Metal-to-metal contact creates a variety of problems in all types of workplaces. Learning what an anti-seize compound does and where to apply it can help you improve assembly, reduce friction, and prevent corrosion.
What Are Anti-Seize Compounds?
Anti-seize compounds include grease and oil for lubricating, but also typically contain levels of aluminum, graphite, copper, and other materials. These materials play an important role in preserving the solid texture of the compound. This is necessary once temperatures above 500°F have been reached, causing oils and greases to dissipate. The added materials also provide enhanced lubrication at lower temperatures.
What Is Anti-Seize Grease Used For?
An anti-seize compound protects parts from rust, corrosion, friction, and other damage by providing high-level lubrication. Even at high temperatures, the additives within the compound remain, providing a thin surface of protection.
In addition to preventing corrosion, anti-seize lubricants are also useful in preventing friction and galvanic action, and easing assembly. It can be helpful in the following applications:
- Bolts
- Studs
- Gears
- Pulleys
- Tubing
- Unions
- Couplings
- Joints
- Valves
- Shafts
- Drives
- Nuts
- Plugs
- Drills
- Bearings
- Motor mounts
- Flanges
- Fittings
- Chains
Where Do You Apply Anti-Seize Lubricant?
Before applying an anti-seize compound, it’s best to clean parts with a solvent degreaser. Apply degreaser to remove oil, dirt, and debris, then allow to dry. With a small brush, apply the compound to the threads of the male fittings, ensuring you get in between any voids. The compound should cover the entire part to be inserted or fitted, including unthreaded parts if they will also fit within the assembly. You should also apply a thin layer of compound under the bolt head, the nut face, and on all parts of the washer.
What Kind of Anti-Seize Compound Should I Use?
There are a few things to consider when deciding what type of anti-seize compound to use. Refer to the chart below for things to keep in mind before you make a purchase.
| Environment | In wet environments, select an anti-seize compound that is marine-grade. This is common for engine assembly, bolt lubrication, sliding door track lubrication, heat exchanger bolts, and boiler covers. |
| Temperature | Consider the temperature requirements you need to meet and the degree of heat or cold you need the compound to withstand. Copper- and aluminum-based compounds are good for high temperatures; marine-grade for cold temperatures; and nickel for both. |
| Chemicals, Resin, Alkaline, Acids, Food | Different compounds may be designed to work around different ingredients. Food-grade compounds are available, for example, or metal-free. |
| Setting time | Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you may need to choose a compound with a fast or slow set time. |
When Not to Use Anti-Seize Compound
While anti-seize lubrication can be helpful and even critical to use in certain situations, it’s important to note that it isn’t made for all situations. Also, using other lubricating products are not good replacements for anti-seize products. Here are a few common confusions about anti-seize compounds.
Can you use WD-40 as an anti-seize compound?
WD-40 is not an anti-seize compound. While it may be useful in providing some lubrication, that lubrication is not designed to be lasting or withstand high temperatures. Using WD-40 alongside certain chemicals may also not be safe.
Will anti-seize lubricants cause bolts to loosen?
Anti-seize lubricants shouldn’t cause bolts to loosen. However, it shouldn’t be applied on torque-rated fasteners without accounting for the loss of torque.
Are there other misuses?
As a guide, anti-seize compound is good to use when working with two different types of metals or when high temperatures may accelerate corrosion. You shouldn’t use an anti-seize compound on any mechanical assembly that requires a lubricant (e.g., on caliper slide pins). Also, placing the compound on exposed threads could attract debris that causes damage when the fastener is removed.
How to Remove Anti-Seize Compound
While anti-seize compound does not have to be reapplied for continued use, there are some situations in which you may want to remove it completely. Similar to the way you clean and prep before applying anti-seize compounds, you’ll also want to use a solvent degreaser to remove it. Solvent degreaser is effective no matter what kind of anti-seize compound you decide to use. Apply the degreaser with a cloth and wipe it away. Keeping your parts clean and grease-free while not in use is important to ensuring that you are getting the most life out of your supplies.
Understanding what anti-seize compounds are, what they do, and how they work is important to prevent damage from metal-on-metal contact. The right anti-seize compound could make your job easier and last longer.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.