Anti-seize compound is a mysterious necessity in farm shops. We know we need it for special situations but aren’t exactly sure what those situations are.
Here are some facts:
- Anti-seize compound is not recommended to be used as merely a lubricant. The compound is designed to prevent parts that don’t move after installation — nuts, bolts and gears keyed on shafts — from seizing, galling or welding themselves together.
- The critical components of anti-seize products are powdered or flaked copper, nickel, aluminum or other metals. They are suspended in a grease carrier. That grease carrier has lubricative qualities during the installation of nuts, bolts and components. Because of that, final torque values of nuts and bolts treated with anti-seize should be reduced by 20% to 30%.
- Copper anti-seize is rated to 1,800°F. Nickel anti-seize (silver in color) withstands temperatures up to 2,600°F, making it a universal product for exhaust systems.
- In years past, it was recommended to use anti-seize on the threads of steel spark plugs that had been installed in aluminum cylinder heads to prevent galvanic corrosion between the different metals. NGK, Autolite and AC Delco now specifically advise against using anti-seize on their spark plugs. They recommend installing spark plugs “dry” to specified torque values to prevent overtightening and damaging threads that could trigger galvanic corrosion.
None of the engineers interviewed for this story had an explanation for why using even a small dab of anti-seize ends up blotching the arms, clothes and even the face of anyone using it.
“We’ve never heard complaints or experienced any issues with anti-seize making messes,” was a common response.
They’ve apparently never been around a farmer who applied anti-seize during maintenance or repairs.
When Not to Use Anti-Seize
Moving Parts: Avoid using anti-seize on components that move against each other after installation, like ball bearings, shafts and bushings, as metal flakes can cause failure.
Sliding Components: Do not apply anti-seize on sliding parts such as brake caliper slide pins, as the metal content can wear down surfaces.
Oscillating Parts: For components that do not rotate fully — like planter arms, loader pivot pins or sprayer booms — use EP molybdenum grease instead. Anti-seize is intended for stationary parts.
Copper Anti-Seize on Stainless Steel: Copper anti-seize can trigger galvanic corrosion on stainless steel. Choose a compatible alternative.
