Anti-Seize

[GregR1]

Originally Posted by Tooltech

The biggest problem with antiseize, is that it actually allows the plugs to be severely over-torqued. The reduced friction can literally pull the threads from the head, with very minimal effort. It is sometimes necessary on high mileage interval plugs (cages) or on exhaust bolts, but otherwise should be avoided.

that's why generally you're supposed to reduce the torque to which you tighten the plugs / nuts / bolts / whatever. somewhere i read that it should be reduced to 70% (so if normal spec calls for 30 ft-lbs, using anti-seize you'd tighten to only 21 ft-lbs). of course, i could have this last part wrong, so please do correct me if you know otherwise!

[Clint]

Interesting point. I always wonder about friction modified by contaminants when using a torque wrench.

I think I'll quit using it.

[GregR1]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Interesting point. I always wonder about friction modified by contaminants when using a torque wrench.

I think I'll quit using it.

i, on the other hand, will use it wherever possible! i was working on my car today, and ALL of my suspension bolts that i put copper anti-seize on previously came off smoothly and cleanly. the few that i had not treated in the past were so corroded and rusted to the other parts that i snapped the bolt heads clean off. these were M8 bolts (roughly 3/8"). i use anti-seize on pretty well every bolt / thread that i work on, but i also tighten them down to a lower value (by now, i just go by feel and don't use the torque wrench unless it's a totally new bolt size that i haven't wrenched on before).

[Tooltech]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Interesting point. I always wonder about friction modified by contaminants when using a torque wrench.

I think I'll quit using it.

For most fasteners, a few drops of oil, or thread sealant is calculated into the spec. Dry threads will be too low, anti-seize will be high. Reducing the torque is a good idea, but that is an approximation, and most don't use a torque wrench on spark plugs.

[Tooltech]

Originally Posted by GregR1

i, on the other hand, will use it wherever possible! i was working on my car today, and ALL of my suspension bolts that i put copper anti-seize on previously came off smoothly and cleanly. the few that i had not treated in the past were so corroded and rusted to the other parts that i snapped the bolt heads clean off. these were M8 bolts (roughly 3/8"). i use anti-seize on pretty well every bolt / thread that i work on, but i also tighten them down to a lower value (by now, i just go by feel and don't use the torque wrench unless it's a totally new bolt size that i haven't wrenched on before).

In the rust belt, what I said about exhaust bolts applies to every exposed bolt on the car. I'm so glad we don't salt the roads here.