Proper use of Threadlocker

by Robert Bonnici February 8, 2023

LOCTITE 243 is a medium strength blue threadlocking adhesive that seals and secures metal nuts and bolts to prevent loosening due to shock and vibration.

LOCTITE® 243 is a general purpose threadlocker that provides a medium strength bond. LOCTITE 243 works on all metals, including passive substrates such as stainless steel, aluminum and plated surfaces. It is proven to be tolerant of minor contamination due to industrial oils, e.g., motor oils, corrosion prevention oils and cutting fluid.

Mechanical locking devices (such as split ring washers, nylon insert nuts, and serrated tooth washers were invented to solve the common problem of loosening that happens in most threaded assemblies). However, the reality is that they don’t “lock” the assemblies and can’t maintain clamp load. These devices often loosen under vibration, thermal expansion, bending, and/or improper torque.

Threadlockers, or threadlocking adhesives, are the solution to this problem. Applied between two mating threads, these liquid threadlocker adhesives secure nuts, bolts, and threaded fasteners in place. They cure to form a strong bond that prevents loosening, ensuring assemblies retain clamp load over time.

Threaded fasteners, such as bolts and nuts, have a huge role to play in many industries. Their impressive clamp load means they are the ideal fastener for use across a wide range of manufacturing and maintenance applications. However, these types of assemblies can fail over time as they work themselves loose, thanks to vibration, bending, or thermal expansion.

Choose from a range of different strengths and application types and discover LOCTITE^® threadlockers that:

Reduce downtime
Provide strong, long-lasting adhesive performance
Reduce the risk of loosening and leaks
Lower maintenance and manufacturing costs

LOCTITE^® threadlockers are products you can trust for securing threaded fasteners in place. An industry-leading solution for more than half a century, they offer versatility, affordability, and reliability in your assemblies.

Threadlocking compounds can effectively reduce the impact of costly failures, repairs, maintenance, and downtime. Applied to one or two threads before assembly, LOCTITE^® threadlockers push the air between the threads out as the fastener is tightened. The anaerobic threadlocker material cures in the absence of air to form a strong, thermoset plastic that locks threads and joints in place.

LOCTITE^® threadlockers can also lower the effect of corrosion in threaded components and help to prevent leaks in your assemblies. Applicable across both maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) and original equipment manufacturing (OEM), LOCTITE^® threadlockers improve reliability, eliminate failure, and boost productivity in your operations.

Our threadlockers are single-component liquid adhesives that secure nuts, bolts, and threaded fasteners. They are designed to eliminate air gaps that, combined with vibration and shock, that allow for loosening in threads. This is achieved by forming a strong bond between the threads that holds everything tightly in place with a controlled strength thread lock.

All LOCTITE^® threadlockers have a broad temperature resistance of -65°F to 300°F, while some threadlockers are designed for high temperatures up to 650°F. Threadlockers were LOCTITE^®’s first product line. They combine a mix of complex chemistry and engineering. Simply put, this product is an anaerobic adhesive applied by drops to the threads of fasteners. It then cures to a hard thermoset plastic that locks the threads together. They are used only for metal-to-metal applications.

Host Phil Godeck and Henkel Engineer, Andrew Paluch, demonstrate how to properly apply LOCTITE® anaerobic threadlockers to achieve maximum benefits.