Permatex Anti-Seize Lubricant Rich’s Rating: Disassembly is tougher than assembly if you don’t plan for it, so every time I put something together I think about taking it apart again. Permatex  Anti-Seize Lubricant goes on all threaded fasteners on all my bikes. I also use it on press-in parts, such as headset cups, and slip-fit assemblies, such as crank arms. (Except old-style, tapered-spindle cranks, which I assemble dry.) Critical areas are stem bolts (faceplate and clamping), seatpost binders, and threaded bottom bracket cups. These fasteners are worth disassembling, applying compound, and re-assembling. Other parts can be done at replacement or as part of scheduled preventive maintenance. Anti-seize compounds work by preventing galling and corrosion. On bikes this is usually galvanic corrosion, where two dissimilar metals swap ions and, eventually, metal, effectively welding themselves together. Sweat accelerates the process by adding moisture and sodium to the equation, but simple road spray or rain can have an effect, too. Permatex Anti-Seize Lubricant blocks this ion exchange with a barrier of aluminum, copper, and graphite that also acts as a lubricant. Here are my top tips for using Permatex Anti-Seize Lubricant: 1. It’s available in quantities from 4 grams to 1 gallon; I find the 1-ounce tube to be the right size in my shop (Permatex item #81343). 2. Resist the temptation to spread it with your finger as it’s tough to wash off; a cotton swab or a small brush is a better choice. It’s about equivalent to an NLGI Grade 1 - maybe the viscosity of tomato paste - so it’s easy to apply. 3. Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly before assembly. 4. Proper torquing is important during any assembly and is crucial on some components. Adding any chemical, including threadlock or anti-seize, affects torque values compared to dry assembly. Check with the component manufacturer to get the right specs. 5. Contact the component manufacturer before using this (or any) chemical in contact with carbon fiber.