Frequently Asked Questions
Gasket Makers
Permatex does not suggest adding any solvents, chemicals, or fillers to its products. Altering the original formula can change the product’s characteristics and compromise its performance.
Each Permatex product is carefully engineered to deliver specific results and modifying it may reduce its effectiveness or reliability.
Ultra Copper is a silicone-based sealant with a distinct copper color, but it does not contain copper or any other metals. It is also non-conductive, making it safe for use around electrical components.
Aviation Form-A-Gasket is a slow-drying, non-hardening sealant designed for long-lasting performance. It offers excellent resistance to gasoline, oil, and grease, making it ideal for close-fitting machined surfaces, as well as for sealing hoses and solid gaskets.
Form-A-Gasket #1 is a fast-drying, hard-setting sealant designed for use on rigid materials and flanges, providing a durable, long-lasting seal.
Form-A-Gasket #2 is a slow-drying, non-hardening formula ideal for non-rigid, vibrating, or stamped parts. It’s perfect for sealing cut gaskets and allows for easy disassembly when needed.
Threadlockers
Permatex Threadlockers are available in varying strengths depending on the demands of the assembled joint, the size of the fastener, and the likelihood of future disassembly. The different colours indicate the different strengths of the products.
- Blue = Medium Strength
- Red = High/Permanent Strength
Permatex Threadlockers are engineered to meet a wide range of sealing and locking needs. Whether you’re working with small screws or large-diameter bolts, Permatex offers solutions for both removable and permanent assemblies, as well as high-temperature environments. Options are also available for use on both assembled and pre-assembled components, making them a versatile choice for any application.
The use of Threadlockers has grown significantly on OEM assembly lines, and for good reasons: they deliver reliable, long-lasting performance. Replicating this method during service and repair is both important and convenient, helping to maintain the integrity of assembled joints and providing added peace of mind.
Chemical Threadlockers offer superior torque retention compared to traditional lock washers, which only secure at the point of contact and can loosen over time.
Unlike mechanical fasteners, chemical Threadlockers penetrate the threads, creating a continuous locking mechanism that also seals out dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. This not only helps retain fluids within the joint but also prevents rust and corrosion, ensuring long-term reliability and protection.
Metals are categorized as either active or inactive based on how they affect the curing speed of Threadlockers.
Active metals, such as soft steel, iron, copper, nickel, bronze, manganese, brass, and aluminum alloys, promote faster curing.
In contrast, inactive metals like bright-plated surfaces, anodized surfaces, titanium, zinc, pure aluminum, stainless steel, and cadmium may slow down the curing process and often require the use of a primer to ensure optimal performance.
Surface Prep Activator is recommended for use on inactive metal surfaces to promote proper curing of anaerobic adhesives and sealants. It can also be used on active surfaces to accelerate cure time, helping speed up assembly processes.
In addition, this product serves as a general-purpose solvent, ideal for cleaning and preparing parts and surfaces before application.
Apply heat to the parts until they reach a temperature of 232°C or higher, then remove the fasteners while the components are still hot.
Lubricants
Permatex doesn’t recommend using anti-seize on wheel studs.
While some people do it, it can actually lead to over-tightening, which increases the clamp load and might even stretch the bolts. Because anti-seize makes things so slick, it’s easy to go beyond the recommended torque, even if you’re following factory specs. It really depends on the bolt type, size, and brand, so it’s best to steer clear for safety.
Specialized Maintenance
Once the mirror button is bonded to the glass, it’s extremely difficult to remove without damaging the windshield.
Trying to pry or heat it off can crack the glass. The best approach is to take the mirror, head to your local auto parts store or dealership and find a matching mirror that fits a new mounting button.
Then, you can use a new Permatex Rearview Mirror Kit to properly install the new button directly over the one that was previously misaligned.
The yellow or clear plastic sheets included in the kit are curing strips.
They’re used to cover the adhesive applied to a crack or chip in the windshield, helping block out air so the anaerobic adhesive can properly cure and harden.
For a step-by-step guide and helpful tips, check out our Windshield Repair Video to see the product in action.
Miscellaneous
To find where a product is available, just visit any of our product pages.
On the right-hand side, you’ll see an ‘Available at’ section with a list of retailers. Simply click on any of the retailer links, and you’ll be redirected to their website to complete your purchase.
All Permatex products are stamped with a date/batch code number indicating when the product was made, and you should be able to find it on the body of the packaging.
Here’s an example of the date code and how to read it. E.g. 4GX23695, the first digit is the year 4=2024, 5=2025 etc. and the first letter is the month of the year A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar etc. Therefore, for this batch code, it was manufactured in July 2024.
