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