Thread tapes are used to seal, lubricate and prevent seizure on threaded bolts, studs, and fittings. They are commonly referred to as Teflon tape, PTFE tape, PTFE thread seal tape, or plumber’s tape. Thread tapes are usually made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a highly crystalline, perfluorinated polymer that is better known by its DuPont brand and registered trademark - Teflon. PTFE tape has an extremely low coefficient of friction, good chemical resistance, and good heat resistance. Chemical inertness prevents cross-linking and makes PTFE thread tapes a good choice for applications which involve corrosive chemicals such as liquid oxygen, or caustics such as ammonium hydroxide. Thread tapes can also be made of polyethylene (PE), a low-cost plastic that resists water and many chemicals.

Thread tapes carry specifications such as density, tensile strength, elongation, dimensions and substrate compatibility. Most PTFE thread tape suppliers describe their products as either high-density or low-density. High-density PTFE thread tapes usually have a density of .70 g/cm3 or 1.2 g/cm3. Low-density PTFE thread tapes usually have a density of.37 g/cm3. Tensile strength is the force required to break a piece of thread tape by pulling on opposite ends. Elongation is the fractional increase in a thread tape’s length due to stress in tension or to thermal expansion. Important dimensions for thread tapes include length, width, and thickness. With regard to substrate compatibility, some Teflon tapes are designed for use with pipes, tubes or conduits made of aluminum, black iron, or brass. Other PTFE thread seal tape adheres to chrome, copper, glass, plastic, or rubber.

PTFE thread tapes follow to two basic quality standards and are color-coded for a variety of applications. MIL-T-27730A is a U.S. military specification (MIL-SPEC) that specifies a minimum thickness of 3 mils. A-A-58092 is a commercial standard which maintains the thickness requirement of MIL-T-27730A, but adds a minimum density standard. White PTFE thread tape provides tight seals for a variety of threaded joints and is suitable for most plumbing and potable water systems. Yellow PTFE thread tape is designed for use with pipes, conduits, bolts, valves, and threaded gas lines that carry air, ammonia, butane, chlorine, or hydrogen. Pink Teflon tape is made of heavy-duty, industrial grade PTFE, and used in commercial or industrial plumbing applications. Green Teflon thread tapes may be used in oxygen-handing applications.