Seal Tape, Teflon Tape, Plumbers Tape? It's all PTFE Tape!

PTFE is an abbreviation for polytetrafluoroethylene tape. Polytetrafluoroethylene is the substance used to make adhesive tape. In some cases, retailers may refer to PTFE tape as plumber’s tape, thread seal tape, or Teflon tape.

Keep in mind that Teflon is a specific brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene. Teflon produces the polytetrafluoroethylene but not the tape itself. Instead, tape manufacturers purchase and repurpose the substance into their adhesive products. Teflon also has other uses, including in nonstick cookware.

PTFE tape is popular among plumbers, mechanics, and electricians because of a few key benefits. PTFE tape offers:

A nonstick surface so that other materials don’t get caught or stuck on the tape
Shock absorption
A strong, tight fit to keep important projects secure
Resistance to high temperatures helps keep it from warping or tearing

Different Types of PTFE Tape

PTFE “Plumbers” Tape

The most common application for PTFE tape is sealing threads on plumbing pipes. Hence, its common name is plumbers' tape. Apply the pipe sealing tape before screwing the pipe threads together. Doing this decreases the risk of threads getting stuck together. PTFE tape offers lubrication and a smooth, nonstick surface as a buffer between threads.

PTFE tape makes pipe assembly go smoother, and it’s easy to use. Still, there is a correct way to apply PTFE tape; if you do it incorrectly, you may not get the desired results. When wrapping tape around pipe threads, do so in the direction you’ll turn the pipe. This ensures that the action of tightening a pipe helps the tape to stay secure. Otherwise, the end of the tape may get caught during tightening. This can make the tape unravel or get stuck in wads.

PTFE tape usage isn’t limited to plumbing pipes. It provides similar results to anything with threads being screwed together. Keep in mind that while PTFE tape works for both metal and plastic pipes, it has limitations. Gas pipes require PTFE tape graded to meet the requirements for gas lines.

Pipe Thread Seal Tape 4 Mil (8604A)

The 4-mil thick pipe thread seal tape by Alanson Products is the standard PTFE plumbers tape carried by Tape Jungle. It is a white film tape in a blue plastic spool. It lubricates joints, making for an easy, smooth connection that won’t leak. The tape has good strength that won’t easily tear unless stretched beyond 30% of its size. The sizes available at Tape Jungle are 1/2”, 3/4” or 1” by 260”, 530”, or 1296”.

The following are properties of the pipe thread seal tape:

Thickness: 4.1 mils
Width options: 1/2”, 3/4”, 1”
Tensile strength: 9.9 N/m² (Newtons per square meter)
Elongation: 30%
Density: 0.31 gm/cm³

Note: If you are connecting gas pipes, use a special yellow PTFE tape for gas connections. The above tape is for water connections.

How To Install PTFE Tape

Installing plumbers' tape is easy once you get the hang of it, but be careful to install it properly or your pipe threads may not be properly sealed. The Teflon material also lubricates the threads to ensure a smooth connection and tight seal to the point where the liquid should never leak onto the threads. If you install it incorrectly — by installing it backward, which is a common mistake — the threads will not be lubricated, and the tape may bunch up, resulting in a leaky connection.

The following instructions are the same for any type of thread, from plastic to copper, brass, steel, or other material. Use tape only without pipe dope compound, which can overload the threads. Since the tape primarily serves as a lubricant to tighten the pipes, you don't need to uninstall and replace it.

Take these steps to apply PTFE pipe thread tape:

Clean the pipe threads and the connecting piece of all debris, dirt, oil, grease, or previous thread tape.
Notice the direction the pipe is turning as it tightens into the fitting. The turning of the pipe should tighten the tape. The pipe tape should be installed in theoppositedirection of the turn. If the pipe is facing you, wrap the tape in a clockwise direction.
Take the end of the tape from the spool and connect the end to the second thread of the pipe. Keep the tape flat against the pipe without bunching it up.
Wrap the tape tightly around the threads in a clockwise direction.
Continue wrapping down the threads, overlapping the tape with each full rotation.
Wrap the tape for three rotations.
Rip the end of the tape and push it against the pipe, smoothing it out.
Attach the pipe to the fitting.

PTFE Tapes from Tape Jungle.

Coated Glass Fiber Tape

Coated glass fiber tape is similar to standard PTFE tape but with one key difference. There is a layer of fiberglass threads between the adhesive and the PTFE coating. These threads have a high-temperature silicone adhesive coating that helps provide insulation.

Coated glass fabric tape is primarily used for:

Heat sealing bars
Chute liners and gaskets
Bearing surfaces
Tabletop covers
Guide rails
Roll covers

Other common uses for PTFE tape include:

Sealing kitchen sink leaks
Pipe-to-coupling connections
Pipe-to-valve connections
Shower arms and shower heads
Temporary vehicle fixes
Threaded tub spouts

PTFE tape is known for withstanding abrasiveness and heat in fuel. Because of this, many mechanics use it to seal fuel lines or lubricate joints.

Tape Jungle carries several coated glass fiber tape options, each with different thicknesses and physical properties, such as breaking strength, elongation, and electrical voltage-withstanding capabilities. Any of the following tapes can be used as electrical insulation and for heat-sealing equipment, such as gaskets, liners, and chutes.

PTFE Coated Glass Fabric Tape 3 Mil (78103)

PTFE coated glass fabric tape (78103) is the 3-mil thick coated glass fabric tape option. Available widths are 1/2” to 3”.

Properties:

Backing thickness: 2.8 mils
Total thickness: 0.005”
Peel strength: 43 oz/inch
Breaking strength: 100 lbs/inch (wrap), 70 lbs/inch (fill)
Elongation: 3.4% (warp), 2% (fill)
Electrical strength: 5,100 volts

PTFE Coated Glass Fabric Tape 5 Mil (78105)

PTFE coated glass fabric tape (78105) is 5 mils thick. Available widths are 1/2” to 25.5”.

Properties:

Backing thickness: 4.6 mils
Total thickness: 0.0068”
Peel strength: 36 oz/inch
Breaking strength: 135 lbs/inch (wrap), 120 lbs/inch (fill)
Elongation: 2.9% (warp), 3.2% (fill)
Electrical strength: 6,100 volts

PTFE Coated Glass Fabric Tape 6 Mil (78106)

PTFE coated glass fabric tape (78106) is 6 mils thick. Available widths are 1/2” to 3”.

Properties:

Backing thickness: 5.4 mils
Total thickness: 0.0084”
Peel strength: 40 oz/inch
Breaking strength: 150 lbs/inch (wrap), 140 lbs/inch (fill)
Elongation: 3% (warp), 4% (fill)
Electrical strength: 6,500 volts

PTFE Coated Glass Fabric Tape 10 Mil (78110)

PTFE coated glass fabric tape (78110) is the thickest of the glass fabric tape options, at 10 mils thick. Available widths are 1/2” to 3”.

Properties:

Backing thickness: 9.1 mils
Total thickness: 0.0121”
Peel strength: 60 oz/inch
Breaking strength: 290 lbs/inch (warp), 180 lbs/inch (fill)
Elongation: 4% (warp), 3.4% (fill)
Electrical strength: 9,000 volts

Coated Glass Fabric Tape from Tape Jungle.

Skived PTFE Tape

The term “skived” means that the tape was sliced from a large block of material to produce one long and thin material — in this case, the PTFE tape. This type of PTFE tape is typically used in electrical applications, such as wrapping transformers and coils, where good electrical insulation and heat resistance are required.

It can also be used to heat seal mechanical parts like chutes, bearings, rails, bars, and more. Tape Jungle carries three skived PTFE tape options, each with a differing thickness and other properties.

Skived PTFE Tapes 2 Mil (80204)

Skived PTFE tape (80204) is the 2-mil thick option. Widths available are 1/4” to 3”.

Properties:

Backing thickness: 2 mils
Total thickness: 3.5 mils”
Adhesion: 25 oz/inch
Breaking strength: 30 lbs/inch
Elongation: 100%
Dielectric strength: 8,000 volts

Skived PTFE Tapes 5 Mil (80504)

Skived PTFE tape (80504) is the 5-mil thick option. Widths available are 1/4” to 3”.

Properties:

Backing thickness: 5 mils
Total thickness: 17.2 mils
Adhesion: 30 oz/inch
Breaking strength: 15 lbs/inch
Elongation: 200%
Dielectric strength: 12,000 volts

Skived PTFE Tapes 10 Mil (80510)

Skived PTFE tape (80510) is the 10-mil thick option. Widths available are 1/4” to 3”.

Properties:

Backing thickness: 10 mils
Total thickness: 11.5 mils
Adhesion: 55 oz/inch
Breaking strength: 60 lbs/inch
Elongation: 300%
Dielectric strength: 20,000 volts

UHMW Polyethylene Tape

Ultra High Molecular Weight UHMW Polyethylene Tape (749XX) is a good alternative to Teflon tape. It is a polyethylene tape that can be used when high-temperature resistance is not required. Thicknesses available are 3 mils, 5 mils, 10 mils, 15 mils, and 20 mils, with standard widths ranging from 1/2” to 27”. Custom widths are also available.

Properties:

Max operating temperature: 300°F
Elongation: 300%
Colors: Natural, transparent

PFTE Tape at Tape Jungle

If you need PTFE tape for your home or business projects, Tape Jungle has many options to fit your needs.

But remember, not all PTFE tape is created equal. First, choose the specific PTFE tape you need based on the product use description. Then, select a width and length.