Threadlocker

What is a threadlocker?

Threadlocker is a methacrylate-based anaerobic agent for locking and sealing threaded products.

It protects your parts from vibration, corrosion and seizure, and offers better braking resistance than a mechanical device.

Thread Locking Adhesive is a single-component, gap-filling adhesive that polymerizes into a hard thermoplastic, promising virtually complete metal-to-metal sealing, while retaining frictional forces and resisting vibration.

Your threaded assemblies lose their security over time, and may encounter the following problems: self-loosening, thermal expansion, corrosion, relaxation, play between screw and metal.

Threadlocker ensures and increases a permanent hold by adjusting the tightening torque.

This product protects your parts from corrosion, reduces wear, increases the reliability of assemblies by reducing downtime due to mechanical breakdowns, avoids fretting corrosion, and some types of threadlocker are watertight.

Blue, purple, green, red... which threadlocker should you choose?

When choosing a thread-braking solution, it's important to identify the desired resistance. If you're looking for a permanent assembly, the solution will be different from a removable assembly. Consistency, which generally varies according to type and brand, and thermal resistance also need to be defined. The best-selling threadlockers are Loctite 243 and Loctite 270, which can be used on all metals and tolerate slight oil contamination.

Violet threadlocker is perfect if disassembly for maintenance or servicing is required. It withstands temperatures ranging from -55 to +150 degrees and has a breaking torque of less than 10 n.m (Newton-meters). This slow-curing product is perfect for small assemblies such as microelectronics, spectacle frames or computer screws.

Find one of our violet Loctite threadlockers here.

Theblue threadlocker is the most widely used reference. It is oil-tolerant and performs well on passive metals such as stainless steel. It withstands temperatures ranging from -55 to 180 degrees and has a breaking torque of between 12 and 30 n.m.

It is used on components requiring occasional maintenance, and therefore disassembly, but good long-term hold.

It can be used on parts such as chassis components, automotive starters and alternators, as well as bicycle screws and water pumps.

Find one of our Loctite blue threadlockers here.

The green threadlocker has the same general characteristics as the blue one, but with greater resistance, including a temperature resistance of -55 to 180 degrees and a breaking torque of 35 n.m.

Find one of our Loctite green threadlockers here.

Finally, the red threadlocker, which is used when no maintenance or servicing is planned on the part in question, as disassembly will not be possible. It is designed to withstand extreme vibrations and is intended for permanent fixing. It withstands temperatures ranging from -55 to +180 degrees and has a breaking torque of between 24 and 50 n.m.

They are used in automotive suspensions, construction and safety components. To dismantle this type of assembly, special loosening tools and a temperature rise are required.

Find one of our Loctite red threadlockers here.

How do I apply threadlocker?

Threadlocker is easy to use, and requires very few tools.

To begin with, we invite you to clean and, if necessary, degrease the surface where you wish to apply your product.

In 4 steps, here's how to apply threadlocker correctly:

• Remove the screw or bolt
• Apply threadlocker to screw or bolt threads
• Replace the screw in its nut
• Allow to dry

How do I remove threadlocker?

The answer to this question depends on the strength of the threadlocker used. Here's a simple guide to help you navigate the process.

For purple threadlocker, known for its moderate resistance, the task is relatively easy. This type of threadlocker can be mastered using standard tools.

Whether it's a wrench, screwdriver or pliers, you won't need Herculean strength to overcome its grip.

Next, the blue or green threadlocker.

These variants are a little more stubborn and require a little more effort, but are still within the realms of feasibility with standard tools. A little perseverance and the right tool in hand, and you should be able to undo these assemblies without too much hassle.

Finally, let's take a look at the red thread locker.

Designed for near-eternal fasteners, it's no longer a matter of simply turning a tool. You'll need a localized heating method, capable of reaching 280 degrees Celsius, to expand the nut or screw housing. This process requires special care and specific tools, but is indispensable for undoing these ultra-strong assemblies.

Find out more about our range of threadlockers here.