Sealing

About Sealing

Professional sealing products are essential for creating reliable, leak-proof connections across plumbing, automotive, hydraulic and industrial applications. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of specialist sealants including anaerobic formulations, gasket compounds, thread sealants and high-temperature solutions designed to prevent leaks, maintain system pressure and ensure long-lasting integrity across metal, threaded and flanged connections.

From fast-curing PTFE pipe sealants to flexible gasket compounds and specialist hydraulic formulations, modern sealing technology has evolved far beyond traditional methods. Leading brands like Bondloc, Sealey and Araldite provide proven solutions trusted by professional tradespeople throughout the UK, offering superior chemical resistance, pressure ratings and temperature performance for demanding workshop, industrial and automotive applications.

Applications

Professional sealing products are used across numerous trades and industries:

• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Sealing pipe threads, radiator connections and central heating systems
• Automotive Mechanics: Engine components, gearboxes, hydraulic systems and exhaust assemblies
• Plant Maintenance Engineers: Industrial machinery, hydraulic equipment and pneumatic systems
• Agricultural Engineers: Farm machinery, hydraulic loaders and irrigation systems
• Gas Engineers: Creating safe, compliant seals on gas pipework and fittings
• Marine Engineers: Boat engines, hydraulic steering and below-waterline fittings
• Manufacturing Facilities: Assembly line applications requiring consistent, reliable sealing
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home plumbing repairs, automotive maintenance and general engineering projects

Choosing The Right Sealing

Application Type: Identify whether you're sealing pipes, gaskets, hydraulic fittings or repairing components. Anaerobic pipe sealants differ fundamentally from gasket compounds, whilst repair putties serve distinct purposes. Match the product to your specific joint or component.

Pressure and Temperature: Consider operating conditions carefully. Low-pressure applications may only need instant gasket sealants, whilst high-pressure hydraulic systems demand specialist formulations. Standard products won't survive exhaust systems or industrial applications where high-temperature variants are essential.

Cure Speed: Fast-curing sealants allow quicker assembly and shorter downtime, ideal for production environments or emergency repairs. Slow-cure formulations provide extended working time for large diameter pipes or complex assemblies requiring positioning adjustments.

Substrate Material: Most anaerobic sealants work optimally on metal-to-metal joints. If sealing plastic components or dissimilar materials, verify compatibility to avoid product failure or material damage.

Chemical Resistance: Ensure your chosen sealant offers appropriate resistance if the sealed component will contact oils, fuels, solvents or aggressive chemicals. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks hydraulic sealants specifically formulated to withstand petroleum-based fluids.

Safety Information

Always work in well-ventilated areas, particularly with solvent-based products. Wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves when handling sealants to prevent skin irritation or sensitisation. Familiarise yourself with safety data sheets and conduct COSHH assessments in professional environments. Store sealants in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight with containers tightly sealed when not in use. When working on gas systems, ensure appropriate Gas Safe Register qualifications and follow HSE guidance for pressure systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between anaerobic sealants and PTFE tape?

Anaerobic sealants cure to form a solid, permanent seal that completely fills the thread profile, providing superior leak prevention at higher pressures. PTFE tape allows simpler disassembly but offers lower pressure ratings and can be less reliable on damaged threads. Modern liquid PTFE sealants combine advantages of both approaches.

How long should I wait before pressurising a sealed joint?

This depends on the product's cure characteristics. Fast-cure sealants may allow pressure testing within minutes, whilst slow-cure formulations might require 24-48 hours to achieve full strength. Consult the technical data sheet for handling and full cure times—premature pressurisation can compromise the seal.

Can gasket sealants replace traditional gaskets?

In many applications, yes. Formed-in-place gasket sealants conform to warped flanges and eliminate storing multiple gasket sizes. However, high-pressure or extreme-temperature applications may still require manufactured gaskets, with sealant used as supplementary dressing rather than complete replacement.