I got this ball valve and swivel from or of the big suppliers we all use. I can’t get anything screwed into it more than halfway. Is this defective threads or normal? I haven’t tried to Teflon tape for waterproofing and see how it does because I’m not happy with the unflush fit. Normal?
Welcome to the world of pipe thread. All pipe thread will need teflon tape or pipe dope which is where the seal comes from. Pipe thread is tapered so you will never have a flush fit. When you see threads exposed on fittings that identifies it as pipe thread
If it’s not normal I have a problem I didn’t know about… So yes it’s normal. As long as it’s not leaking it’s worked fine for me.
Yes its normal
I’ll just have to deal with it then. I appreciate the lightning replies.
I wish you could close threads, or mark as “solved.”
Done… 
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How did you do that? @Squidskc, is this a power I can learn? Lol.
How on earth would guys be able to come along and resurrect them 3-4 years later though???
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Changed my mind. Lol at some point someone is going to see it and ask for a recommendation for thread tape or something and this is where they’re gonna do it hopefully instead of starting a thread about thread tape…
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I’ve been given tremendous power, but I’ve vowed to use it only for good.
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I have found differences in thread tape manufacturing that would be best served discussing in a new thread…seriously though lol
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Why don’t we just get it out of the way. Haha. I was told to not use Teflon tape but I still do. Seems okay, but not great for qdc’s. Is blue threadlock better?
I think I’m only supposed to be locking topics if some knucklehead is causing trouble. Either way, no real reason to close it. I’m just frivolously using my TREMENDOUS POWER 
at this point. I’m going to bed.
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Everyone is gonna have a different answer. I use blue monster thread tape. Why? It’s at menards and nothing leaks. Lol if it doesn’t leak you’re good to go.
Teflon tape everything, that’s where you get your seal. Start wrapping one thread back unless it’s on your HP side and you can blow out the tape that creeps in to the other side of the fitting. Threadlocker no bueno. I buy my teflon straight from CHINA on Ebay. Here’s $4 bucks worth (600’) which will last me two years
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I have the same valve and fittings. Some thread very well by hand, others not. Try some tape on it before making your final determination, the tape will act as a lubricant, easing the tightening of the fittings.
With great power, comes great responsibility.
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First of all, teflon tape does NOT seal your threads. Teflon tape is a lubricant for your threads. It allows you screw the 2 fittings together further into each other with ease with out the threads binding up.
If you want a thread sealant, use pipe dope. It is designed to seal your threads. Make sure you get one that is rated for the PSI your working with.
