Last reviewed: May 2026 · MLC editorial team · UK trade workshop perspective
Photo by Ann H on Pexels
An untreated stainless bolt threaded into a stainless nut will gall and weld solid under torque - leaving you to drill it out. A pea-sized dab of anti-seize on the threads prevents the galling and lets the fastener disassemble months or years later without snapping the head off. In workshops across Britain, reliable anti-seize compounds are indispensable for preventing corrosion and seizing in high-stress environments. From budget-friendly options like zinc dust paste at around £2 to premium formulations such as copper-doped grease that can cost up to £15 per tube, there’s an anti-seize compound suited for every application and budget constraint. This article will focus on the best performers available in 2026, highlighting their effectiveness in real-world scenarios rather than just listing features or theoretical benefits.
How we picked these
- Base metal: copper (most common, conducts heat), ceramic (electrically insulating), nickel (chemically resistant), aluminium (galvanic-isolation).
- Temperature range: copper to 980°C; ceramic to 1450°C; nickel to 1425°C.
- Galvanic prevention: dissimilar metals (stainless on aluminium, brass on steel) need anti-seize to prevent galvanic corrosion welding the joint.
- Food-grade: NSF H1 registered required for any food / pharma machinery contact.
- Application: pea-sized dab on threads only - too much migrates and contaminates seals.
Reviewed picks
Loctite LB 8008 C5-A Copper Anti-Seize (50g)
Price: £14-£20 | Best for: general-purpose workshop anti-seize
Loctite LB 8008 C5-A Copper Anti-Seize in a 50g bottle is a reliable choice for general workshop use, priced between £14 and £20. It boasts a brush-cap applicator for easy application and can handle temperatures up to 980°C. However, it stains hands and clothes, so wear gloves when using.
| Base | Copper |
|---|
| Temp | -29 to +980°C |
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| Carrier | Petroleum grease |
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| Galvanic | Copper-to-steel, copper-to-stainless |
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| Bottle | 50g brush-cap |
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Pros
- Loctite brand
- Brush-cap applicator
- 980°C temperature range
Cons
- Copper not suitable for stainless on stainless (still some galling)
- Stains hands and clothes - wear gloves
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Check Loctite LB 8008 C5-A Copper Anti-Seize (50g) on Amazon UK →
Permatex Anti-Seize Lubricant 80078 Copper (133g)
Price: £12-£18 | Best for: automotive engine + exhaust
Permatex Anti-Seize 80078 Copper (133g) is a trade-favoured anti-seize compound for automotive engines and exhausts, priced at £12-£18. Its copper and graphite mix in petroleum grease handles temps from -29 to +870°C. A notable pro is the larger 133g tin size with an applicator brush; however, it stains heavily and lacks Loctite's UK trade recognition.
| Base | Copper + graphite |
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| Temp | -29 to +870°C |
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| Carrier | Petroleum grease |
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| Use | Engine, exhaust, brake hardware |
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| Bottle | 133g tin with brush |
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Pros
- Larger 133g tin
- Trade-trusted Permatex automotive
- Copper + graphite combination
Cons
- Sub-Loctite UK trade recognition
- Stains heavily
Check Permatex Anti-Seize Lubricant 80078 Copper (133g) on Amazon UK →
Rocol J166 Nickel Anti-Seize (500g)
Price: £40-£60 | Best for: stainless-on-stainless, nuclear, food machinery
The Rocol J166 Nickel Anti-Seize is a top choice for stainless-on-stainless applications at £40 to £60 per 500g tin. It boasts a chloride-free formula that's ideal for nuclear-grade machinery without risking pitting on stainless steel. However, its premium price due to nickel content makes it less suitable for general industrial use outside niche sectors like food processing and nuclear plants.
| Base | Nickel + graphite |
|---|
| Temp | -50 to +1425°C |
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| Carrier | Synthetic grease |
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| Galvanic | Stainless-on-stainless, nuclear-grade chloride-free |
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| Bottle | 500g tin |
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Pros
- Chloride-free - suitable for stainless steel without pitting risk
- 1425°C temperature range
- UK Rocol brand
Cons
- Premium price (nickel content)
- Niche use case for non-stainless work
Check Rocol J166 Nickel Anti-Seize (500g) on Amazon UK →
Loctite LB 8150 Aluminum Anti-Seize (453g)
Price: £35-£55 | Best for: stainless / aluminium galvanic prevention
Loctite LB 8150 Anti-Seize is a premium compound for high-temperature applications up to 900°C, ideal for preventing galvanic corrosion between stainless steel and aluminium. At £35 to £55 per 453g tin, it offers aluminium and copper particles in petroleum grease that excel at protecting against electrical currents. However, its higher price point means it's best reserved for critical applications where conductivity isn't a top priority.
| Base | Aluminium + copper |
|---|
| Temp | -29 to +900°C |
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| Carrier | Petroleum grease |
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| Use | Stainless on stainless, aluminium on stainless |
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| Bottle | 453g brush-cap |
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Pros
- Aluminium content prevents galvanic with stainless
- 1lb (453g) tin lasts ages
- Loctite brand
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Aluminium less conductive than nickel for high-temp
Check Loctite LB 8150 Aluminum Anti-Seize (453g) on Amazon UK →
Copaslip Molyslip 500g Copper (UK)
Price: £25-£40 | Best for: traditional UK trade copper anti-seize
Copaslip Molyslip 500g Copper is a traditional UK trade anti-seize compound with a base of copper and a temperature range from -30 to +1100°C. Priced between £25 and £40, it comes in a handy 500g tin. This heritage brand, dating back to 1949, offers an upper limit of 1100°C but lacks the precision found in Loctite products and leaves heavy stains.
| Base | Copper |
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| Temp | -30 to +1100°C |
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| Carrier | Mineral grease |
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| Use | Traditional UK trade anti-seize |
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| Bottle | 500g tin |
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Pros
- UK heritage brand (1949)
- 500g economy tin
- 1100°C upper limit
Cons
- Less precise specs than Loctite
- Stains heavily
Check Copaslip Molyslip 500g Copper (UK) on Amazon UK →
Rocol Foodlube Multi-Paste (FDA / NSF H1)
Price: £35-£55 | Best for: food / pharma machinery
Rocol Foodlube Multi-Paste is a premium anti-seize compound suitable for food and pharmaceutical machinery, priced between £35 and £55 per 500g tin. It boasts an NSF H1 food-grade certification and a base of aluminium and PTFE, making it ideal for extreme temperatures from -50 to +1000°C. However, its niche application in the food industry comes with a premium price tag.
| Base | Aluminium + PTFE |
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| Temp | -50 to +1000°C |
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| Carrier | NSF H1 synthetic grease |
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| Approval | NSF H1 food-grade |
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| Bottle | 500g tin |
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Pros
- NSF H1 food-grade certification
- Aluminium + PTFE base
- Wide temperature range
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Niche food/pharma use case
Check Rocol Foodlube Multi-Paste (FDA / NSF H1) on Amazon UK →
Recommendations at a glance
| Best general-purpose | Loctite 8008 C5-A Copper - workshop default at sub-£20 |
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| Best automotive | Permatex 80078 - copper + graphite for engine / exhaust |
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| Best for stainless on stainless | Rocol J166 Nickel - chloride-free, 1425°C |
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| Best aluminium / galvanic | Loctite 8150 - aluminium content for dissimilar metals |
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| Best UK heritage | Copaslip Molyslip - 1949 UK brand, 500g economy tin |
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| Best food-grade (NSF H1) | Rocol Foodlube Multi-Paste - pharma / food machinery |
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Related reference on MLC
Frequently asked questions
Why does stainless steel need anti-seize?
Stainless threads gall and cold-weld under torque because the chromium oxide passive layer breaks down at the contact points and the bare metal welds at micro-contact areas. A pea-sized dab of anti-seize creates a barrier that prevents the welding while still allowing proper torque to be applied.
Copper or nickel anti-seize?
Copper for general workshop use - cheaper, conductive, works on most metals. Nickel for stainless-on-stainless work (chloride-free, prevents pitting) and high-temperature use (1425°C). Aluminium for galvanic isolation between stainless and aluminium. Choose by application, not 'better' - they're for different jobs.
Will anti-seize affect bolt torque?
Yes - anti-seize reduces the friction coefficient by 30-60%, which means the same applied torque produces higher clamping force. ISO 16047 specifies torque reduction of 15-25% when anti-seize is used. For critical assemblies, use the 'lubricated' column on your torque chart or reduce torque by 20%.
Does anti-seize go on threads only or on the head face too?
Threads only for fastening - the head/nut bearing face should stay clean for accurate torque measurement. Exception: critical assemblies (cylinder head studs, exhaust manifold studs) where the bearing face also benefits from anti-seize, in which case use the manufacturer's torque spec which assumes lubrication.
How long does anti-seize last in the joint?
Copper-based: 5-10 years in typical conditions, 2-3 years in high-temp exhaust environments. Nickel-based: 10+ years in most applications. Food-grade (NSF H1): 2-5 years before re-application. Re-apply at every service interval; old anti-seize hardens and stops working.
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