Loctite 55 Pipe Sealing Cord

LOCTITE 55 is a pre-coated, non-curing thread-sealing cord designed for sealing threaded metal and plastic pipes and fittings. It provides an immediate, full-pressure seal and is designed as a quick, clean and reliable alternative to conventional PTFE tape and hemp-and-paste sealing methods.

Unlike curing liquid thread sealants, LOCTITE 55 does not require curing time. Once correctly applied to the threads and the fitting is assembled, the joint can provide an immediate seal. The joint can also be adjusted after assembly while maintaining sealing performance. Henkel states that pipe joints can be reliably re-adjusted by up to 45°.

Key Features

Thread-sealing cord for metal and plastic pipe fittings

Provides an immediate full-pressure seal

Non-curing sealing technology

Fast and easy to apply

Clean application with minimal mess

No curing or waiting period required

Allows reliable post-assembly adjustment

Can be used as an alternative to PTFE tape and hemp/paste combinations

Suitable for a wide range of plumbing and industrial pipe-thread applications

White in colour

Operating temperature range: approximately -20°C to +150°C

Available in a convenient cord format for controlled application

Applications

LOCTITE 55 is primarily designed for sealing threaded connections in:

Water pipes and fittings

Potable/drinking-water systems

Gas pipe connections

Heating systems

Plumbing installations

Industrial pipework

Metal threaded fittings

Plastic threaded fittings

Hydraulic and pneumatic connections where the application requirements are suitable

The product is approved or certified for certain natural gas and potable-water applications, with specific approvals varying by market and application.

How LOCTITE 55 Works

LOCTITE 55 consists of a sealing cord that is applied directly onto the threaded portion of a pipe or fitting. When the connection is assembled, the cord occupies the clearances and irregularities between the mating threads, helping create a leak-resistant seal.

Because it is a non-curing sealing system, the product does not depend on a chemical curing reaction to develop its seal. This provides an important advantage when immediate pressure testing or commissioning is required.

Adjustment After Assembly

One of the useful features of LOCTITE 55 is its ability to accommodate adjustment after assembly.

According to Henkel, pipe joints can be reliably re-adjusted by up to 45°, helping installers position fittings correctly without having to completely disassemble the connection and reseal it.

This can be particularly useful when the final orientation of elbows, valves, gauges, taps or other threaded components needs to be corrected during installation.

Potable Water & Gas Applications

LOCTITE 55 has approvals and certifications for selected applications involving natural gas and potable water. Henkel lists certifications and approvals including DVGW/KTW-BWGL, NSF/ANSI Standard 61 and WRAS, with requirements and availability depending on the specific market.

Henkel also states that LOCTITE 55 meets the performance requirements of KIWA GASTEC QA AR 214 for admixtures up to and including 100% hydrogen gas, with certification availability depending on country.

For regulated applications, always verify the applicable approval, pressure, temperature and media requirements for the particular installation.

Temperature Resistance

LOCTITE 55 has a listed operating temperature range of approximately:

-20°C to +150°C (-4°F to +300°F).

The actual suitability of a sealed joint should also be evaluated based on the pipe material, pressure, fluid or gas, thread type and applicable standards.

Technical Specifications

Property

LOCTITE 55

Product type: Thread-sealing cord

Technology: Non-curing sealing cord

Application: Thread sealing

Suitable substrates: Metal and plastic pipe fittings

Colour: White

Seal: Immediate full-pressure seal

Operating temperature: -20°C to +150°C

Adjustment: Up to 45° according to Henkel

Main applications: Water, gas, heating and plumbing

Potable water approvals: Available for specified applications

Gas approvals: Available for specified applications

Technical values and approvals should be checked against the latest Henkel technical documentation for the specific market and product package.

Advantages Over Conventional Thread-Sealing Methods

Easy Application

The cord format allows controlled application directly onto the threaded connection without the mess associated with some paste-based sealing methods.

Immediate Sealing

LOCTITE 55 provides an immediate full-pressure seal, eliminating the curing wait associated with many anaerobic liquid thread sealants.

Reliable Re-Adjustment

The connection can be adjusted after assembly, which can simplify installation when the final orientation of the fitting needs correction.

Clean Installation

The product is designed for a neat and clean sealing process with minimal application waste.

Application Procedure

Clean the threads and remove excessive dirt, oil or contaminants where required.

Apply LOCTITE 55 thread-sealing cord to the male thread according to the product instructions.

Ensure the cord is applied correctly over the thread profile.

Assemble the fitting and tighten to the required position.

If necessary, make the permitted adjustment to obtain the correct orientation.

Check the completed connection for leakage before putting the system into service.

Always follow the application instructions supplied with the product and applicable pipe-system requirements.

Important Consideration

LOCTITE 55 should not be selected solely on the basis of temperature resistance. For critical installations, the fluid or gas being conveyed, pressure, pipe material, thread type, temperature, applicable approvals and local regulations should all be considered.

Henkel specifically states that LOCTITE 55 is not intended for sealing against petrol and describes it as an alternative to PTFE tapes and hemp/paste combinations.

Typical Industries

LOCTITE 55 can be used in applications associated with:

Plumbing and sanitary installations

Building services

HVAC and heating systems

Gas installations

Water-treatment equipment

Industrial maintenance

Manufacturing facilities

Mechanical equipment

Pneumatic and fluid-handling systems

Product Summary

LOCTITE 55 is a fast, clean and reliable thread-sealing cord for threaded metal and plastic pipes and fittings. It provides an immediate full-pressure seal without curing and permits reliable post-assembly adjustment. With applications covering water, potable water, gas and heating systems, LOCTITE 55 is designed for professional plumbing, maintenance and industrial pipe-thread sealing applications.