For as long as there have been threaded fasteners, there have been challenges with ensuring they stay tightly locked and resist the self-loosening that can lead to costly failures and downtime. That’s where threadlockers, or threadlocking adhesives, come into play. They eliminate the potential of loosening, leakage and failure by locking your fasteners in place. Successful application starts with knowing how to choose the right threadlocker for the task.
There are various options in the LOCTITE® threadlocker range. Each has its own qualities and ideal application, so choosing the right one is important to ensure reliability in your assembly.
Using the wrong type of threadlocker could lead to reduced reliability, difficulties with removal and improper curing. This may impact how well your adhesive locks assemblies in place, increasing the chance of loosening and failure. Find out more about how to choose what threadlocker to use below.
LOCTITE threadlockers reliably secure assemblies but can vary in removal ease based on their strength. Low and medium-strength types are removable with hand tools, while high-strength ones may need intense heat. For regular maintenance, choose low or medium-strength threadlockers like purple or blue variants. They work well for heat-sensitive materials too, offering easy removal with hand tools while maintaining bond strength.
Heat significantly impacts fastener security and performance. LOCTITE threadlockers offer a wide temperature range of -65°F to 300°F (-54°C to 149°C) for most applications. For high-temperature environments, opt for LOCTITE 263 with superior heat resistance, reducing the risk of loosening. Our threadlockers excel in extreme conditions, with some enduring temperatures up to 650°F (343°C).
If you require a threadlocker for non-traditional purposes, large scale use or a specific application, you may need a less standard option.
Contact us for more information or get in touch with your local sales engineer to find the best threadlocker for your needs.
Explore the full range of LOCTITE threadlockers to find the right threadlocker for any threaded fastener application, or find out more about the different types of threadlocker and their qualities.
In many applications, threaded assemblies face vibration and torque. For high-risk vibration or shock scenarios, opt for red threadlockers, the strongest adhesive grade, providing the highest resistance to vibration, shock, and torque as a permanent solution.
Our threadlocker range comprises:
Most threadlockers are applied directly to fasteners for on-the-spot use, ideal for manufacturing and machinery maintenance. Choose LOCTITE threadlockers in medium or high strength. In certain preassembled scenarios like electrical connectors and set screws, a wicking grade threadlocker like LOCTITE 290 is required for post-installation application, seamlessly bonding surfaces without disassembly.
Consider thread size when choosing your ideal LOCTITE threadlocker to ease servicing or disassembly. Using high-strength threadlockers in small threads may hinder removal, while low-strength threadlockers on larger threads may reduce effectiveness. Generally, choose:
When you need to apply a threadlocking adhesive overhead, regular products can drip down before they cure in place. One solution is to use a LOCTITE stick, which has all the adhesive capabilities of other threadlockers, but comes in a semi-solid stick format.
If you keep threadlockers in a toolbox for regular maintenance, a stick also prevents leakage, which can occur with liquid products.
Our experts are here to learn more about your needs.
Our support center and experts are ready to help you find solutions for your business needs.
