). And a disclaimer- I don't work at a shop anymore, much less own one, but I guarantee that my builds and repairs are at the level of the most elite shops (or however my new friend...

Quote: Originally Posted by Pancho's Balls I'm the noob? Really? The last time I was in the "dozens" of bottom bracket installations, Clinton was in his first term in office, and OJ was being driven around in his white Ford Bronco (I remember it, as I was watching in on my day off from the bike shop). Ahhh, there's the problem, too old school. Since then, all the hip kids are using teflon tape! Q. Why did the plumber...

Wow, I really didn't expect such a lively response to this question. Based on numbers, it seems teflon tape is safe to use, so I think we can let this debate end now. Thanks again for your advice!

Quote: Originally Posted by Marc This thread needs boobies at this point. Don't we all.

Wouldn't be complete without one of these

that was awsome, man

Quote: Originally Posted by Coolhand Tone it down you two. Don't make me pull this car over. . . . Here ya go Coolio

Plumbers tape is used to make a tapered thread fitting watertight. Without it, it's harder to tighten sufficiently, and even if you do, some water will be forced out the (fairly coarse) threads when the system is pressurized. I've heard old-time plumbers (before teflon tape and pipe dope) used to lay a waxed thread in the grooves of the pipe threads to do the same thing. A BB isn't tapered and the fitting doesn't need to...

Tone it down you two. Don't make me pull this car over. . . .