befus wrote:OK. I had my Ross brake out to install complete with stainless crush washer. I had a heck of a time getting the old crush washer off and eventually had to notch it deeply with a dremel and break it to get the job done. Yes, I was nervous. The Ross brake was turned so finely it matched the barrel diameter perfectly and I hated to mess with it, but I had the stuff and went ahead. I noticed the washer I put on was pretty loose and could be moved a little from side to side and when I crushed it it did so unevenly and I was fearful to torque it more. I wasn't all bad a I really didn't want to use it as the brake itself was almost perfectly timed to the point that hard hand tight went just past the ideal. It occurred to me a shim, almost any shim, would work as close as it was, but again. I really didn't want the thing sticking out past the brake/barrel union. Then I saw this plumber's tape stuff! Am I correct that if I get some yellow, or gray tape, and put five or so raps around the threads all I have to do is get a snug fit and tighten to the sweet spot and I am good to go? Sounds impossible that it won't vibrate loose, but too many here use it to doubt really.
Just get the "el cheapo" white rolls at Harbor Freight, or in the impulse bins at the checkout lines in hardware stores. They all work fine. The stuff really helps keep bore cleaning solvents and condensation, yes burning powder creates H2O as part of the reaction, from wicking back behind the brake. In all likelihood, that's why your steel on steel crush washer got stuck.
and another thing... Who's idea was it to make a muzzle brake (different brand) out of aluminum?! That's a galvanic reaction looking for a place to happen, if you don't apply a good coating of air displacing, anti-seize grease of some kind. Which also means refreshing it every time you take the brake off and put it back on.
Plumber's tape seals those threads pretty effectively, while providing the necessary friction that keeps the brake timed. Yes, it can tax your patience, picking those little filament strands of it out of the threads (internal as well as external) before putting some fresh on but that's the only price of admission. There is elegance in simplicity, especially cheap simplicity.
Hoot