Every automobile needs maintenance eventually, and every mechanical job includes taking components apart. But time and grime can make it tough to remove even the easiest to reach bolts. The solution? Anti-seize. Anti-seizes are essential compounds in the automotive world. Here’s why.
What Is Anti-Seize?
Anti-seizes are lubricants that aid in disassembly and prevent corrosion, seizing, and galling in smaller auto parts like fasteners, bolts, flanges, or other threaded or clamped components.
Why Use It?
When you choose the right anti-seize and apply it correctly, you can avoid a lot of problems further down the road. You can help prevent wear on components in systems that move or vibrate, can protect against corrosion and rust damage, and keep everything intact when the time comes to disassemble.
It is especially useful when you are putting two different metals together, where threads may corrode, in high-heat applications, and where fasteners are frequently removed or replaced.
Using Anti-Seize Effectively
To ensure the success of your assemblies and repairs, it’s important to apply anti-seizes correctly.
Use It Sparingly
Don’t over-apply these compounds. When you apply too much, it can contaminate your threads and cause problems when you need to remove the fastener at a later date. Adding more anti-seize than necessary doesn’t add any extra protection or benefits. Applying the correct amount will work better and save you money by cutting down on waste.
Clean Up Any Excess
The part of the fastener that needs anti-seize is where two different materials meet. You should clean up any excess compound that remains after assembly. Take special care to clean any part of the fastener that is left exposed, including the threads and under the fastener head.
Use It Correctly
Prepare the surface properly before applying. All surfaces should be as clean, dry, and oil-free as possible. The best way to achieve this is with an industrial cleaner or solvent.
Apply the compound using a brush for the best results. Don’t use the same brush for different compounds. Cross-contaminating compounds can reduce their effectiveness. Another option is to use a spray anti-seize.
Don’t apply it to fasteners with damaged threads or as a lubricant on mechanical assemblies. You should never use it on lug nuts or spark plugs, either.
Another important aspect of applying these compounds is to adjust the torque. Anti-seizes reduce the torque required to tighten or fasten these parts, which means that if you use the regular amount of torque you could damage the threads. You should reduce torque by 25-30%.
Use the Right Type
Using the right compound rated for the right temperatures and application is essential for a job well done.
Choosing the Right Anti-Seize
There is a wide variety of anti-seizes on the market, but the right one for the job depends on several factors, including:
- Temperature requirements
- Environment the component is used in
- Exposure to the elements
- Whether there is carbon resin involved
- Possible contact with alkalis, chemicals, or acids
- Needed set time
To see a wide variety of quality anti-seize compound options, or to get help choosing the right one for the job, check out Rogo Fastener.
References:
https://www.gluegun.com/blogs/news/how-choose-anti-seize-compound
https://www.rocol.com/knowledge-centre/rocol_expert/what-is-anti-seize
https://blog.fcpeuro.com/6-tips-for-effective-use-of-anti-seize
https://www.mosil.com/blog/technical-concept-anti-seize-anti-seize-compounds-problems-occurred-due-to-seizingchoosing-your-anti-seize/
