In the June 2 issue of VeloNews Tech Talk, Lennard suggests using plumber's tape on bottom bracket bracket threads. I've used plumber's tape on the hydraulic fittings when I was installing braided brake lines on my racing motorcycles, and once when I was installing a new gas range. But both of those applications utilize pipe fittings. They're tapered so initially there's a larger space between the threads of the two elements. That space gets smaller as the fittings are tightened. In these two examples, the plumber's tape is effective in preventing the escape of a fluid and a gas. Bottom bracket threads are parallel, the space between male and female threads is literally microscopic. I can't see how you could even start the the threading with plumbers tape wrapped around the cup threads. Tell me I'm wrong and I'll try plumber's tape on my next bottom bracket installation. That'll be this weekend.
Mark Fulton
Redwood City
California
USA