Originally Posted by
Marc Zeitlin
Various sources quote torque values for steel 1/8-27 NPT threads of 7 - 12 ft-lb. They also quote anywhere from 3/4 - 3 turns past finger tight. When I tighten NPT threads, I get them finger tight and then 1 - 2 turns past that, so that (as you say) things point where I want them to - I don't use a torque wrench. Never had one leak, and never had a female fitting crack.
Not the right sealant - that's a gasket sealant material, not a thread sealant.
Look specifically for tapered thread sealants. I'm particular to Locktite 565, for no special reason - there are a lot of NPT sealants out there that will work. Don't use teflon tape - it can tear and get into the lines. When you apply the sealant, always start one thread up from the bottom to keep any from getting into the lines, and you only need enough to cover one full thread - it'll spread by itself as you tighten the fitting.