Tap spindle gland packing

[Geoff Peace]

I am restoring some old taps and I cannot buy plumbers string any more for the spindle glands. I am thinking of using cotton string soaked in either water pump grease or Castrol CL which is waterproof. Has anyone any other, preferably better, ideas please? Also the spindles are not worn, which is the usual cause of leakage at this point. All suggestions welcome.

Regards Geoff Peace.

 

[mikegas]

Roll some ptfe up or use loctite 55

 

[PlumbBobBob]

ptfe will do you for this purpose

 

[kimbo]

You can buy hemp and use a non setting compound

 

[joe brown]

wrap the packing nut with string or wicking (available at most hardware stores), Or put a thin line of plumber’s putty around the threads at the bottom of the stem assembly or just plain ptfe?.

 

[Geoff Peace]

Thankyou everyone for your replies. I have now bought some loctite 55 and will try that. I really will have to try and join the 21st. century! I have not thrown away my hemp and Templars compound yet, just in case!
Regards Geoff Peace.

 

[Guest123]

Loctite 55 every time.

 

[samh]

I swear by PTFE for this, not had a problem with one I've done yet (touch wood!)

 

[Timbob]

Another vote for Loctite 55.

 

[Phil]

I have a roll of Loctite 55 but I never seem to use it, I always reach for the PTFE. How do you 'know' Loctite 55 is better and not just the same as PTFE?

 

[Guest123]

I have a roll of Loctite 55 but I never seem to use it, I always reach for the PTFE. How do you 'know' Loctite 55 is better and not just the same as PTFE?

For me, Loctite 55 gives a tighter seal for fewer turns and I've not had a leak yet with it (touch wood). I also highly rate Fernox LSX especially for use as a jointing compound on compression olives.