Advantages and Disadvantages of PTFE-Coated Bolts

07 Jul.,2025

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of PTFE-Coated Bolts

We’ve all heard about the “Teflon” coating on the nonstick pans in our kitchens, but did you know you could put it on threaded rods?

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The technical explanation for Teflon is as follows:

“Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and has numerous applications because it is chemically inert. The commonly known brand name of PTFE-based composition is Teflon by Chemours, a spin-off from DuPont, which originally discovered the compound in . Polytetrafluoroethylene is a fluorocarbon solid, as it is a high-molecular-weight polymer consisting wholly of carbon and fluorine.” – Wikipedia

However, the bolted flange industry typically calls this coating a Teflon or Xylon fastener.

Before PTFE-coated bolts, the petrochemical industry used other methods of making corrosion-resistant bolting components. Some were good for high temperatures, others were better at corrosion resistance, but some flange joints need the PTFE coating for chemical resistance.

Now, most of the industry uses Xylan coatings mainly for corrosion and chemical resistance. We’ll discuss some more advantages later in this article.

What Is Xylan? And Why Xylan?

Xylan is a PTFE coating and the registered name of Whitford Worldwide Company (acquired by PPG in ).

Xylan is the most common PTFE coating in the marketplace. The most common brand is what’s typically referred to as Xylan .

They offer a whole series of Xylan coatings, but Xylan is the workhorse. That’s why we use it for our PROTINN fasteners.

When you combine our ISO manufacturing process with Xylan , we can guarantee the best PTFE-coated fasteners in the industry.

Examples of PTFE-Coated Fasteners

PTFE or Xylan coating is applied to a variety of fasteners, including:

  • ASTM A193 Grade B7 stud bolts
  • ASTM A193 hex bolts
  • ASTM A193 head cap screws
  • ASTM A194 2H hex nuts
  • Custom hex head applications
  • Flat head fasteners
  • High alloy steel
  • Stainless steel bolting
  • F-436 flat washers

While industry documents (e.g., ASME PCC-1) do not provide guidance on the advantages or disadvantages of PTFE-coated fasteners, our technical team for PROTINN has done the homework for you.

Advantages of PTFE-Coated Fasteners

One of the most recognized benefits of the PROTINN fastener is its low coefficient of friction without using lubrication.

Non-coated ASTM A193 B7 stud bolts need lubrication (typically a molybdenum or nickel lubrication).

PROTINN has figured out how to achieve the correct tensile strength in your fastener without lubrication as well.

We know and have tested the difference between k-factors, not only on our products but also on our competitors.

This is how we can not only guarantee a low but also a consistent k-factor.

Disadvantages of PTFE-Coated Fasteners

Most manufacturers do not have a quality program for making PTFE-coated fasteners. They just throw on the coating and over-tap the nuts.

We have also seen PTFE-coated fasteners from foreign countries that take quality as seriously as PROTINN.

Inferior products show a k-factor ranging from 0.08 to 0.26. ASME PCC-1 states that torque is ~30% accurate. Without knowing what your manufacturer is doing, your torque can be off by 300%!

PROTINN B7 studs have a k-factor of 0.12 with 10% scatter. That’s the best in the industry, and that is what we want to deliver to our customers.

Mechanical Fasteners vs. Adhesive Tapes: Pros and Cons of Each

Have you ever thought, “Gee, I wonder if I should use nails or adhesive tape to mount this picture on the wall?” 

Or maybe not, unless you’ve got a strict landlord to worry about. But although choosing a bonding method might seem like a minor detail when you’re doing work around the house, you’ll want to consider all your options when it comes to large-scale manufacturing projects. 

Want more information on Fasteners Manufacturer? Feel free to contact us.

Strouse works more closely with adhesive tape as a flexible material converting company than mechanical fasteners. However, we're committed to providing unbiased information as you educate yourself on potential bonding solutions to fit your needs.

As you learn more, you'll understand your different options and which factors to consider when selecting a joining method for your project.

What Are Mechanical Fasteners?

Mechanical fasteners are typically metal components that bind one surface to another. Examples of mechanical fasteners include rivets, screws, brackets, pins, and retaining rings, commonly seen in joining or mounting applications. 

HOW ARE FASTENERS USED TO JOIN OBJECTS?

Fasteners can be temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent, depending on the purpose of the application. 

Permanent fasteners, such as rivets, are installed by placing the rivet in a hole and applying pressure to the other side to deform and lodge it in place.

Semi-permanent fasteners, like bolts, are combined with nuts and washers to create a tight, potentially removable bond between two surfaces. 

Temporary fasteners, like screws, can be paired with brackets to support heavier applications, such as shelves, but removed later. However, using mechanical fasteners in applications like mounting will still result in surface damage to the wall.

As we discuss the pros and cons of using fasteners, consider whether your application needs a temporary solution or a longer-lasting alternative. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Mechanical Fasteners?

Mechanical fasteners are powerful joining solutions but can be heavy and bulky, meaning they might not fit your application.

PROS OF MECHANICAL FASTENERS

1. High Strength and Durability
    • Mechanical fasteners wedge into surfaces, providing high strength and making them unlikely to fall off naturally.
    • Their robust design ensures long-lasting performance.
2. Resistant to Movement
    • Mechanical fasteners can resist movement better than adhesives, which might shift under significant force.
    • Although fasteners are strong, they may loosen over time.
3. Easy Disassembly (for some)
    • Some mechanical fasteners are easy to disassemble, which is crucial for applications requiring routine maintenance.
    • Similarly, depending on the adhesive type, adhesive tapes can be designed for easy removal, medium-duty use, or permanent fixtures.
4. Instant Joining Effect
    • Mechanical fasteners provide full-strength joints immediately upon application, often resulting in a quick and efficient process, depending on the fastener type and its application.

CONS OF MECHANICAL FASTENERS

1. Requires Holes For Functionality
    • Most mechanical fasteners need holes to work, and some, like sharp-tipped screws, create their own.
    • This puncturing can damage the surface, compromising its aesthetic and structural integrity.
    • Additionally, lining up and punching holes for fasteners is more time-consuming than applying double-sided adhesive tape. 
2. Heavier and Bulkier than Adhesives
    • The added weight comes from the fastener and the entire mounting fixture.
    • Screws securing larger metal brackets can weigh down the fixture and warp the holes, leading to misshapen fixtures over time.
3. Risk of Rust and Corrosion
    • Changes in the shape of the holes can allow moisture to enter, increasing the risk of rust and other forms of corrosion.
    • Bi-metal corrosion between different metals can also occur over time.
4. Causes fixed points of tension
    • Mechanical fasteners establish fixed points of tension, making surfaces more vulnerable to breakage.
    • Due to this risk, many opt for adhesive tape as an alternative.

What Are Adhesive Tapes?

Adhesive tapes are flexible materials that use bonding substrates to join objects and surfaces

While you're probably picturing everyday masking or duct tape in your head, the adhesive tapes we're discussing are heavy-duty double-sided tapes that can endure similar amounts of tension. 

HOW ARE ADHESIVE TAPES USED TO JOIN OBJECTS?

Adhesive tapes can combine objects and materials of different sizes and shapes, both flexible and solid.

While you may have used adhesive tape to mount paintings or dry-erase boards, many people aren't aware that flexible tapes can bond together trailer walls, attach fixtures to ceilings, or hold a functioning scooter intact using their considerable strength. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Adhesive Tapes?

Adhesive tapes can be strong, custom-made alternatives for bonding, but they also risk higher costs, expiration dates, and slippage due to environmental factors. 

PROS OF ADHESIVE TAPES

1. Highly customizable 
  • Double-sided options available with different substrates on each side for optimal adhesion.
  • Can be laminated by converters to meet specific surface requirements.
2. Sleek and Aesthetic
  • Unlike mechanical fasteners, adhesive tapes offer a smooth surface, avoiding geometric or aesthetic issues.
  • Thin adhesive tapes can provide strong bonding even with a powerful adhesive.
3. Versatile Functionality
  • Adhesive tape can serve multiple purposes, such as sealing, shock absorption, and sound dampening.
  • Materials like foam are flexible, expanding or contracting with temperature changes.
4. Lightweight yet strong
  • Adhesive tape is a lightweight alternative to mechanical fasteners, reducing the overall weight of devices or surfaces while maintaining strength.

CONS OF ADHESIVE TAPES

1. Surface Compatibility 
    • Adhesive tapes can struggle on certain surfaces without prior treatment.
    • Converters may use corona treatments to temporarily improve adhesion on low surface energy (LSE) plastics.
    • Proper surface preparation during application is crucial for forming a strong bond; failure may lead to bond failure.
2. Environmental Sensitivity
    • Environmental conditions can influence the effectiveness of adhesive tape.
    • Depending on the tape's composition, moist or humid environments can affect the adhesive properties.
3. Adhesive Shelf Life
    • Adhesive tape has a shelf life, similar to a best-by-date for food.
    • Manufacturers mark rolls with a recommended use-by date, though many adhesives remain effective well past this date.
4. Cost of Customization 
    • Standard adhesive tape is generally affordable, but costs can rise with custom design jobs.
    • Automation can reduce labor costs, making customization more cost-effective.

Which Bonding Method Should I Choose?

Before you decide between mechanical and adhesive bonds, you must understand that there are more than two bonding options. There are plenty of other alternatives, each with its pros and cons. 

For instance, liquid adhesives are messy and challenging to work with unless your operators are fully trained. Welding can be powerful, but it can also cause damage to your respective surfaces. 

The method you choose will ultimately depend on your specific application and needs

A mechanical fastener might be your best choice for an application that requires maintenance or must withstand movement. However, powerful but lightweight bonding applications like fixing signs, logos, windows, or large panels are often perfect opportunities for custom tape applications. 

If you’re looking for increased project consistency, reliability, and ease of application, consider using adhesive tape as your solution. Many double-sided tapes are adept at bonding both similar and dissimilar materials. With the help of an adhesive tape converter, you can figure out which material might best suit your product and application process. 

To get started, consider reaching out to Schedule a Project Consultation, where our experts will help you plan and prototype materials to test in your process, allowing you to see how the flexible materials perform.

Still hesitating? Our Learning Center has additional information about different bonding methods that will help you make a choice. 

Originally published: March 14,

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