Traditional locking devices such as washers and nuts are supposed to prevent loosening in threaded assemblies, and most of the time they do. But for applications that are subject to gaps, vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, side-to-side movement and torque, these threaded assemblies often fail, costing you time and money.
Sometimes, threaded assemblies fail when you’re relying on mechanical locking devices. The nuts and bolts seize together or are friction-welded. This can occur from corrosion and rust, especially when conditions include humidity, high temperatures or a combination of different metals. This becomes a big problem when fasteners must be disassembled.
Learn why threaded fastener assemblies fail in this video from LOCTITE:
LOCTITE Threadlockers Increase Reliability and Prevent Threaded Assembly Failure
LOCTITE Threadlockers were invented over 50 years ago and their liquid anaerobic adhesive solution is now used in many applications including electronic components and heavy equipment repair. When mechanical locking devices don’t work, alternative assembly options like threadlocking adhesives can:
- Prevent loosening of fasteners due to shock and vibration
- Seal threads against moisture, gas or fluids
- Fill large and microscopic gaps
- Stop rust and corrosion
- Provide high chemical resistance
CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS OR TO SCHEDULE AN ONSITE CONSULTATION AT 314-638-6500 OPTION 4.
How Do LOCTITE Threadlockers Work?
Unlike mechanical locking devices, threadlockers from LOCTITE are able to fill in voids while sealing in fluids and sealing out corrosive elements. Because there are so many variations in the types of threaded assemblies your job requires, LOCTITE has designed multiple dispensing systems to help you easily apply threadlocker to through-holes, blind holes, post assembly, overhead applications and pre-applied applications.
Dispensing systems include dispensing bottles, hand pumps and semiautomatic dispensers for liquid application as well as semi-solid sticks and tape formulas.
Which Color LOCTITE Threadlocker Should You Use?
From light to heavy-duty applications, LOCTITE has developed a wide range of threadlocker products designed to eliminate fastener loosening and prevent assembly failure. To choose the right threadlocker product for your needs, simply:
Determine the Level of Strength You Need
- Low strength
- Medium strength
- High strength
Choose the Appropriate LOCTITE Threadlocker Color
- Threadlocker Red is the high strength formula ideal for permanent bonds and designed for use in extreme environmental conditions to protect threads from rust and corrosion. Often used in frame brackets, suspension fasteners, shock absorber mounts and wheel studs.
Ask us about Permanent Threadlocker solutions for your application. - Threadlocker Blue is the medium strength formula ideal for most threadlocker applications for fasteners up to ¾”. It cures reliably on stainless steel, is tolerant of oil and many contaminants and protects threads against rust and corrosion. Often used in rocker studs, bolts on valve and cam covers, oil pans and disc brake calipers.
- Threadlocker Purple is a low strength formula ideal for threadlocking plastics or small metal fasteners under ¾” and is removable with hand tools. Often used in carburetors, headlamps and body panel mounting.
Ask us about Removable Threadlocker solutions for your application. - Threadlocker Green is another medium strength formula ideal for pre-assembled bolts up to ½” and often used to seal welds or other porous metal parts. Often used in air conditioning belts, distributor clamps, carburetor adjustment screws and hairline cracks.
Consider these Factors When Selecting LOCTITE Threadlockers
There is a threadlocker solution for almost every application. But when choosing the right threadlocker for your threaded assembly, be sure to consider things like operating temperatures, thread size, chemical and material compatibility, environmental conditions, adhesive strength, disassembly requirements and bolt reusability.
For more information on how to ensure a reliable threaded assembly, read LOCTITE’s Threadlocking User Guide.
CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS OR TO SCHEDULE AN ONSITE CONSULTATION AT 314-638-6500 OPTION 4.
Avoid these Common Mistakes When Using Threadlocker
No matter what thread locking solution you choose, it must be applied correctly to work. Here are a few best practices for using threadlocker solutions from LOCTITE.
- A little goes a long way.
There’s no need to go overboard when applying threadlocker to your fastener’s threads. Doing so can lead to excess material spilling over onto other areas of the fastener or material surface. - Remove old material.
To get the most reliable assembly, be sure to remove any old threadlocker from the threads. Failing to do so can reduce the holding power of the new threadlocker and cause your assembly to fail. - Follow the directions.
LOCTITE threadlocker is an anaerobic solution which means that it will not “cure” in the open air. Threadlockers cure best after you tighten the fastener and air is eliminated. So, apply and tighten fasteners right away for the best result. - Allow to reach fixture strength.
To achieve the best holding strength, follow the manufacturer instructions on when your assembly has had adequate time to cure before putting back into service. - Clean male and female threads.
Remove all dirt, oil, grease and other contaminants from the assembly before applying threadlocker for best adhesion to your threaded assembly.
Want to learn more about how to properly apply LOCTITE threadlockers?
Watch now:
We carry everything for your company’s maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) applications including fastener supplies from top-rated brands like Lake Erie Screw Corp, Nucor Fastener, Bright-Best, Lindstrom Metric, Stanley Black & Decker, Auveco, Chicago Hardware and more. If you have questions on how Superior can help you improve operations with better performing products, stop into our St. Louis location, or call 314-638-6500 OPTION 4.