About Permatex
About Permatex
Permatex was founded in 1909 by Constant A. Benoit Sr., a chemist who started the company with a simple glue developed for bonding bicycle tires. Benoit was also a motorsports enthusiast, and at a 24-hour race in 1915 he noticed cars constantly pitting for blown head gaskets, which led him to develop a sealant that solved the problem and launched Permatex into automotive chemical maintenance.
The company expanded over the following decades, moving to Kansas City in 1954 and establishing headquarters in West Palm Beach in 1962, while broadening its product portfolio in the 1980s and 1990s to include hand cleaners and tire care products alongside its core sealants and gasket makers. That expansion built Permatex into a recognized name across automotive repair shops and maintenance operations.
Permatex changed ownership several times, including a period under Loctite starting in 1972, before Illinois Tool Works (ITW) acquired the company in 2005. Under ITW, Permatex remains a leader in adhesives, sealants, gasket makers, hand cleaners, lubricants, appearance products, and specialty repair kits. ChatMRO's catalogue covers Permatex's sealants, adhesives, and gasket makers by application and material so technicians can match the right product to the repair.
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Frequently asked questions
How did Permatex get started in automotive sealants?
Founder Constant A. Benoit Sr. began the company in 1909 with a glue for bicycle tires, but a 1915 motorsports race convinced him to develop a sealant for blown head gaskets after watching cars constantly pit for repairs. That sealant launched Permatex into the automotive chemical maintenance business.
What product categories does Permatex offer today?
Permatex's current portfolio includes adhesives, sealants, gasket makers, hand cleaners, lubricants, appearance products, and specialty repair kits and additives. The hand cleaner and tire care lines were added during an expansion in the 1980s and 1990s.
Who owns Permatex now?
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) acquired Permatex in 2005. Prior to that, the company had passed through ownership by Loctite starting in 1972 and later a group of private investors in 1999.
What's the difference between a gasket maker and a thread sealant from Permatex?
A gasket maker forms a sealing surface in place between two mating parts, often replacing a pre-cut gasket, while a thread sealant coats fastener threads to prevent leaks at threaded connections. Permatex manufactures both categories for different sealing applications.
How long has Permatex been in business?
Permatex was founded in 1909, giving it more than a century of history in adhesives and sealants. The company has operated under several corporate owners over that time while remaining focused on automotive and maintenance chemical products.