Author Topic: BB in ti frame. grease, and or tape / threadlock?  (Read 1000 times)

BB in ti frame. grease, and or tape / threadlock?
« on: 21 July, 2022, 05:29:53 am »
My first ever ti build, what's best please?
Waterproof grease? PTFE plumbing tape or Threadlock?

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

Re: BB in ti frame. grease, and or tape / threadlock?
« Reply #2 on: 21 July, 2022, 06:20:26 am »
I used Copperslip anti-seize grease in mine.

robgul

  • Cycle:End-to-End webmaster
  • cyclist, Cytech accredited mechanic & woodworker
    • Cycle:End-to-End
Re: BB in ti frame. grease, and or tape / threadlock?
« Reply #3 on: 21 July, 2022, 07:30:02 am »
When I built up my first Van Nicholas from F&F VN themselves said to use a copper grease for the BB (and also on braze-on bolts - e.g. bottle cage, mudguards, rack)

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: BB in ti frame. grease, and or tape / threadlock?
« Reply #4 on: 21 July, 2022, 08:11:04 am »
Logic would dictate anti-seize to prevent galling, but Royce Ti BBs in steel frames use threadlock (probably because most have no lockrings).
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.

Captain Nemo

  • Defence de profundis
Re: BB in ti frame. grease, and or tape / threadlock?
« Reply #5 on: 21 July, 2022, 08:32:41 am »
Agree - "copperslip" anti-seize type grease.

I bought some Loctite C5-A ( https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/uk/en/product/anti-seize-lubricants/loctite_lb_8008_c5-a.html ) when I got my Merlin frame back in the last century (1999) and still going strong.

Even although C5-A sounds like a Lockheed Galaxy, I can assure you it is just a pot of coppery grease.

Re: BB in ti frame. grease, and or tape / threadlock?
« Reply #6 on: 21 July, 2022, 12:16:17 pm »
Thanks, plenty of good advice

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: BB in ti frame. grease, and or tape / threadlock?
« Reply #7 on: 21 July, 2022, 12:29:37 pm »
Threads often have high contact pressures and, when the threaded components have similar hardness or other characteristics, galling can be a significant problem. Anti-seize avoids that problem.

Ti is fairly prone to galling. I figure a specific Ti anti-seize is probably the best choice for a Ti thread, though the difference in hardness compared to Al BB cups probably means this isn’t a major issue. I would be more concerned with SS bolts into Ti.

Copaslip encourages electrolytic corrosion which can be a problem in some circumstances.

Alumslip is generally better than Copaslip when wanting to apply anti-seize to aluminium components.
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

Re: BB in ti frame. grease, and or tape / threadlock?
« Reply #8 on: 23 July, 2022, 12:23:17 pm »
I shall strip it and replace when I have the 'right stuff' build up including wheels  was Thursday, test ride round the block and now on a Scottish tour. Bit risky but nothing fell off, just a few minor adjustments to gears needed. It's a Sabbath September, rides really nicely and looks smart.