[TerryH]

I agree that removing a fitting that has tape on it could leave tape remnants in the port. For home use it's likely that fitting will stay in the tool for life. If tape is handy, and pipe dope isn't, use the tape and don't lose sleep.

Never in my life has tape been an issue in a tool. I can understand the problem in critical hydraulic or pneumantic components. Garage tools aren't critical. Loose tape would likely be exhausted out the tool.