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.
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.
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.
The ideal placement of red threadlockers is on bolts ranging from 1/4″ to 3/4″ diameter for some of the following areas:
Consult with LOCTITE experts to learn more about how to apply threadlockers for best performance.
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.
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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