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Henkel Adhesive Technologies

Henkel Adhesive Technologies

How to choose the right LOCTITE® threadlocker

With so many options, sometimes it can be hard to choose which threadlocker is right for you. Luckily here at LOCTITE®, we have provided you with some answers to help you choose what threadlocker is the best fit for you.
5 min.
Infographic on selection criteria for choosing between LOCTITE threadlockers 222, 243, 270, 277

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.

Choosing the right threadlocker

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 243 Threadlocker - Application to Bolt

Use of threadlockers makes maintenance and repair easier and safer

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.

Use of LOCTITE® threadlockers in high heat situations

Heat significantly impacts fastener security and performance. LOCTITE threadlockers offer a wide temperature range of - 55°C to 180°C (-65°F to 350°F) for most applications. For high-temperature environments, opt for LOCTITE 272 with superior heat resistance, reducing the risk of loosening. Our threadlockers excel in extreme conditions, with some enduring temperatures up to 230°C (450°F).

Threadlocker application strength

In many applications, threaded assemblies face vibration and torque. For high-risk vibration or shock scenarios, opt for high-strength threadlockers, the strongest adhesive grade, providing the highest resistance to vibration, shock, and torque as a permanent solution.

Our threadlocker range comprises:

  • LOCTITE 222: A low-strength purple threadlocker for various metals, ideal for disassembly needs.
  • LOCTITE 243: A medium-strength blue threadlocker offering a versatile solution for sealing and securing assemblies.
  • LOCTITE 270: A high-strength green threadlocker designed for permanent locking and sealing of threaded fasteners.

Type of threadlocker for assembly

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.

Choosing the thread size

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:

Where to apply the threadlocker

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.

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