Pro tip: A dab of high-temp anti-seize on those stubborn flange bolts

I was fighting with a set of 3-inch flange bolts on a steam line yesterday, the kind that always seem to weld themselves in place. Instead of just torquing harder, I put a tiny bit of nickel anti-seize on the threads before the final tighten. Came apart like butter for the pressure test today. Anyone else have a go-to trick for keeping things serviceable down the road?

3 comments

3 Comments

grant8262mo ago

Man, I feel your pain on those seized-up bolts.

the_sandra2mo ago

Ever worry about the anti-seize contaminating the steam system? I've heard some guys say it can get into the condensate and cause issues with boiler feed water. What's your take on that risk versus the benefit of easy disassembly?

mary_kelly1mo ago

Yeah, that's a REAL concern with steam lines. You gotta use a high-temp anti-seize made for that exact job, not just any old grease. The right stuff won't break down and contaminate the system like cheaper pastes can.