>> What Is a Threadlocker Adhesive?
Threadlocker adhesive is designed to solve the old problem of loosening that occurs in threaded fastener assemblies.
The traditional way of solving this problem is using mechanical locking devices, such as split washers, nylon nuts, etc. However, mechanical locking devices do have their own problems, such as prone to rust, loosen under vibration, thermal expansion, etc. So threadlocker adhesives were invented by Loctite and other major China Adhesive Manufacturers to meet the market demand.
>> Advantages
There are numerous benefits of using threadlocker. Here are a few of that.
1) They lock nuts and bolts against vibration and thermal expansion
2) They seal against corrosion and leakage
3) They are suitable for all shapes and sizes of fasteners
4) They act as a thread lubricant
>> How Does It Work?
Threadlocker cures in the absence of air and in contact with active metal to form a tough thermoset plastic. They completely fill all voids between the interfacing threads. This process makes the fastener assembly a unitized component and thus prevents loosening.
>> What Type of Threadlocker Should You Choose?
There are at least 5~6 different types of threadlockers available.
They come in three different strengths: low, medium, and high strength. Low strength threadlocker is for fasteners that you want to be able to disassemble easily using standard hand tools. Medium strength threadlocker can be disassembled later on with standard hand tools but not so easy. The high strength threadlocker can only be disassembled with localized heat (over 500°F) and disassemble while still hot.
Threadlockers also come in different viscosity: Liquid, gel, and semisolid.
>> How to Apply Threadlocker?
First you need to clean the parts in order to achieve maximum performance. Clean the parts to free of oil, grease and other contaminants.
Semisolid threadlocker can be applied beforehand on bolts that are waiting to be assembled. Liquid threadlockers can be applied at the moment that parts will be assembled. Wicking grade threadlocker can be applied on parts that are already assembled.
Threadlocker adhesives most commonly are packaged in hand pumps. But there are also semiautomatic dispensing types available.