The Art of Connecting Stainless Steel Fittings and Nipples

The Art of Connecting Stainless Steel Fittings and Nipples

As the components of a piping system that join the sections of pipe together, no plumbing system would be complete without the proper fitting to bring it to life – and stainless steel fittings and nipples can be the ideal fit. Not only is this material corrosion resistant but stainless steel is also known for its durability, strength-to-weight advantage, and aesthetic appeal. However, the trick to getting such quality results starts with the techniques utilized upon connection.

When connecting one stainless steel part to another stainless steel part that will require future disassembly, a thread sealant that is designed for stainless steel must be used. Due to the fact that this material galls (binds) easily, the application of the incorrect sealant can make the connection next to impossible to disassemble. In addition, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tape should be wrapped with the thread, with the process shown to the left.

Stainless steel is much harder than standard brass because of the elimination of the lead. Therefore, the sealing process is different. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Apply gray PTFE tape with nickel to the male threads of the fitting
2. Apply a quality pipe thread on top of the PTFE tape
3. Thread the two pieces together and hand tighten plus one half to one full turn at the most. Do not overtighten as it will cause a leak. The more you tighten, the more it will leak. If overtightened a lot, you may not be able to use the fittings again.
   • If there is a leak, it may be necessary to add more thread sealant or a second layer of gray PTFE tape with nickel

While commonly found in many industrial, architectural, chemical, and consumer applications, stainless steel fittings have been a popular choice for over half a century. To learn even more about the topic, enroll in our ‘Techniques for Connecting Stainless Steel Fittings and Nipples’ AYU course, call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-292-2737, or fill out a contact form on AYMcDonald.com.