[GuyBFF]

WaterPog, I can assume you've never worked worked with larger fittings, like 1/2" NPT plus, or in situations with unequal physical properties, like plastics and metals.

Check with the manufacturers before you rant, teflon tape is not pure teflon, and IS considered a sealant as well as a lubricant. It is used to seal in situations where threads cannot physically mate (like soft metals or plastics). In steel fittings, or in places where a high stress joint may crack before mating.

It however is used mainly for the content of teflon to lubricate and avoid damaging threads before enough pressure has been applied to mate, but if your a plumber or anyone in the industry you will also know it is required to apply more as the fitting size (and finish of the fittings) increases.

You are correct in the fact the over applying will cause it to ball up, worsening sealing, and possibly causing stress and failure to fittings before a leak free and "tight" joint is felt.

Also most liquid compounds also contain a sealant as well, there are very very few (for special applications, not thread fitting) which only contain teflon and a carrier.

I supplied these products for six and a half years, and have seen every misuse. Our distributers where on a very close level with us when it came to product knowledge.