First time soldering, can this be trusted?

[Tuttles Revenge]

just what is the wives tale of using Dope over tape?

There is no advantage to it.. Either tape or dope works fine. Doing both works fine. But there are no manufactures that recommend both until you get to 2" threads.

 

[JohnCT]

But there are no manufactures that recommend both until you get to 2" threads.

I think that's changing now. Beckett/Firomatic is now recommending both tape and dope be used on their valves under 1".

I've been doing this recently wrapping the tape down first, then a light coat of dope.

John

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Slomoola]

When I use teflon tape, no matter the wrapped direction, and yes wound the right way is better, I get tape movement WHEN tightening the fitting. And the more you wrap on the worse that condition gets.

Dope is so much easier for me. Don't have to worry about how many turns of teflon is best and if it is really doing anything to seal.

 

[JohnCT]

When I use teflon tape, no matter the wrapped direction, and yes wound the right way is better, I get tape movement WHEN tightening the fitting.

If you're using that cheap roll that Walmart or Depot sells, that happens. But the good stuff - the thick stuff - won't move much if at all. Four or five turns of good quality brand name heavy tape won't move and it will seal.

I now put a thin schmear of dope over the top of the teflon because some manufacturers are now recommending using both, maybe since more Chinese threaded pipe is around?

John