Sealing

About Sealing

Professional sealing products are essential for creating reliable, leak-proof connections across countless applications in engineering, plumbing, automotive, and industrial maintenance. Whether you're working with hydraulic systems, pipework, gaskets, or pneumatic fittings, having the right sealant ensures integrity, prevents costly leaks, and maintains system pressure. The sealing range at Tooled-Up.com includes specialist formulations designed for specific applications, from high-temperature gasket sealants to fast-curing pipe thread sealants and flexible anaerobic solutions that cure in the absence of air.

Modern sealing compounds have evolved far beyond traditional methods, offering superior performance, chemical resistance, and reliability. Anaerobic sealants, for instance, remain liquid until confined between metal surfaces, then cure to form a tough, solvent-resistant seal that can withstand extreme pressures and temperatures. From instant low-pressure gasket sealants to slow-cure formulations for large diameter pipework, each product is engineered for specific operating conditions, substrate materials, and cure times to match the demands of professional tradespeople.

Leading brands like Bondloc, Sealey, and Araldite offer proven solutions trusted across UK workshops, factories, and building sites. Whether you're sealing hydraulic components, repairing metal parts with epoxy putty, or replacing traditional PTFE tape with advanced thread sealants, choosing the correct product for your application ensures long-lasting, dependable results that meet the rigorous demands of professional use.

Jargon Buster

• Anaerobic Sealant: A specialist adhesive that cures in the absence of air when confined between close-fitting metal surfaces. Remains liquid in the bottle but hardens to form a strong, leak-proof seal on threaded pipes and flanges.
• Gasket Sealant: A compound applied between two mating surfaces to fill imperfections and create a pressure-tight seal. Available in different formulations for various temperature ranges and chemical exposures.
• Thread Sealant: A product specifically designed to seal threaded pipe connections, preventing leaks in plumbing, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. Modern alternatives to traditional PTFE tape offer faster curing and higher pressure ratings.
• Cure Time: The period required for a sealant to fully harden and achieve its maximum strength and sealing capability. Can range from minutes for fast-cure products to 24 hours or more for slow-cure formulations.
• High-Temperature Sealant: Formulations capable of maintaining their sealing properties at elevated temperatures, essential for exhaust systems, engine components, and industrial applications where standard sealants would fail.
• PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): A synthetic fluoropolymer used in thread sealing applications. Modern liquid PTFE sealants combine this material with resins for superior sealing performance compared to tape.

Who Uses Sealing?

Professional sealing products are indispensable across numerous trades and industries:

• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: For sealing pipe threads, radiator connections, and central heating systems
• Automotive Mechanics and Vehicle Technicians: Sealing engine components, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, and exhaust assemblies
• Plant and Maintenance Engineers: Maintaining industrial machinery, hydraulic equipment, and pneumatic systems
• Agricultural Engineers: Repairing and maintaining farm machinery, hydraulic loaders, and irrigation systems
• Commercial Gas Engineers: Creating safe, compliant seals on gas pipework and fittings
• Marine Engineers: Sealing boat engines, hydraulic steering, and below-waterline fittings
• Manufacturing and Production Facilities: Assembly line applications requiring consistent, reliable sealing
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home plumbing repairs, automotive maintenance, and general engineering projects

How to Choose the Right Sealing

Selecting the appropriate sealant requires careful consideration of your specific application:

Application Type: Identify whether you're sealing pipes, gaskets, hydraulic fittings, or repairing components. Pipe sealants differ fundamentally from gasket compounds, whilst repair putties serve different purposes entirely. Match the product to the specific joint or component you're working with.

Pressure and Temperature Requirements: Consider the operating conditions your seal must withstand. Low-pressure applications might only need instant gasket sealants, whilst high-pressure hydraulic systems demand specialist formulations rated for extreme pressures. Similarly, standard-temperature products won't survive in exhaust systems or industrial ovens where high-temperature variants are essential.

Cure Speed: Fast-curing sealants allow quicker assembly and shorter downtime, ideal for production environments or emergency repairs. Slow-cure formulations provide extended working time for large diameter pipes or complex assemblies where positioning adjustments may be necessary.

Substrate Material: Most anaerobic sealants work optimally on metal-to-metal joints. If you're sealing plastic components or dissimilar materials, verify compatibility to avoid product failure or material damage.

Chemical Resistance: If the sealed component will contact oils, fuels, solvents, or aggressive chemicals, ensure your chosen sealant offers appropriate resistance. Hydraulic sealants, for example, are specifically formulated to withstand petroleum-based fluids.

Disassembly Requirements: Some applications require occasional access for maintenance. Flexible sealants allow easier disassembly than permanent formulations, whilst still providing reliable sealing during operation.

Popular Accessories

• PTFE Tape: Traditional thread sealing tape for low-pressure applications and supplementary sealing
• Surface Preparation Products: Degreasers and cleaning solvents to ensure optimal adhesion
• Dispensing Equipment: Applicator guns and nozzles for controlled, professional application
• Thread Cleaning Brushes: Wire brushes for preparing threaded connections before sealing
• Gasket Scrapers: Tools for removing old gasket material and sealant residue
• Thread Chasers and Taps: For cleaning and restoring damaged threads before applying sealant
• Protective Gloves: Chemical-resistant gloves for safe handling of sealants and adhesives

Safety Information

When working with sealing products, observe proper safety precautions to protect yourself and ensure compliant use:

Ventilation: Always work in well-ventilated areas, particularly when using solvent-based products. Some sealants release vapours during curing that can cause respiratory irritation in confined spaces.

Skin Protection: Wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves when handling sealants and adhesives. Many formulations can cause skin irritation or sensitisation with repeated exposure. If skin contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

COSHH Compliance: Familiarise yourself with the safety data sheets for products you're using. Professional environments must conduct COSHH assessments and implement appropriate control measures when using chemical products.

Storage: Store sealants according to manufacturer instructions, typically in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent premature curing or deterioration.

Application-Specific Safety: When working on gas systems, ensure appropriate qualifications and follow Gas Safe Register requirements. For pressure systems, comply with relevant HSE guidance and British Standards for safe installation and testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between anaerobic sealants and PTFE tape?

Anaerobic sealants cure to form a solid, permanent seal that completely fills the thread profile, providing superior leak prevention at higher pressures. PTFE tape is easier to apply and allows simpler disassembly, but offers lower pressure ratings and can be less reliable on damaged or poorly cut threads. Modern liquid PTFE sealants combine advantages of both approaches.

Can I use the same sealant for hydraulic and pneumatic systems?

Not necessarily. Whilst some products work across both applications, hydraulic systems often require sealants specifically formulated to resist petroleum-based fluids and higher pressures. Pneumatic fittings may use different formulations optimised for air systems. Always check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure the product suits your specific system.

How long should I wait before pressurising a sealed joint?

This depends entirely on the product's cure characteristics. Fast-cure sealants may allow pressure testing within minutes, whilst slow-cure formulations for large diameter pipes might require 24-48 hours to achieve full strength. Consult the technical data sheet for handling and full cure times, and don't rush the process as premature pressurisation can compromise the seal.

Will thread sealant work on damaged or worn threads?

Thread sealants can help seal minor imperfections, but they're not designed to replace properly cut threads. For significantly damaged threads, use a thread chaser or tap to restore the thread form first. Sealants work best on clean, properly formed threads where they fill microscopic gaps rather than compensating for major mechanical defects.

Are gasket sealants a replacement for traditional gaskets?

It depends on the application. Formed-in-place gasket sealants can replace traditional cut gaskets in many applications, offering advantages like conforming to warped flanges and eliminating storage of multiple gasket sizes. However, high-pressure or extreme-temperature applications may still require proper manufactured gaskets, with sealant used as a supplementary dressing rather than a complete replacement.