A bolt that seizes in an aluminium head does not come out politely. It snaps, it strips the thread, and a ten-minute spark plug change becomes a head-off repair. Anti-seize is the cheap insurance against that — a thin coat of metal-filled grease that keeps threads moving for years.
The four compounds in this guide all stop seizing, but they serve different alternative uses. One is the general-purpose brush-top bottle for the shop, one is the 1 oz tube for a single job, one is the copper can for exhaust heat, and one is the copper brush-top made for spark plugs in aluminium heads. The difference is the metal in the grease, the temperature rating and the applicator.
Buy by temperature rating and by the metal you are protecting, not by the size of the tin. A little goes a long way, the torque changes when you use it, and there are places — wheel lug studs — where it must never go.
The 30-second answer
Buy the Permatex 80078 for most jobs — aluminium, copper and graphite, rated from minus 60 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, in an 8 oz brush-top bottle. Buy the Permatex 81343 for a single job — the same blend in a 1 oz tube. Buy the Loctite C5-A for exhaust heat — copper based, to 1800 degrees, with a published torque coefficient. Buy the Permatex 09128 for spark plugs in aluminium heads — micro-fine copper flakes, to 1800 degrees.
How we researched this guide
We profiled ten anti-seize compounds, checked five maker documents, verified four Amazon listings, and reviewed seven owner reports from forums and dedicated reviews. Four compounds made the slate; six were excluded — one for no verifiable Amazon listing, two for unknown ASINs, and three for unconfirmed ASINs.
Quick picks
Best Overall
Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz
The general-purpose shop bottle — aluminium, copper and graphite, rated from minus 60 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, meeting Mil Spec 907E.
Best Small Tube
Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube
The same aluminium-copper-graphite blend in a 1 oz tube — the size for a single job, and it fits a toolbox.
Best Copper
Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006)
The copper can for exhaust heat — copper and graphite in grease, to 1800 degrees, with a published torque coefficient of 0.16.
Best for Spark Plugs
Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz
The copper brush-top for spark plugs in aluminium heads — micro-fine copper flakes, to 1800 degrees, with good electrical conductivity.
Match an anti-seize compound to your fastener, your heat and your job
Anti-seize calculator — answer three questions
Step 1 — What are you protecting?
Step 2 — What matters most?
Step 3 — What else matters?
Tell the calculator what you are protecting first — a spark plug and an exhaust bolt need different compounds. Add what matters most, and your matching pick appears here, with its buying route stated honestly.
Quick compare
| Product | Blend | Temperature | Size | Spec | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz | Aluminium, copper, graphite | -60 to 1600°F | 8 oz brush-top | Mil Spec 907E | Check Price |
| Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube | Aluminium, copper, graphite | -60 to 1600°F | 1 oz tube | Not published | Check Price |
| Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006) | Copper + graphite | -20 to 1800°F | 1 lb can | MIL-PRF-907E | Check Price |
| Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz | Micro-fine copper flakes | -30 to 1800°F | 8 oz brush-top | Mil Spec 907E | Check Price |
How to choose an anti-seize compound
1. Buy by temperature rating, not by the tin
The temperature rating is the first figure to check. The Permatex blends run from minus 60 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, the Loctite C5-A runs from minus 20 to 1800 degrees, and the Permatex 09128 runs from minus 30 to 1800 degrees. Exhaust manifold bolts need the high end; a spark plug in a cool head does not. Buy the rating the hottest fastener needs, not the rating that looks biggest on the shelf.
2. Match the metal to the metal
Copper anti-seize suits steel and iron, and the maker suggests the 09128 for spark plug threads in aluminium. But copper is not for stainless steel — guidance for copper anti-seize is clear on that, and a nickel formula is the right buy for stainless fasteners. The aluminium-copper-graphite blend of the 80078 and 81343 is the general-purpose choice, and the copper formulas are the high-heat choice.
3. Reduce the torque — anti-seize changes it
Anti-seize lowers friction, so the same torque stretches the bolt further. The Loctite C5-A publishes a torque coefficient of 0.16 on steel nuts and bolts, and guidance for copper anti-seize says to reduce torque by 20 to 25 percent. A automotive multimeter checks the battery, but only a torque wrench set to the reduced figure protects the bolt. Never use anti-seize on wheel lug studs.
4. A little goes a long way
A thin coat on the threads is enough — excess squeezes out, contaminates the work and wastes the product. Owners report the brush applicator puts a thin coat exactly where it belongs, and the tube gives more than you need if you squeeze hard. Brush the threads only, wipe the excess away, and keep the grease off electrodes, sensors and friction surfaces.
5. Pick the size for the job
A 1 oz tube suits a single spark plug change; an 8 oz brush-top bottle suits the shop; a 1 lb can suits heavy use. The tube costs more per ounce, but it fits a toolbox and it is gone before it dries out. The bottle is cheaper per job when you use anti-seize weekly. Buy the size you will finish, not the size that looks like value.
6. Know where NOT to use it
Never use anti-seize on wheel lug studs — wheels must be torqued to specification dry, and owners and makers both warn against it. Never use copper anti-seize on stainless steel. Never use anti-seize as a threadlocker — it prevents seizing, it does not lock a fastener, and a bolt that needs locking needs a threadlocker. A 12V air compressor and anti-seize share the same rule: the right product for the right job.
Anti-seize compounds by budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | The 1 oz tube for a single job | Permatex 81343 |
| Mid | The 8 oz brush-top bottles for the shop | Permatex 80078, Permatex 09128 |
| Full duty | The 1 lb can for heavy use | Loctite C5-A 51006 |
Types of anti-seize compounds
| Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium-copper-graphite anti-seize | The general-purpose blend, -60 to 1600°F | Most fasteners, spark plugs, brakes |
| Copper anti-seize | Copper flakes in grease, to 1800°F | Exhaust, manifold bolts, spark plugs in aluminium |
| Nickel anti-seize | For stainless steel, high temperature | Stainless fasteners (not picked here) |
| Brush-top vs tube | Brush for the shop, tube for one job | Shop use vs single jobs |
Detailed reviews: every pick, on maker evidence
Each compound below was checked against its maker document or listing and against reviewer and owner reports. Temperature ratings and blend figures are stated as the maker states them, and where a maker publishes nothing, the review says so.
Best Overall: Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz
Best Overall
Why the Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz is our pick
The Permatex 80078 is the anti-seize most shops reach for, and the blend explains why. It is a refined mix of aluminium, copper and graphite in a brush-top 8 oz bottle, rated from minus 60 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit and meeting Mil Spec 907E. It resists salt, corrosion and moisture, so it suits marine use and the engine bay, and it covers spark plugs, cylinder and exhaust head bolts, brake anchor pins, U-bolts, hinges, gears and chain. Owners report a little goes a long way, and the brush puts a thin coat exactly where it belongs. For most jobs, this is the bottle to buy first.
Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz key specs
- Model: Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant
- Size: 8 oz, brush-top bottle
- Blend: aluminium, copper and graphite
- Temperature: -60°F to 1600°F
- Spec: meets Mil Spec 907E
- Resistance: salt, corrosion and moisture
- Use: spark plugs, head bolts, brake anchor pins, U-bolts, hinges, gears, chain
- Marine use: yes
- Applicator: brush-top bottle
- Warranty: not published
Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz: fits and best for
Fits most fasteners — spark plugs, head bolts, brake anchor pins, U-bolts, hinges, gears and chain — in the engine bay and at sea. Best for the shop bottle that covers nearly everything. Not for wheel lug studs; wheels must be torqued to spec dry.
Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz pros and watch-outs
- -60°F to 1600°F, Mil Spec 907E
- Aluminium, copper and graphite blend
- Salt, corrosion and moisture resistant
- Brush-top bottle for a thin, even coat
- Not for wheel lug studs
- Brush applicator can mush with use
- 8 oz is more than a single job needs
- No published torque coefficient
Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz: what owners report
Garage Journal owners say the regular Permatex grade covers 90 percent of jobs, it is conductive and safe on aluminium, and torque drops 10 percent. The Garage Journal
Car Talk Community owners warn anti-seize has no business on wheel studs, and drivers who used it on lugs did not get away. Car Talk Community
Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz: who should not buy
Do not buy it for wheel lug studs — owners and the maker both warn against it, and wheels must be torqued to spec dry. Skip it if you need a single-job size; the 1 oz tube below is the right buy for one spark plug change.
Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz: pair it with
Pair it with a torque wrench to set the reduced torque, and a front-and-rear dash cam for the truck it maintains.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Brush a thin coat on the threads only — a little goes a long way, and excess squeezes out and contaminates the work. Our carnauba wax guide covers the finish after the job.
Best Small Tube: Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube
Best Small Tube
Why the Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube is our pick
The Permatex 81343 is the 80078 in a pocket size. It is the same aluminium, copper and graphite blend, rated from minus 60 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, in a 1 oz white tube that weighs 28 grams. It suits a single spark plug change, a single brake job or a toolbox where an 8 oz bottle does not fit. The tube gives a thin coat with a fingertip or a small brush, and a little goes a long way — one tube covers more fasteners than most drivers expect. For one job, this is the size to buy.
Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube key specs
- Model: Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant
- Size: 1 oz tube, 28 g
- Blend: aluminium, copper and graphite
- Temperature: -60°F to 1600°F
- Applicator: tube
- Use: single jobs, spark plugs, small fasteners
- Spec: not published
- Marine use: not published
- Torque coefficient: not published
- Warranty: not published
Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube: fits and best for
Fits a single job — one spark plug change, one brake job — and a toolbox where a bottle does not fit. Best for drivers who use anti-seize rarely. Not for the shop; an 8 oz bottle is cheaper per job when you use it weekly.
Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube pros and watch-outs
- Same blend as the 80078
- -60°F to 1600°F
- Fits a toolbox
- Right size for a single job
- Costs more per ounce than the bottle
- No brush applicator
- Too small for shop use
- No published Mil Spec figure
Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube: what owners report
On OpenTip, owners use the 81343 at every spark-plug and oxygen-sensor change, and say exhaust bolts are notorious for seizing; it is messy — one owner keeps the tube in a zip-lock bag because oil leaks out with the cap on. OpenTip
A ToolKnows review of the 81343 says the tube applies like a pen, one tube covers 7 to 8 spark plugs, and it is the same aluminium-copper-graphite blend as the 80078. ToolKnows
Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube: who should not buy
Do not buy it for shop use — a 1 oz tube is gone in a few jobs, and the 8 oz bottle above is cheaper per job. Skip it if you need a brush applicator; the tube needs a fingertip or a small brush.
Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube: pair it with
Pair it with a spark plug socket for the plug change, and a wireless dash camera for the car it maintains.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto a fingertip and wipe it thin — the tube gives more than you need if you squeeze hard. Our cutting compound guide covers the paintwork after.
Best Copper: Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006)
Best Copper
Why the Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006) is our pick
The Loctite C5-A is the copper anti-seize for exhaust heat. It is copper and graphite in a high-quality grease, in a 1 lb can, rated from minus 20 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and meeting MIL-PRF-907E. It is electrically conductive, and it carries a published torque coefficient of 0.16 on steel nuts and bolts — the figure you need to set the reduced torque correctly. Guidance for copper anti-seize says to reduce torque by 20 to 25 percent, and not to use copper on stainless steel. For exhaust manifold bolts, engine bolts and heavy use, this is the can to buy.
Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006) key specs
- Model: Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 51006
- Size: 1 lb can
- Blend: copper and graphite in grease
- Temperature: -20°F to 1800°F
- Spec: MIL-PRF-907E
- Torque coefficient: k 0.16 on steel nuts and bolts
- Conductivity: electrically conductive
- Use: exhaust manifold bolts, engine bolts, oxygen and knock sensors
- Applicator: can
- Warranty: not published
Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006): fits and best for
Fits exhaust and manifold bolts, engine bolts and heavy use where heat is the enemy. Best for high-temperature work and for drivers who want a published torque figure. Not for stainless steel; copper anti-seize is not for stainless fasteners.
Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006) pros and watch-outs
- -20°F to 1800°F, MIL-PRF-907E
- Published torque coefficient, k 0.16
- Electrically conductive
- 1 lb can for heavy use
- Not for stainless steel
- Can is heavy for a toolbox
- Costs more than the Permatex bottles
- No brush applicator
Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006): what owners report
On iRV2, an owner had a PacBrake exhaust brake overhauled and lubricated it with Loctite C5-A, good to 1800°F, coating seized external parts before reassembly; afterwards it moves smooth as silk by hand. iRV2
On the SOHC4 forum, owners say hi-temp anti-seize on exhaust parts prevents bolt snapping later on, torque runs about 20 percent lower, and copper anti-seize prevents galvanic corrosion stainless to aluminium. SOHC4
Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006): who should not buy
Do not buy it for stainless steel fasteners — copper anti-seize is not for stainless, and a nickel formula is the right buy there. Skip it if you need a small size; the 1 lb can is a shop quantity, not a toolbox tube.
Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006): pair it with
Pair it with a torque wrench and the 0.16 coefficient, and a performance monitor for the engine it protects.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Reduce the torque by 20 to 25 percent when you use copper anti-seize — the grease lowers friction, so the same torque stretches the bolt further. Our polishing pads guide covers the finish after.
Best for Spark Plugs: Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz
Best for Spark Plugs
Why the Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz is our pick
The Permatex 09128 is the copper anti-seize made for spark plugs in aluminium heads. It carries a high percentage of micro-fine copper flakes in an 8 oz brush-top bottle, rated from minus 30 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and meeting Mil Spec 907E, with good electrical conductivity. The maker suggests it for spark plug threads in aluminium, exhaust manifold bolts, engine bolts, oxygen and knock sensors, thermostat housing bolts and fuel filter fittings. The brush puts a thin coat on the plug threads without getting grease on the electrode. For spark plugs in aluminium, this is the bottle to buy.
Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz key specs
- Model: Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant
- Size: 8 oz, brush-top bottle
- Blend: high percentage of micro-fine copper flakes
- Temperature: -30°F to 1800°F
- Spec: Mil Spec 907E
- Conductivity: good electrical conductivity
- Use: spark plug threads in aluminium, exhaust manifold bolts, engine bolts, oxygen/knock sensors
- Applicator: brush-top bottle
- Marine use: not published
- Warranty: not published
Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz: fits and best for
Fits spark plug threads in aluminium heads, exhaust manifold bolts and sensor fittings. Best for plug changes in aluminium heads, where seizing is the expensive failure. Not for stainless steel; copper anti-seize is not for stainless fasteners.
Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz pros and watch-outs
- -30°F to 1800°F, Mil Spec 907E
- Made for spark plugs in aluminium
- Good electrical conductivity
- Brush-top bottle for a thin coat
- Not for stainless steel
- Copper formula — not the general blend
- 8 oz is more than a single job needs
- No published torque coefficient
Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz: what owners report
The Garage Journal owners call the copper grade most recommended for spark plugs and exhaust studs in aluminium heads, and note it is conductive, torque down 20 percent. The Garage Journal
On Practical Machinist, a spark-plug user says use copper-based anti-seize as a light coat well away from the end, reduce torque by 20 to 25 percent, and keep it off the business end. Practical Machinist
Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz: who should not buy
Do not buy it for stainless steel fasteners — copper anti-seize is not for stainless, and a nickel formula is the right buy there. Skip it if you want the general-purpose blend; the 80078 above covers more jobs.
Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz: pair it with
Pair it with a spark plug gap tool for the plug change, and a 12V car heater for winter work.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Coat the plug threads only, and keep the grease off the electrode and the insulator — copper on the electrode changes the plug. Our paint correction kit guide covers the paintwork after.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Permatex 80078 | Permatex 81343 | Loctite C5-A | Permatex 09128 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blend | Aluminium, copper, graphite | Aluminium, copper, graphite | Copper + graphite | Micro-fine copper flakes |
| Temperature | -60 to 1600°F | -60 to 1600°F | -20 to 1800°F | -30 to 1800°F |
| Size | 8 oz brush-top | 1 oz tube | 1 lb can | 8 oz brush-top |
| Mil spec | Mil Spec 907E | Not published | MIL-PRF-907E | Mil Spec 907E |
| Torque coefficient | Not published | Not published | k 0.16 | Not published |
| Conductivity | Not published | Not published | Electrically conductive | Good electrical conductivity |
| Best for | General fasteners, marine | Single jobs, toolbox | Exhaust, heavy use | Spark plugs in aluminium |
| Applicator | Brush-top bottle | Tube | Can | Brush-top bottle |
| Marine use | Yes | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Installation and use basics
Clean the threads first — a wire brush takes off rust, old grease and dirt, and anti-seize on a dirty thread does not protect it. Check the fastener for damage; a stripped thread needs a repair, not a coating. A 12V air compressor for the tyres and a portable jump starter in the kit bag are the same kind of readiness.
Brush or wipe a thin coat onto the male threads only — a little goes a long way, and excess squeezes out and contaminates the work. Keep the grease off the electrode and the insulator on spark plugs, and off the friction surfaces on brakes. A 4K dash cam for the truck and a replacement mirror for the same job are the other readiness items.
Thread the fastener by hand first — if it does not turn freely by hand, the thread is damaged and anti-seize will not fix it. Then set the torque wrench to the reduced figure: reduce torque by 20 to 25 percent for copper anti-seize, or use the published coefficient where the maker gives one, such as the C5-A’s 0.16. Never torque a lug stud with anti-seize on it.
Wipe the excess away, cap the bottle or tube tightly, and store it upright. A dried-out tube or a mushed brush wastes the product, and a bottle left open in a damp garage takes in moisture. A garage floor mat under the workbench and a car polisher for the paintwork are the same kind of care.
Safety essentials
Anti-seize is a metal-filled grease — it protects threads, but it changes torque and it must never reach a friction surface.
- Never use anti-seize on wheel lug studs — wheels must be torqued to spec dry.
- Never use copper anti-seize on stainless steel fasteners.
- Reduce torque by 20 to 25 percent — anti-seize lowers friction.
- Keep anti-seize off brake pads, rotors and clutch faces.
- Keep it off spark plug electrodes and insulators.
- Wash your hands after handling, and do not breathe the dust.
Roadside recovery accessories for the kit bag
- WARN Epic snatch block — Check Price
- GearAmerica tree saver — Check Price
- AMBULL shackles — Check Price
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt still seizes | Wrong formula for the metal, or too little applied | Match the formula to the metal, and coat the threads thinly and fully |
| Anti-seize on brake pads | Excess squeezed onto a friction surface | Clean the surface, and replace pads that are contaminated |
| Torque wrench clicks early | Torque not reduced for the grease | Reduce torque by 20 to 25 percent, or use the published coefficient |
| Brush applicator mushed | Brush worn with use | Use a separate small brush, and cap the bottle tightly |
| Tube dried out | Cap left loose, or the tube is old | Cap tightly after every use, and replace a dried tube |
| Copper on stainless steel | Copper anti-seize used on stainless fasteners | Use a nickel formula for stainless steel instead |
Who should NOT buy these
You need it for wheel lug studs. Anti-seize must never go on wheel lug studs — wheels must be torqued to specification dry, and owners and makers both warn against it. A stud with grease on it gives a false torque reading, and the wheel can loosen. Our battery tender guide covers the other wheel job.
You need a threadlocker. Anti-seize prevents seizing; it does not lock a fastener. A bolt that needs locking — a bolt that vibrates loose — needs a threadlocker, not anti-seize. Using anti-seize where a threadlocker belongs leaves the bolt free to back out. A remote start system and a threadlocker share the same rule: the right product for the right job.
You work with stainless steel. Copper anti-seize is not for stainless steel fasteners, and the copper picks here are the wrong buy for that job. A nickel anti-seize is the formula for stainless — but no nickel compound here has a verifiable Amazon listing, so it is not picked. Buy the nickel formula from a supplier that publishes its listing.
You want one compound for everything. No single compound covers every metal and every temperature. The aluminium-copper-graphite blend covers most jobs, the copper formulas cover exhaust heat, and nickel covers stainless. Buy the blend for the metal you are protecting, and keep a second tin for the other metal.
Final verdict
Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz — the general-purpose bottle: aluminium, copper and graphite, to 1600 degrees, brush-top.
Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube — the single-job tube: the same blend, 1 oz, for one spark plug change.
Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006) — the copper can: to 1800 degrees, with a published torque coefficient of 0.16.
Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz — the spark-plug bottle: micro-fine copper flakes, to 1800 degrees, for aluminium heads.
FAQ
What is the best anti-seize compound?
The Permatex 80078, for most jobs — aluminium, copper and graphite, rated from minus 60 to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit, in an 8 oz brush-top bottle. For exhaust heat, buy the Loctite C5-A; for spark plugs in aluminium, buy the Permatex 09128; for a single job, buy the Permatex 81343 tube. A ceramic coating kit keeps the car looking new.
Can I use anti-seize on spark plugs?
Yes — and it is one of the best uses. The Permatex 09128 is made for spark plug threads in aluminium, and the 80078 covers spark plugs too. Coat the threads only, keep the grease off the electrode and the insulator, and reduce the torque — the grease lowers friction, so the same torque stretches the plug further.
Can I use anti-seize on wheel lug nuts?
No. Wheels must be torqued to specification dry, and owners and makers both warn against anti-seize on lug studs. Grease on a stud gives a false torque reading, and the wheel can loosen. Torque the lugs dry, to the figure in the owner’s manual, and check them again after the first miles.
What is the difference between copper and aluminium anti-seize?
Copper anti-seize is copper flakes in grease, rated to 1800 degrees, and it suits exhaust and manifold bolts. The aluminium-copper-graphite blend is the general-purpose formula, rated to 1600 degrees, and it suits most fasteners. Copper is not for stainless steel; the general blend is not the high-heat choice. Buy by the metal and the temperature.
How much anti-seize should I apply?
A thin coat on the threads only — a little goes a long way. Owners report the brush applicator puts a thin coat exactly where it belongs, and the tube gives more than you need if you squeeze hard. Wipe the excess away, and keep the grease off electrodes, sensors and friction surfaces.
Does anti-seize change the torque setting?
Yes. Anti-seize lowers friction, so the same torque stretches the bolt further. Guidance for copper anti-seize says to reduce torque by 20 to 25 percent, and the Loctite C5-A publishes a torque coefficient of 0.16 on steel nuts and bolts. Set the wrench to the reduced figure, and never torque a lug stud with anti-seize on it.
Can I use anti-seize on brakes?
On brake anchor pins and hardware, yes — the 80078 lists brake anchor pins among its uses. On brake pads and rotors, never — anti-seize on a friction surface ruins braking. Keep the grease on the pins and the hardware, and off the pads, the rotors and the clutch faces. A waterproof dash camera records the job.
What temperature rating do I need?
It depends on the fastener. Exhaust manifold bolts need 1800 degrees — the Loctite C5-A or the Permatex 09128. Spark plugs and general fasteners are fine at 1600 degrees — the Permatex 80078 or 81343. Buy the rating the hottest fastener needs, and check the maker’s figure, not the roundup’s.
Brush-top bottle or tube?
A brush-top bottle for the shop, a tube for a single job. The bottle puts a thin coat on with a brush and it is cheaper per job when you use anti-seize weekly. The tube fits a toolbox, it is gone before it dries out, and it suits one spark plug change. Buy the size you will finish.
Sources
Maker documents
- Permatex Anti-Seize technical data sheet (80078, 81343), Permatex
- Permatex Copper Anti-Seize technical data sheet (09128), Permatex
- Loctite C5-A technical data sheet, Loctite (via MIT)
- Loctite C5-A manual (51006), Manuals+
- High temperature anti-seize compound, Jiahon
Listing evidence
- Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz Amazon listing
- Permatex 81343 Anti-Seize Lubricant, 1 oz Tube Amazon listing
- Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize, 1 lb Can (51006) Amazon listing
- Permatex 09128 Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz Amazon listing
Owner reports
- Anti-seize products owner thread, The Garage Journal
- Anti-seize on wheel studs owner thread, Car Talk Community
- Permatex 81343 owner reviews, OpenTip
- Permatex 81343 review, ToolKnows
- Loctite C5-A owner thread, iRV2
- Copper anti-seize owner thread, SOHC4
- Anti-seize on spark plugs owner thread, Practical Machinist
Reviewer reports
- Anti-seize thread test, Studio VRM Racing
- Best anti-seize, ToolKnows
- Best anti-seize, Top5Best
- Best anti-seize copper greases, University of Guns
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo researches automotive tools and recovery gear from maker documents, listing evidence and owner reports — never from press releases — and publishes the exclusions alongside the picks.
Related guides
- Best automotive multimeters under 100
- Best 12V air compressors under 100
- Best 12V air compressors under 200
- Best portable car battery jump starter under 100
- Best 4K dash cam under 100
- Best replacement mirrors under 30
Our top pick: Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant, Brush-Top 8 oz — General-purpose bottle, to 1600 degrees, brush-top.