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Anti-Seize Compounds - AIMS Industrial Supplies

Anti-Seize Compounds

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Common Questions about Anti-Seize Compounds

What is anti-seize compound used for?

Anti-seize compound is a high-temperature lubricating paste applied to threaded fasteners and contact surfaces to prevent galling, seizing and corrosion bonding. Applied to bolt threads before assembly, it keeps the joint serviceable — bolts come loose cleanly months or years later instead of snapping off or rounding out under removal.

When should I use anti-seize?

Use anti-seize on threaded fasteners exposed to heat, corrosion or dissimilar metal contact — exhaust fasteners, brake hardware, stainless threads, aluminium-to-steel joints, machine spindles and marine fittings. Do not use on torque-critical fasteners unless torque values are adjusted for the lubricant friction effect — lubrication changes the torque-to-tension relationship.

What is the difference between copper, nickel and aluminium anti-seize?

Copper-based anti-seize handles general workshop temperature — the most common variant. Nickel-based handles higher heat — used on exhaust and high-temperature joints. Aluminium-based is general-purpose and stainless-compatible. Food-grade and graphite-based variants exist for specialised applications. AIMS stocks Loctite, CRC and Permatex anti-seize variants across the workshop range.

Can I use anti-seize on stainless steel?

Yes — stainless threads gall, or cold-weld, under load, making fastener removal very difficult. A nickel or copper-free anti-seize on stainless threads breaks the metal-to-metal contact that causes galling. Many workshop stainless installations specify anti-seize as standard practice, especially on larger diameters and high-clamp-load fasteners.

Does anti-seize affect bolt torque?

Yes — anti-seize reduces friction, so for any given torque setting, more clamp force is applied to the joint. Manufacturer-specified dry torque values can over-stress a lubricated bolt. Where torque is critical, reduce target torque to account for lubrication, or follow the fastener manufacturer lubricated-torque specification on the data sheet.

What temperature range can anti-seize compounds handle?

Depends on the type. Copper-based rates to 1100°C, nickel-based to 1425°C (the highest of the range, suited to stainless assemblies and pressure vessel studs), aluminium-based to 900°C, silver/graphite to 1100°C for specialty and oxygen service, moly/synthetic grease to 400°C for general mechanical work, and food-grade (NSF H1) to 200-260°C. Match the rating to your service temperature with margin.

Are anti-seize compounds electrically conductive?

Most are — copper, nickel, aluminium and silver/graphite based anti-seize all conduct electricity, which matters near live electrical equipment or where galvanic isolation is needed. Moly/synthetic grease and food-grade anti-seize are the non-conductive options in the range.

Does AIMS stock a food-grade anti-seize?

Yes — Loctite LB 8014 Food Grade Anti-Seize (227g) is NSF H1 rated for incidental food contact, with a service range of 200-260°C. It's the pick for food, pharmaceutical and beverage processing equipment.

Is there an anti-seize made specifically for drill string couplings?

Molybond GOG Anti-Seize and Drill Coupling Lubricant is formulated for that application — drill string and coupling threads that need reliable anti-galling protection under high torque and repeated make-up and break-out cycles.

How much anti-seize should I apply to a fastener?

A thin, even coat is enough — excess compound can hydraulically lock assemblies or contaminate adjacent components. Apply to the first few threads and any bearing surfaces only, using a brush or spatula rather than dipping the whole fastener.

Anti-Seize Compound Quick Reference — By Type & Temperature

Anti-seize compounds prevent galling, seizure and corrosion-bonding of threaded fasteners and metal-to-metal joints — ensuring dismantling remains possible after high-temp service or long exposure. The compound type sets the maximum service temperature and the assembly environment (electrical conductivity, food contact, marine corrosion). AIMS stocks Loctite, CRC, Rocol, Molytec, Devcon and Molybond.

Compound Type Max Service Temp Conductivity Best For
Copper-Based 1100 °C Conductive Exhaust system fasteners, high-temp flanges, brake hardware
Nickel-Based 1425 °C Conductive Stainless steel assemblies (prevents galling), pressure vessel studs, valve stems
Aluminium-Based 900 °C Conductive General-purpose high-temp, replacement for copper where required
Silver / Graphite 1100 °C Conductive Specialty high-temp, oxygen service (lead-free), exotic alloys
Moly / Synthetic Grease 400 °C Non-conductive (oil-based) General mechanical assembly, lower-temp fasteners, electrical-isolation applications
Food-Grade (NSF H1) 200-260 °C Non-conductive Food processing, pharmaceutical, beverage equipment fasteners
Marine / Salt-Water 250-400 °C Varies Coastal, offshore, propeller shaft hardware, deck fittings

For application technique and torque reduction guidance, see our anti-seize compound guide. NOTE: anti-seize lowers the friction coefficient at threads — reduce specified dry torque by ~20% to avoid over-tightening. For thread sealing (not anti-seize), see thread sealants.

Anti-Seize Compounds

Anti-seize compounds prevent galling, seizure, and corrosion bonding of threaded fasteners, flanges, and metal-to-metal assemblies — ensuring dismantling remains possible after high-temperature service, high-load installation, or prolonged exposure to corrosive environments. AIMS Industrial stocks anti-seize products from Loctite, CRC, Rocol, Molytec, Devcon, and Molybond — covering copper, nickel, silver-grade, graphite, and food-grade formulations for the full range of industrial assembly applications.

Anti-Seize Compounds We Stock

Selection & Application Guide

  • Torque Reduction Factor: Anti-seize compounds reduce the torque required to achieve a given bolt preload. If the joint specifies dry torque values, reduce applied torque by approximately 20–30% when using anti-seize — or follow the compound manufacturer's published nut factor (K) for the specific product.
  • Anti-Seize Is Not a Thread Sealant: Anti-seize does not seal threads against fluid or gas leakage. Use PTFE tape, liquid thread sealant, or anaerobic thread sealant where pressure sealing is required.
  • Application Method: Apply a thin, even coat to the first few threads and bearing surfaces only. Excess compound can hydraulically lock assemblies or contaminate adjacent components. Brush or spatula application is preferred for control and consistency.

Australian Business, Local Supply: As a proudly Australian business since 1988, we stock locally and work with trusted local Australian manufacturers and distributors to ensure fast, reliable supply.

Expert Support: Need help buying the right product for your application? Contact our team for application-specific advice or request a quote.

Also see our Thread Sealants, Industrial Greases, and Gasket Sealants ranges.

More Questions — Anti-Seize Compounds

Q: What temperature range does marine/salt-water anti-seize compound cover?

Marine/salt-water anti-seize compound is rated to a service range of 250-400°C, and is used on coastal, offshore, propeller shaft hardware and deck fittings — conductivity varies by specific formulation.

Q: What assembly environments require a metal-free anti-seize compound?

Loctite's LB 8504 Graphite Synthetic Anti-Seize is a metal-free graphite and synthetic lubricant formulation, needed in some electrical and semiconductor assembly environments where metallic particles aren't acceptable.

Q: What kind of bolted joint calls for a heavy-duty anti-seize compound?

Heavy-duty anti-seize compounds — such as Loctite 51606 and the CRC Extreme Pressure Anti-Seize Assembly Lube — are formulated for high-load bolted joints and extreme pressure applications, a step up from a standard general-purpose anti-seize.

Q: Does anti-seize compound seal threads against fluid or gas leakage?

No — anti-seize does not seal threads against fluid or gas leakage. Where pressure sealing is required, use PTFE tape, liquid thread sealant, or anaerobic thread sealant instead.

Q: Why is silver/graphite anti-seize specified for oxygen service and exotic alloys?

Silver/graphite anti-seize is rated to 1100°C and is formulated in a lead-free version specifically for oxygen service and exotic alloys, sitting a step up from the general-purpose copper and aluminium variants for specialty high-temperature work.

Q: Why would I choose nickel or silver-grade anti-seize over copper on stainless steel?

Nickel and silver-grade anti-seize are specified for stainless steel, alloy steel and non-ferrous fasteners where copper contamination is a concern — copper particles from a copper-based compound can be an issue on these materials, which nickel and silver-grade compounds avoid.

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