The question of how to wind flax on a thread arises for many people, and they also often have to face the task of choosing between fum tape and flax. Each option is preferable for various situations. However, in some cases they can be interchangeable.
Advantages
It is a standard sealant for which it can also be found under the name tow. It has many advantages, among which the following are worth noting:
- Resistance to mechanical stress. This material is the best option for sealing sanitary fittings. When using it, it becomes possible to adjust while maintaining tightness.
- As flax gets wet, it increases in volume. That is, you don’t have to worry if a small leak occurs after completing the connection, since it will be repaired on its own. The material begins to swell from exposure to moisture and thus stops the leak.
- Versatility. The correct winding allows it to be used for various types of connections.
- Low cost. Compared to other seals, this option is significantly cheaper. The main thing is to choose a high-quality winding; it should be light, implemented in the form of a coil or braid, and there should be no lumps or inclusions.
Peculiarities
Despite the existing advantages, there are some issues that complicate the application:
- Care must be taken when working with bronze and brass as the threads may be damaged when winding a thick layer.
- The thread must be carefully prepared before use. Today on the market there are fittings with threads designed for linen winding. They can be identified by special notches. If you don't have them, you can use pliers or a file. The notches prevent the flax from bunching and slipping.
- Before winding flax onto the thread, it must be processed suitable compositions- it can be oil-based paint, silicone, sealant or grease. Since this winding is organic material, it is susceptible to the development of putrefactive processes when in contact with water and air. The latter annually ends up in heating and water supply systems during preventative work or repair. Special compositions prevent the destruction of the material.
Processing agents
Some special compounds may complicate the dismantling of connections, the need for which arises when a leak occurs, when connecting new elements, or when replacing certain parts. Paint and silicone contribute to the gluing of elements and, as a result, difficulty in separation, in some cases it becomes impossible. In the absence of accompanying means or improper winding, similar problems appear on steel parts caused by the occurrence of corrosion damage at the connection.
Linen tow should be wound only in accordance with established rules. First, it is processed suitable means, the thread for it is also prepared. The winding direction should follow the thread turns. Then the remaining part is taken out beyond its limits and stretched, at this time the connection is screwed on and tightened. How much flax should I wrap on the thread? This can be determined by the tightness of the fitting being screwed onto it.
Which is better: linen or fum tape?
The materials used to organize hot water supply are subject to special requirements. They also apply to the means used for winding. Due to the high temperature of the liquid in the pipes, the winding must have high tightness and resistance to temperature effects. Linen meets similar requirements, while fum tape is not the most the best material. When connected, it is divided into many fibers, sealing the voids and preventing water leakage. High temperatures that are typical for water pipes with hot water And heating system, lead to compression of the fibers. This increases the risk of leakage.
As for other characteristics, it should be noted that flax tow is cheaper than fum tape, even if the material is used for processing. If in small jobs the difference is not so noticeable, then with active use you can get significant savings. But at the same time, the tape speeds up the work. Thus, it is impossible to say for sure which is better: flax or fum tape, since each material is suitable for different tasks.
Combination of two materials
In some cases, a combination of flax and fum tape is used to obtain more quality connection. There are two options: flax is covered with several turns of tape, or both materials are wound in turn. Despite the effectiveness similar method did not become widespread due to the peculiarities of winding conditions.
Preparatory work
Before this, the connection is prepared. This is necessary to prevent the material from knocking or sliding off a flat surface. If the flax does not stay in place, the degree of sealing will be extremely low. To fix the fibers, special notches are applied to the turns. They can be cut using a hacksaw, a file or a needle file. If such tools are not available, you can use pliers and, grasping the thread as tightly as possible, squeeze it - you should get small notches in a circle of turns. Also, as mentioned earlier, you can purchase fittings that are specially made for plumbing tow.
How to wind flax on a thread: instructions
The fibers are separated in small strands. It is worth noting the need to carefully select the thickness of the strands, since the winding should have an average thickness. If lumps or foreign elements are found, they must be removed. Plumbers use various options, for example, winding with a loose strand or braided. This is necessary to simplify the work, while the quality of the connection remains unchanged.
Next, sanitary flax, pre-treated special composition, is wound onto the thread. You can also first apply the composition to the surface, then wind the material, and distribute an additional layer on top. The effectiveness of both options is at the same level.
Regardless of the method used, the tow is wound in accordance with the direction of the thread. The first turn should act as a lock: to do this, it is applied in a cross, at which time one side of the strand should be clamped with your hand. The thread seal with flax should be as tight as possible, and there should be no gaps between the turns. The strand is then brought to the edge of the thread and glued using a suitable material.
Currently, when installing plumbing elements, craftsmen have the opportunity to seal threaded connections various materials. They can choose from: flax tow, fluoroplastic sealant (fum tape), anaerobic sealant, plumbing thread, etc.
A very common method that has not lost its relevance over time is plumbing flax, or rather flax-based tow. It is also available when correct use copes with his responsibilities very well.
When in contact with water, flax tow increases in volume and very tightly fills the inter-turn space of the thread. However, when working with this material, it is necessary to take into account a number of features that you will find in this instruction “”.
Let's look at an example of connecting a water filter and a water meter mount.
Firstly, when choosing flax, pay attention to its appearance . At proper storage, it should be light, with a reflection, without darkening or lumps. A single thread must be tensile strength, and an unpleasant pungent odor is evidence of antiseptic treatment.
Second. The thread must be prepared before assembly. Inspect the grooves, remove scale, remnants of the former seal, and rust.
Third. Prepare a small strand of flax on a clean thread, iron it, make sure that it is uniform, without lumps. For example, in the photo shown, the most common thread in everyday life is ½ inch.
Fourth. We wind the strand against the direction of rotation when tightening the thread. Place the strand tightly, turn by turn, into the thread and press the tip.
Fifth. For a uniform fit and protection of the flax, you can apply a sealant (for example: silicone, graphite, special paste). Let sit for a couple of minutes to soak and wrap.
Currently, flax is not an obsolete means of protecting threads from. The main thing is accuracy and literacy in working with it.
I hope my instructions “How to properly use plumbing flax” will be useful to a beginner home handyman. Good luck!
IN modern conditions there is a whole spectrum plumbing work, including installation and repair. Despite the emergence of innovative analogues, many craftsmen prefer to carry out work using traditional materials, such as sanitary linen. A number of its shortcomings are not an obstacle, since its low price remains a priority.
As the name implies, plumbing flax is mainly used for connecting elements of water supply and sewerage systems. This applies to pipes, fittings, taps, and other components. However, use it according to technical documentation, including GOST and SNiP, can be used for other purposes. So, it is recommended to use it when laying engineering systems such as gas pipelines, as well as in the assembly of steam and water heating systems.
The special properties of the material are used craftsmen. They call it tow flax and use it as an environmentally friendly insulation for caulking bathhouses and log houses. It does not allow moisture to pass through, but allows air to pass through. It is also used as sound insulation.
The principle of operation of such a sealant is based on the use of hygroscopic properties. It consists in the fact that the plumbing fixtures will allow moisture to pass through at the threaded connection and, under its influence, the flax fibers used for winding will physically expand, minimizing the gaps, thereby preventing the further spread of moisture, leaks and, as a result, the formation of rust.
Simple winding is facilitated by high flexibility, the length of the fibers can be varied by cutting.
Varieties, alternatives and selection rules
Linen is good for styling almost everything metal pipes, including cast iron, made from of stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, including copper, as well as their alloys, such as brass. The only exceptions are aluminum and metal-plastic products, as well as those made from polymer compositions. For them, professionals recommend using fum tape.
In cases where it is impossible to be completely satisfied with the result of using fum tape, it is recommended to wind plumbing flax in parallel with it. They complement each other and compensate for the shortcomings of each material.
Fibers of various qualities are available on sale. All of them are produced on the same equipment - a carding machine. They are distinguished by numbers, which contain a description on the label. They vary in the range from 8 to 24. In this case, fibers with a higher number will have fewer impurities and vice versa. They are also characterized by a degree of flexibility, which is less important in their work.
Fibers are packaged in coils, as well as braids of fixed weight and size. Their color can vary from white to light gray, as well as beige due to the use of natural raw materials.
Damaged fibers will have bad smell rotten. Acceptable level humidity - no higher than 12%, otherwise the material loses its properties.
Advantages and benefits
The material has an easily dosed fibrous structure and high tensile strength, which is maintained even when the reinforcement is twisted. Provided that appropriate accompanying materials are used, the maximum temperature can reach 140-150 degrees.
Compared to other materials, flax sanitary fibers have the lowest cost among similar sealants, which allows them to be purchased in kilograms. This is facilitated by the widespread availability of the material.
Environmental safety due to the use of natural raw materials allows the material to be used in the construction of water pipelines. But despite the content natural ingredients, fibers do not cause allergic reactions.
Disadvantages, negative points
Despite a large number of Natural sealant is not without advantages and disadvantages. They are especially obvious when installation and repair technology is violated. After short-term use, rust may form at the joints, making it difficult to dismantle structures during subsequent repairs. In view of this, it is recommended to regularly inspect connections for leaks and take measures to eliminate damage.
The material is very sensitive to the quality of work, so it is recommended to use it only by experienced craftsmen.
Attractive physical properties compensated by the low chemical sensitivity of the material. Thus, flax fibers will be destroyed under the influence of antifreeze if they are part of the mixture passing through connected communications.
There is an opinion that the material is sensitive to high blood pressure in pipes and at values exceeding 8 atmospheres, it can reduce the quality of sealing. However, the use of plumbing flax for connecting pipes does not lose popularity.
Step-by-step instructions for use and their variations
Before winding flax on the thread, check its quality. If it has factory perpendicular notches, then the pipes are designed specifically for this type of connection. Otherwise, you will need to do them yourself. To do this, you can use a file, screwdriver, chisel or hacksaw.
You need to act carefully so as not to completely cut off the thread and, especially, not to destroy the product, for example, a faucet, if it is made of a brittle alloy such as brass. The sharper the edges of the notches, the more effectively the winding will hold. Optimal angle sections - no more than 55 degrees.
Then you can go in two ways - with or without lubricant. The second option is recommended solely as a temporary solution, since it does not allow the plumbing flax specifications opened completely.
In any case, winding flax on a thread will follow the same principle.
There is only one way to wind flax on a thread - against its direction. Otherwise, when twisting a part with a nut or part of a fitting, the connection will be leaky, and the wound layer of fibers will peel off.
You can also use lubricant in two ways. In the first case, it is applied directly to the thread, before winding the flax, and in the second, after winding, in order to mold the fibers and facilitate the path of the wound part of the fitting. It is also possible to impregnate the fibers with lubricant before winding them. The choice between options is determined solely by the degree of convenience.
As a lubricant, you can use such products as litol, grease, drying oil mixed with red lead and even Oil paint. But the best option in modern conditions is considered to be a sealant for pipes, for example, on silicone based or sealing paste.
It is worth noting that there are other subtleties in how to properly wind flax threads on pipes. So, in order to avoid slipping of the linen winding, it is recommended that before winding the main layer, place the edge of the strand on the thread and apply turns of fiber crosswise on top of it. The layer of fibers should not be too thick - for example, the nut should be tightened with light force.
conclusions
Now you know how to wind flax correctly and what criteria should be used when choosing it as a sealant. It's hard to name him ideal option, but in rare cases its use is certainly justified. So, for pipes whose diameter exceeds 20 mm, its use is mandatory, as is the case with steam pipelines, the coolant in which can have a temperature of up to 120 degrees.
Without any problems, the material is used for packing gland couplings and sealing ceramic and cast iron pipes.
Subject to storage rules, this consumables can be purchased for future use and used as needed over a long period of time.
And so, if you need to connect two plumbing parts so that the connection does not leak,
this can be done using all sorts of different tapes
Or using flax. Many may accuse me of not modernizing the thread seal - flax.
But I still seal it with flax because it’s cheaper. I rarely use this kind of tape; I use it where linen won’t help, but more on that another time.
In addition to flax, I use unipack and multipack.
This is a kind of sealing paste. It serves to ensure that the flax does not deteriorate, does not burn due to temperature, and the connection can be disassembled. Because earlier this same flax was smeared with paint. After the “dyed” flax has been standing for a year, it is difficult to disassemble such a connection. If the flax is not smeared with anything, the connection will be short-lived.
Moreover, the use of paste allows you to adjust the connection. Those. if you twist it a little, then according to the manufacturer, the connection can be twisted back up to 45 degrees.
Now flax.
Linen is sold in different ways. Most convenient way flax packaging for the user is skeins like threads
A ready-made strand is taken from the middle. This perfect solution, but not very cheap.
That's why we use it in a different form. 
But they also differ in quality. In the first photo we see shit-linen and in the second - linen. Shit-flax differs from flax in that the former is very coarse and can be smelly. It is more difficult to make a strand of the desired “thickness” from it.
How to wind?
everything is very simple. The main thing is not to be afraid and not to overdo it. The bottom line is this: If you wind too much, the connection may burst; if you wind too little, it may leak.
How to use Unipack? The manufacturer recommends spreading the paste onto the cleaned threads, then wrapping flax and adding another layer of uniatka on top.
We smear only on top, and sometimes I just smear the entire strand with unipak and then wrap it around the thread.
The most important thing is that you need to wind the flax so that when twisting it does not unwind. On a regular thread, wind it clockwise. When twisting the product, the linen will not unravel. And so, here we go:
Did you reel it in and apply a unipak? Now let's twist it.
The most important thing is not to wrap too much so that the fitting does not crack.
This connection must be carefully tightened with two keys. And we can end here. Let's move on to the next connection.
Addition of material from comments from reader Ilya. October 2012
To seal connections you need to use your choice:
1. Linen + sanitary paste.
Linen is not suitable for temperatures above 90 degrees; over time, it boils, burns, and loses its properties.
2. TANGIT Uni-Lock or equivalent.
Tangit Uniloka is more expensive than its analogues, 20 meters of Tangit Uniloka (packaging on a blister on which it is written that it is enough for 50 connections for a 1/2-inch thread) costs 130 rubles, and the analogue - “Plumbing” 50 meters costs the same 130 rubles ( in Leroy-Merlin, St. Petersburg).
3. Polyamide thread + silicone lubricant.
On the packaging of Tangit Unilock and its analogues the composition is written: polyamide thread + silicone. If we want to save money, we conclude: you can buy regular thick polyamide thread at a hardware store or a sewing store and buy thick or liquid silicone grease from auto parts or the same plumbing paste.
4. Linen rope + plumbing paste.
Construction and hardware stores sell household linen, jute and similar ropes made from plant materials. They cost about 50 rubles. for 50 meters.
Silicone sealant is not suitable because it polymerizes/hardens and if you need to position the connection, say, after a few hours, it will be torn inside the thread. Therefore, it is necessary to use a non-hardening and non-washable sealing filler. Besides, silicone sealants vinegar-based products can cause corrosion of metals.
In general, in order to understand what is better, you just need to experiment.
How to wind? Crosswise, as indicated in the instructions for Tangit unilok, either with or against the thread - it’s all a matter of habit. The main thing is to wind it tightly so that the thread is covered with the material used. I can wind it this way and that way, and nothing will come out of the thread or leak. But still, thread or flax wound against the thread will be cut faster when tightening the nut, this is obvious.
Winding different materials for 1/2 inch thread:
1.
We take flax, smooth it, cut off a strand one, or maximum two, matches thick.
We smooth the separated strand again, holding it between our fingers, and throw away the small fibers.
If desired, you can twist the strand into a lace.
We wind it very tightly along the thread, starting from the edge so that the thread groove is completely closed.
Then take plumbing paste and spread a small amount rotational movements on wound flax.
If your hands are out of the right place grow, then everything should turn out very neatly.
Then we tighten the connection, twisting should occur with a certain force, but not with all the dope!
If the nut tightens easily, it means there is not enough flax, or there is too much gap between the internal and external threads. You need to unwind the flax and wind more new one.
If everything is done correctly, then the linen should not come out from under the thread and it will be dry :)
2. We wind the Tangit unilock thread along the thread or crosswise 6-8 turns and connect it. And that's it.
3.
Homemade option. We also wind the polyamide thread and coat it with plumbing paste or thick silicone grease. Or first soak the entire skein of thread with liquid silicone lubricant. We wind on the connection. Let's connect. That's all.
If you soak or soak a skein of thread in liquid lubricant, then you need to put it in some small plastic box or bottle so that dirt does not stick to the thread and it does not stain anything.
4. We separate the linen rope into two laces from which it is twisted. We cut off 40-50 cm. We wind it onto the thread. Lubricate with plumbing paste and tighten the connection.
Synthetic thread - Tangit Unilock or an analogue - is the most universal!
True knowledge will come only with experience!
Plumbing flax is a fiber natural origin from plants of the flax family, used to increase the reliability of threaded connections. Flax has found its application in plumbing, as its fibers are very strong, fit tightly together, and do not tear during long-term use. Over time, sanitary flax fibers swell from constant humidity, which prevents liquid from leaking at the joints. Flax contains silica, which protects the material from rotting. The maximum temperature at which flax can be used reaches 150° C in water systems and in heating systems, and can be used in steam systems.
Sanitary linen is an environmentally friendly product made from thin long flax fibers, specially combed, which is obtained from the flax stem. The production of sanitary flax must comply regulatory documents, it is necessary to test the material for strength.
Flax fiber is wound on threaded connection as tightly as possible, evenly along the entire length in a clockwise direction. Next, the flax is covered with a special sealing material, and after a few minutes the connection of the equipment can be completed.
Plumbing flax fiber is assigned a number depending on its quality, the most commonly purchased are No. 8-No. 10.
The sealing material is linen sealant. . Its use is necessary to ensure perfect tightness of the connections; the use of sealant will make it possible to easily disconnect parts of the pipes after several years of operation. When choosing hermetic pastes, it is necessary to calculate to what values the temperature in the pipes will increase. Since when wrong choice sealant under action high temperatures will be destroyed.
Advantages of using sanitary flax:
- Low cost, sanitary linen is cheaper than any other material for this use. High-quality linen has light shades, sold in braids, should not have lumps. Price of sanitary flax depends on the quantity purchased, for example, a 50 gram package will cost about 50 rubles.
- A universal material, as it is suitable for any type of connection.
- Has mechanical resistance to friction
- Environmentally friendly material
The disadvantages of sanitary flax appear only in rare cases: with incorrect installation of the entire system, incorrect laying of fibers, incorrect calculation.