Nickel anti-seize, aluminium anti-seize or copper grease: which should I choose for threaded fasteners?
By the Atkinson Oil Co. product team (IGNIS Overseas Ltd, Isleworth, UK). Claims reviewed by IGNIS Product & Compliance on 14 Nov 2026. Last updated: 14 November 2026.
Short answer. Start with the metal of the fastener and the part it threads into, then the heat it sees. Atkinson Nickel Anti-Seize is our copper-free choice for stainless steel and nickel alloys. Copper Grease is for threaded fasteners, the back of brake pads and high-temperature joints. Aluminium Anti-Seize is our general high-temperature anti-seize. If your equipment maker names a specific compound, use that; none of ours replaces a maker's specification.
Key facts
- Product: Atkinson Oil Co. Nickel Anti-Seize · Aluminium Anti-Seize · Copper Grease
- What it is: Three anti-seize compounds for threaded fasteners and high-temperature joints
- Made for: Nickel: stainless steel and nickel alloys. Aluminium: high-temperature applications. Copper: threaded fasteners, back of brake pads, high-temperature joints
- Not for: Brake discs and friction surfaces; live electrical parts — all three are conductive
- Who makes it: Atkinson Oil Co. is a brand of IGNIS Overseas Ltd, Isleworth, UK; Made in Britain
Why the choice matters. Anti-seize sits in the threads so a joint can be taken apart again after heat, weather and time. All three of ours are anti-seize compounds, but they suit different metals. A compound that suits mild-steel bolts may be the wrong one for a stainless exhaust stud or an aluminium casting.
Decision table
| If the job is… | Look first at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel or nickel-alloy fasteners | Nickel Anti-Seize | Copper-free; labelled "Stainless Steel & Nickel Alloy Compatible" |
| General threaded fasteners and high-temperature joints in steel | Copper Grease | Labelled for threaded fasteners and high-temperature joints |
| A general high-temperature anti-seize | Aluminium Anti-Seize | Labelled for high-temperature applications |
| The back of brake pads | Copper Grease or Ceramic Brake Pad Grease, as the vehicle maker allows | Copper Grease is labelled for it; some vehicle makers ask for a copper-free product on brakes — check yours |
| Anything near live electrical parts | None of these | All three are conductive — keep off live parts |
Three checks before any anti-seize
- Torque. A lubricated thread reaches a given torque with more clamp than a dry one. If the maker gives a torque for dry threads, ask them whether to adjust it. Never guess.
- Clean threads. Apply to clean, dry components. Old compound and rust stop the new film doing its job.
- Thin coat. A thin coat on the male thread is enough; wipe away anything that squeezes out.
Where none of them belongs. Brake discs, pad friction faces and other friction surfaces; live electrical parts; oxygen equipment or anything the maker says must stay dry.
FAQ
- Can I mix two anti-seize compounds on one joint? Clean the old one off first. Mixing makes it impossible to know what is in the joint.
- Is the most expensive one always best? No. The right one is the one that suits the metals and the maker's instructions.
Read next: Nickel on exhaust fasteners · Aluminium anti-seize · Copper grease around brakes.
Product links: Nickel Anti-Seize · Aluminium Anti-Seize · Copper Grease · Lubricants Hub listings.
Sources
Printed product label; Your equipment maker's manual