Anti-Seize becoming dry and thick

1. What is the Shelf Life?

The shelf life of an anti-seize compound is not the same as the service life. The typical service life is generally much longer than the shelf life.

The shelf life is important. If stored correctly, an anti-seize compound should retain its performance in key operations e.g. coefficient of friction in fastener tightening.

The majority of products have a 5-year shelf life from the date of manufacture. However, some are shorter, for example Dry Moly Fluid (2 years), MTLM (3 years) and Dry Moly Spray (4 years) are different. Please check technical datasheets for information.

2. How should an Anti-Seize Compound be Stored?

The storage conditions for ROCOL anti-seize compounds are on the respective technical datasheets .

Anti-seize compounds should always be stored with the lid on. If left open to the surrounding air, the anti-seize compound may dry out over a long period of time, which will affect the tension-torsion relationship of the system and, therefore introduce inaccuracy into the tightening process.

If there is a small pool of oil appears in a tin of anti-seize compound when correctly stored, this is alright – Greases and pastes naturally bleed oil slowly. For the best results with an anti-seize compound, or any grease product, it is recommended to stir or mix before application.

3. The Anti-Seize has become Dry and Thick. Can I thin it?

If stored with exposure to the atmosphere, an anti-seize compound can dry out. This can make it difficult to apply. In response, some people add gear oil, hydraulic oil or other oils to return the anti-seize compound to a consistency that is closer to the original.

If this is done, this will affect the performance of the anti-seize, the homogeneity and will mean that the friction coefficient and K-factor will no longer be valid.

Adding any extra material to an anti-seize compound is not recommended. Therefore, care should be taken to ensure that the storage conditions of the anti-seize do not allow drying-out or contamination.

Find out which anti-seize system is the best for you!