Perhaps I am being obtuse, but why would anyone want to use plumbers' tape on bottom bracket threads. Plumbers' tape is for stopping leaks throu gh threads: bottom brackets don't leak through the threads. If it is an attempt to stop the cups seizing, there are purpose-made compounds that will do the job better. If it is an attempt to fill the gap in sloppy threads, I would have thought that some hardening thread compounds would d o that job better too, pending a proper repair job on the bracket.
Hugh Thornton
Cheshire, England
From: Mark Fulton <markfulton5@mac.com> Subject: [CR]Have any of you actually tried plumber's tape? To: "CR List" <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Date: Wednesday, 16 July, 2008, 8:30 AM
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
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