Vibra-Tite threadsealer

[Taso1000]

Hi All,

I have a question on the proper use of thread sealer.  I recently bought two hpa regulators from ebay but they were used for nitrogen and had the cga-677 fittings instead of scba cga-347.  So I bought 2 hand tight cga-347 fittings, a nipple and a female quick disconnect from North Shore Compressor & Machine.  I also did some research to see if there were better options than Teflon tape as a thread sealer.  I found that Vibra-Tite 444 and Primer T 612 were recommended.

The instructions on both bottles are very vague.  I am a visual learner and I also can't find any info on the internet.  I think I have to put a band of the 444, like a wedding band, parallel to the threads.  I am confused about the primer because I have read conflicting instructions online.  One thing I read is that if you use the primer you'll never be able to take the pieces apart again.  Another thing I read is that you assemble the parts with the 444 in the position you want and then apply the primer.  Common sense to me would be to put the primer on the male and female pipe threads then add the 444 to the male threads and then assemble.  Maybe that's only true of pvc!  lol

I am confused and I don't want to mess anything up.  The regulator bodies seem to be aluminum.  The fittings I bought are stainless steel and zinc plated steel.  Can anyone help me with the proper procedure or should I return the Vibra-Tite stuff and use Teflon tape?

HPA fittings were another scary subject that I have now tackled.  Look out!     I am trying to buy high quality high pressure fittings because safety is the first priority.

Thank you all in advance for your help! 

Taso

[MJP]

Basically if you use the activator based pipe joint sealers you won't be able to open it.
That goes for loctite brand that I have used. And it takes a lot of heat to release the fittings.
Safest bet is to go with teflon.

Marko

[Taso1000]

Well I went ahead and assembled the fittings using the primer and the Vibra-Tite 444 after doing more research this morning.  The primer is helpful on non reactive metals like stainless steel and aluminum.  The 444 is a no heat disassembly threadsealer.  I also removed, cleaned up and reinstalled the gauges with the primer and Vibra-Tite on the gold regulator.  The regulator looks much cleaner now!  Tomorrow, when the 24 hour cure time is up, I will pressure test the regulators.

Thanks,

Taso

[Motorhead]

Thats going to make a REALLY Nice fill station !!

[Taso1000]

Thanks Scott.  They were on ebay for $330 but had cga 677 fittings.  So like $75 to swap them out.  I really only wanted one but the seller wouldn't split them up.  Tomorrow I plan on hooking them up to see if they even work.  I'll use my hand pump's deadhead plug and see if they leak and or regulate.

I was going to buy Joe Brancatto's adapter but found these.  I figured I can be safe and not overfill and I can also run tethered and regulated for testing if I wish.

I really don't think I'll need both but you know how that goes.  I'll sell the one and then something will come up and I'll wish I hadn't.  lol

Thanks,

Taso

[Taso1000]

Both units passed my testing.  No leaks and they both regulate the output air.  Now that one gauge needs to have the liquid replaced.  I'll start a new post for that.

Thanks Everyone!

Taso