Henkel Adhesive Technologies

Henkel Adhesive Technologies

How to remove red threadlocker

Everything you need to know about removing LOCTITE® High-Strength Threadlockers



5 min.
Photo of LOCTITE 263

Removing LOCTITE® red threadlocker can be difficult, and it’s a common vehicle maintenance question. While the strength of our red threadlockers is formidable, and meant to be a permanent assembly method, don’t believe the myths: red threadlocker can be disassembled with the right technique.

Removing red threadlocker

The process of knowing how to remove red threadlocker is a little different than for other threadlockers. The key is to apply localized heat greater than 250°C (550° F). Then, once the threaded assembly is hot, the bolt can be unthreaded. Without applying heat to the assembly, some bolts threaded into tapped holes risk breaking.

Commonly asked questions

Is it possible to remove red LOCTITE® without heat?

When the threads are locked, even the most aggressive solvents are unable to weaken a red threadlocker due to the limited surface area for the solvent to attack. Only by using heat can you penetrate and remove red LOCTITE threadlocker in an assembled joint.

Engineer standing behind a bottle of LOCTITE 263

How to clean and remove red LOCTITE® threadlocker from threads?

When a threadlocked bolt is disassembled and needs to be reused, the cured red threadlocker will need to be removed from the threads. The cured red LOCTITE product can be removed with a combination of soaking in a solvent and mechanical abrasion such as a wire brush. For female threads, a tap can be used to clear the threads instead of a wire brush.

Engineer demoing how to brush the screw.

What will dissolve red LOCTITE®?

LOCTITE SF 790 Chisel Paint Stripper or LOCTITE SF 7601 Equipment Flushing Solvent can be used to soften cured red LOCTITE. Mechanical abrasion will also be needed to assist with the removal. 

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