Introduction

Anti-seize compounds or grease are made up of copper compounds and are often applied to fasteners. This anti-seize prevents those fasteners’ thread from damaging, especially when there is an involvement of dissimilar metals in the process. Anti-seize is also considered an invaluable tool for preventing the thread from corrosion and contamination in areas where corrosion is a major issue.

Types of Anti-Seize Compounds

Copper is the most common component of anti-seize compounds but it is often mixed with different other materials. For example, copper is mixed with graphite to provide all-over protection to the application. Another product such as Cop plates have copper as their main component which helps them in promoting electrical conductivity. As copper components possess the ability to bear temperature up to 1800° C, it can’t be used for high-temperature anti-seize which exceeds 2000° C. Apart from copper-based anti-seize, aluminum-based and nickel-based anti-seize are also available in the market. Aluminum-based anti-seize are used for metal-on-metal parts whereas nickel-based anti-seize is used to protect the parts from high temperatures and corrosive environment.

How Anti-Seize Works

All kinds of anti-seize work similarly even though they have different formulations. The basic functions of all the anti-seize are coating surfaces with fine particles, reducing the friction and preventing the parts from corrosion. Anti-seize should be chosen correctly according to the working temperature and application method suitable for the project.

Methods of Applying the Anti-Seize

Anti-seize can be applied as lubricants in following ways:

• Spray-On Compounds: This method can be used for metals that are difficult to reach and are subject to high temperatures.
• Squeeze Tubes: This method can be used on small parts to apply the lubricants with precision.
• Brush Tubs: This method can be used to apply the lubricants on larger parts of the machine.

6 Major Tips to Use Anti-Seize Correctly

Though anti-seize is an essential tool, the incorrect use of anti-seize can damage the parts of the machine rather than preventing them. Below stated are the 6 main tips about how to use an anti-seize correctly:

• Spare Use of Anti-Seize: The main function of anti-seize is coating of the threads and preventing them from corrosion. It also prevents the adhesion between the thread and the fasteners. If this anti-seize is applied in extra quantity, the threads can attract debris and contaminate it. It will also restrict the fasteners from being removed smoothly. It is proven that using excessive anti-seize does not help in more protection from corrosion, instead it is simply wasted.
• Reduction of Torque Values: This step is often forgotten but is extremely important while using anti-seize. The torque ratings present on fasteners are based on their individual target clamping force. As anti-seize is used as a lubricant, it automatically decreases the required torque value and helps in achieving the targeted clamping force. This process is known as torque multiplier. If the anti-seize is applied without decreasing this torque value, it can strip the threads or stretch the bolts in difficult situations.
• Using the Correct Type of Anti-Seize for the Application: The anti-seize should be chosen correctly according to the application. For example, copper anti-seize provides electrical conductivity to the application. Nickel-based anti-seize provides protection to fasteners from copper contamination. Even silver-based anti-seize also contains some amount of copper despite not being copper-based.
• When not to Use Anti-Seize: Anti-seize may look like a shortcut to repair damages of fasteners, however, it should not be used for certain applications. For example, anti-seize should not be applied on the fasteners if the thread is damaged or cross-threaded. If the thread or caliper sides are not requiring any kind of lubrication during the mechanical assembly, anti-seize should not be applied on them. Also, anti-seize should not be applied on already exposed threads as it can be contaminated and damage the thread after the removal of fasteners. Anti-seize should not be used in appliances such as spark plugs or lug nuts as it can damage both the applications.
• When to Use Anti-Seize: Anti-seize should be applied in certain scenarios. Those situations can be when there is involvement of dissimilar metals, when the threads may be exposed to corrosive environment, where high-heat may lead to corrosion and when fasteners are removed frequently. Anti-seize should be applied between the threads and fasteners in all those situations.
• Cleaning of Excessive Anti-Seize: It is important to clean the excessive anti-seize after the assembly and installation of fasteners as the extra anti-seize can contaminate and damage the threads. Anti-seize should be only applied to the part of fasteners where two materials meet. These places are under the head of the fastener and in the threads. It is also advisable to clean the exposed thread too.

Storing the Anti-Seize Properly

It is important to store the anti-seize properly to protect the lifespan of the product and one’s personal safety. Anti-seize should be kept away from flames, heat and oxidizers. Some of common oxidizers that can be harmful for anti-seize are nitrates, hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite compounds. Those chemicals are usually used in household cleaning products and fertilizers. Thus, anti-seize compounds should be kept away from such products.

Take AwayThis is the brief explanation about anti-seize compounds, its types, working process and methods of application. There is also a brief explanation about 6 basic tips while using anti-seize compounds and ways of storing them. We hope this information will be effective for you. Please let us know through your valuable feedback and the suggestion in the drop box.