We need to reopen the fastener. Can Loctite threadlockers be removed?

Yes, LOCTITE threadlockers can be removed as and when needed. The low strength grade of LOCTITE threadlockers can be removed by applying a loosening torque higher than the tightening torque. The high and medium strength threadlockers by LOCTITE can be removed easily by applying localised heat (250 degrees Celsius) to the part, for disassembly

How can we visibly determine whether LOCTITE threadlocker has actually been applied to the nut and bolt or not?

All LOCTITE threadlockers have the property of fluorescence. When you disassemble, you can easily find out whether LOCTITE threadlocker has been applied or not by the presence of a white powder on the bolt. In the uncured form, LOCTITE threadlocker can be identified by its colour (Purple-Low strength; Blue-Middle Strength; Red-High Strength)

Our bolting locations are such that it is difficult to reach for application of threadlocker. Is there a LOCTITE threadlocker that can help?

Yes. With LOCTITE 290, a wicking grade LOCTITE threadlocker, you can lock the nuts and bolts which are difficult to apply otherwise. You can simply apply a few drops near the joint where the bolt head meets the part, and LOCTITE 290 will wick inside the nut-bolt interface due to capillary action.

Can LOCTITE threadlockers migrate to and jam other parts?

No. LOCTITE threadlockers are thixotropic in nature and hence don't tend to flow to other parts. Also, LOCTITE threadlockers only need to be applied on the nut-bolt interface and once the nut covers the area where LOCTITE threadlocker was applied, the adhesive will get cured in the absence of air and presence of metal, thereby turning into a thermoplastic, which cannot flow.

LOCTITE threadlockers being liquid, will create a mess during application to which our operators will object. How can we deal with that?

LOCTITE threadlockers come with a nozzle for precise drop-by-drop application. Hence, there is no scope for a mess. In case of any spillage, you can wipe it off easily because as long as LOCTITE threadlocker is in contact with air, it will remain a liquid and not cure at all.

The fasteners used to hold our machinery are big and a constant load and vibration is exerted. Is there a LOCTITE threadlocker that can help?

Yes. There are some high strength threadlockers that can lock fasteners which are big and able to resist extreme vibrations. Please refer to the product selector tool to find a suitable threadlocker.

If LOCTITE threadlockers cure in the absence of air, why don’t they cure inside the bottle?

The reason is anaerobic bottles are specially formulated with air-permeable polyethylene bottles which allow air to pass through the wall. There is also some air gap over the product inside the bottle to maintain the stability of the product. Thus, a 50 ml pack of LOCTITE threadlocker contains 50 ml adhesive but in a much larger bottle.

What is fixture time?

The fixture time is the time taken by an adhesive like threadlocker to provide initial handling strength to the locked/sealed components. Once the fixture time gets over, you can take the assembled component for further processing on the assembly line.

The cure time is the time taken by the adhesive (threadlocker) to completely become a tough structural solid (thermoset plastic).

Can I use a threadlocker for non-threaded assemblies like locking bearings on bushings in housings or on shafts?

Yes, you can. Normally we recommend retaining compounds like LOCTITE 638 for such applications, but both threadlockers and retaining compounds are the same in terms of chemistry i.e. they are both anaerobic. Inversely, you can use retaining compounds to lock threaded assemblies but then the locking will be permanent.

Can I use anaerobic where one or both parts are made of plastic?

Anaerobic like threadlockers are normally not recommended for use with plastics as they can result in stress cracking or softening. In such cases, cyanoacrylates are recommended.

Can LOCTITE threadlockers be used on oil-impregnated parts?

Yes, LOCTITE 243 threadlocker can be used on oil-impregnated parts as it can cut oil effectively and lock properly. Just clean the part once before you apply the product.

What is breakaway torque?

When we apply a threadlocker to a bolt, we hand tighten the nut down and let it sit for 24 hours to get fully cured. Now, we take a torque wrench and break the bond. The torque needed to break the bond is called the breakaway torque. Note that we have not applied any additional tightening torque to the parts. Thus, the breakaway torque gives us the strength of the threadlocker alone.

What is prevailing torque?

When we apply a threadlocker to a bolt, we finger tighten a nut down and let it sit for 24 hours to cure fully. Then, we take a torque wrench and break the bond. After breaking the bond, we continue to turn the nut around by four quarters(360°), which provides us with the prevailing torque value. This shows us how much friction or drag is left to continue turning the nut.

What is breakloose torque?

When we apply threadlocker to a bolt, we tighten it by giving a tightening torque. The torque at which the nut can be taken off entirely is the breakloose torque. The main function of the threadlocker is to maintain the torque. It has been determined that over time, due to various factors like vibration, side sliding etc., there is a loss of up to 30% of the torque to the parts. The goal is to select a threadlocker that will offer a breakaway value equivalent to 30% of the initial torque in order to maintain your torque over time. For ex: Let's say that a tightening torque of 10 Nm was given to the assembly. The breakaway torque (strength provided by the threadlocker) is 5 Nm. Now due to vibrations, there is a 3 Nm loss in tightening torque. So if you do not apply a threadlocker, your assembly tightened at 10 Nm will open at 7 Nm. Whereas, by applying a threadlocker, your assembly tightened at 10 Nm will have the total torque of (10+5) 15 Nm and even on 30% loss, it will open at 12 Nm, which is higher than your tightening torque. This is what is known as torque augmentation with LOCTITE threadlockers.

What is the proper way of applying LOCTITE threadlockers for blind hole applications?

In order to ensure complete coverage and cure, apply LOCTITE threadlocker to both the male and female threads for blind hole applications such as a bolt going into a closed housing. If it is applied only to the male threads and torqued down, air pressure will force most of the product back out as you assemble.

Can the curing process of anaerobic be accelerated via heat?

Yes, heat can help achieve faster cure. Typically one can heat cure LOCTITE threadlockers at 125 degrees celsius for 1 hour, or go as low as 66 degrees celsius for 3 hours. The trade-off here is that there will be a reduction in strength to a certain extent. Please refer to the Technical Data Sheet of the selected product for testing the suitability.

How do I determine how much threadlocker I need to apply?

We have developed a calculator to help you with the amount of LOCTITE threadlocker you need for your application.

How do I select the right threadlocker to suit my requirement?

To help you select the right product for your requirement, we have developed a product selector tool. Just enter your requirements and the tool will provide you with the best Maximum

LOCTITE Electric Motor Gearbox Manufacturer, Switchgear Assembly

Challenges

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Assembly of Switchgears and circuitbreakers

Assembly of Switchgears and circuitbreakers

As a Switchboard or circuitbreaker manufacturer you face demanding market requirements for increased product durability, safety and lower production costs. We offer reliable and cost-effective solutions for helping manufacturers to improve performance and reduce overall costs.

Miniature circuit breaker

Pole assembly

Most industrial centrifugal pumps carry a significant capital equipment value. It is important to extend their service lives and ensure that they run efficiently. Proactive maintenance can reduce the risk of breakdowns and increase pump reliability and longevity.

Bearing Frame & Housing

Challenge 1: Oil Leaks from Threaded Assemblies

The gaps between threads of drain plugs, oiler nipples, fittings etc. can lead to oil leaks due to constant pressure changes within the bearing housing. Not only do these leaks increase costs but also lead to the seizure of fittings and safety hazards.

Solution: Seal threaded assemblies with LOCTITE 567 Thread Sealant

Challenge 2: Bearing Spinout, Corrosion and Component Damage

Bearings are prone to spinning either on their shafts, or within their housings, resulting in damage to these parts regardless of whether they have been pressed, shrunk or slip fitted in place. The gap that exists between a bearing and shaft is an area where rust can form and cause damage to the parts.

Solution: Fit and seal bearings with LOCTITE 641 Bearing Retainer

Frame Adapter

Challenge 1: Gasket Failure between Bearing Frame and Frame Adapter

Leaks from the frame connection can mean money lost in oil consumption and potential safety hazards. This happens because pre-cut gaskets cannot tackle the gap between flange surfaces. Flange imperfections are potential leak paths that pre-cut gaskets cannot seal and they relax over time to make the gaps large enough for leaks to happen.

Solution: Seal flanges with LOCTITE 518 Flange Sealant

Challenge 2: Fastener Loosening and Corrosion to Frame Adapter Mounting Bolts

Bolts are always under strain caused by torque, vibration, shock, thermal expansion and contraction. The gaps between the engaging nuts and bolts allow these external factors to challenge the clamp load.

Solution: Lock and seal bolts with LOCTITE 243 Threadlocker

Pump Casing

Challenge: Corrosion and Seizure of Pump Casing Bolts

The severe pump environments of constant temperature, pressure and humidity changes cause the pump casing bolts to corrode and seize. Seized casing bolts make pump maintenance difficult and create additional labor associated with drilling and tapping the bolt hole.

Solution: Seal and Protect Bolts with LOCTITE 243 Threadlocker

Challenge: Leaks between the Stuffing Box and Casing

The use of cut gaskets has inherent problems. Neither does it occupy all flange irregularities, nor does it maintain elasticity. This leads to creation of leak paths that corrode and damage the flange surfaces.

Solution: Seal flanges with LOCTITE 518 Flange Sealants

Coupling

Pump Base Mounting

Industrial gearboxes play an important role in processing and manufacturing facilities. Reliable operation over a long service life, with minimum maintenance, is a key requirement. Proactive maintenance can minimize expensive downtime, enhance reliability and dramatically cut costs.

Housing

Housing and Cover Assembly

Challenge 1: Gasket Failure Between Upper and Lower Housing of a Split Gearbox

Oil leakage from failed gasket between upper and lower housings of split case gearbox can increase risk of gearbox running low on oil and increase overall oil consumption, safety hazards and clean-up costs.

Solution: Seal flanges with LOCTITE 518 Gasketing Compound

Challenge 2: Loosening and Corrosion of Housing and Cover Fasteners

Cover fasteners can loosen when exposed to torque, vibration, thermal expansion and shock loads. Once the fasteners become loose, the preload on the gasket is lost and the gasket fails. Additionally, cover fasteners can corrode and seize making gearbox maintenance difficult and hence create additional labour associated with drilling and tapping of the fastener hole.

Solution: Secure cover fasteners with LOCTITE 243 Threadlocker

Lubrication and Cooling System

Shaft Mounted Components

Challenge 1: Spun Bearings on Shaft

Bearings are prone to spinning on the shaft due to dynamic load on the assembly which produces axial loads higher than the original calculations. This bearing spin leads to damage on both shaft and bearing which may necessitate component replacement, causing unplanned downtime and scrap costs.

Solution 1: Fit bearings on shaft with LOCTITE 641 Retaining Compound (gap < 0.15mm)
Solution 2: Fit bearings on shaft with LOCTITE 660 Retaining Compound (gap < 0.5 mm)

Challenge 2: Loosening of Fitted Gears

Gears are prone to loosening on the shaft under dynamic loads, leading to reduction in torque transmitted.

Solution: Fit gears on shaft with LOCTITE 638 Retaining Compound

Gearbox Mounting Bolt

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Miniature circuit breaker

Challenge 1: Loosening during transit

Pole assembly

Challenge 1: Vibrational loosening

Challenge 2: Gas leakage