Threadlocker glues

As Ireland’s leading research based manufacturer and distributor of glues, we are often asked a range of questions, pertaining to a particular type of product.

Today we will look at threadlockers. Our threadlockers are used all over Ireland, in a huge range of applications.

Typical applications include use with belt tensioning bolts, valve cover bolts, motor bolts, hydraulic bolts and reclining mechanisms……the list is endless.

Below, we have selected the most common questions which customers ask us.

Q. What is the difference between a threadlocker, thread-lock or threadlock?

A. No difference at all, they all mean the same thing.

Q. Why is the bottle half full?

A. Threadlockers are anaerobic products, which means that they cure in the absence of air. The bottles are half full of air, which prevents the glue from curing.

Q. How do threadlockers work?

A. To cure, anaerobic threadlockers need metal contact and the absence of air cure. When a nut is screwed onto a bolt, the air is squeezed out, and through the contact with the metal, the threadlocker cures.

Q. For a particular application, how is the type of threadlocker selected?

A. In selecting the correct type of threadlocker, our engineers need to evaluate several parameters. For example, will the threaded part need to be removed (i.e. for servicing) or is a permanent fixing required. What is the length of the threaded part and the pitch of the threads, etc. There are many variables in selecting the optimum product for a particular application.

Q. Is it possible to use an accelerator with threadlockers?

A. Technically, it is possible, however, because the cure of the threadlocker is forced, the strength of the bond will be lower, than if an accelerator had not been used.

Q. How clean does the surface have to be?

A. It’s always best to clean the metal surface before applying a threadlocker. Our A061 degreaser is the optimum product for degreasing before the threadlocker is applied.

Q. Can threadlockers be used in oxygen environment’s, for example, with oxygen cylinders?

A. Absolutely not.

Q. What is the typical cure speed of a threadlocker?

A. Most of our threadlockers have a fixture time of minutes, and a full cure time of 24 hours. We offer the full range of cure times and our engineers will specify the grade to meet your manufacturing requirements.

Q. What surfaces can threadlockers be used on?

A. Generally they are only recommended for use on metal surfaces. Some metals  are more active than others and the curing speed may be faster or slower. For specific metals, such as aluminium, stainless steel or plated metal surfaces, our engineers may specify a metal primer.

Q. What is the difference between a threadlocker and a Retainer ?

A. Retainers are put on bearings before securing them onto shafts, or other non-threaded cylindrical attachments such a press fits and slip fits. Threadlockers are applied to threaded bolts before the nuts are put on. They appear similar but have specific purposes and applications. In some types of applications, retainers may be used as threadlockers, but threadlockers should not be used as retainers. The advice of one of our chemists or engineers should be sought.

Q. What is the difference between a Threadlocker and a Thread sealant?

A. Threadlockers and Thread sealant’s are designed for different purposes and applications, and should never be used interchangeably. Threadlockers lock and seal threaded parts with a strong locking/bonding strength for the prevention of the nut loosening. Thread sealant’s seal threaded parts tighter to withstand very high pressure, for example, in hydraulic applications.They do not have the same locking or bonding strength of threadlockers.

And there you have it. These are the most common Threadlocking questions which we are asked. But why should you buy threadlockers from us? There are several reasons:

• Our engineers visit your production plant and evaluate the manufacturing process.
• We will work with your design engineers and specify the product to meet your needs.
• We train your operators in the correct use of our threadlockers.
• We will write the operating procedures for threadlocker application.
• Using our laboratories and static test equipment, our engineers can carry out physical testing on your glued parts. You can be sure that the correct threadlocker has been specified.
• Our service to you, is maintained. We are always available to answer your glue questions.