Michael Koblic wrote:
I have never used threadlockers before (but I have only recently discovered
the benefits of internal combustion engine, so forgive me!).

I spent some considerable time on the various web-sites and got only limited
answers to my questions. Here they are, I would be grateful for any advice:

1) How does a $14-threadlocker differ from a $2 Superglue? I gather the
threadlockers are anaerobic. Does that mean that superglue is aerobic?
2) How long does it take for a threadlocker (say Loctite 242) to cure?
3) The purple, blue and red are different strengths. I just could not get a
picture of *how much* they differ. I gather you need heat to loosen up the
red, but what about the others?
4) Why the different thread size recommendation?
5) Where does the "Green" threadlocker fit in strength-wise? I understand
you put it on a fastener already in place, but what kind of result can be
expected?

I just did an experiment: Put a 1/2" nut half-way on a bolt and then
dribbled some cheap superglue into the cavity. It took its sweet time curing
(as observed by the behaviour of the small droplet in the middle of the
cavity), but then I had to grip the bolt in a pipe-vise (ordinary vise would
not do) and managed to get the nut off with a 3/4" spanner. On inspection,
only about 3 threads were engaged and there was still residue of uncured
glue on them.

Thanks for help,


Question 1, a threadlocker gives you some working time for assembly in
terms of minutes or more depending on the product, superglue goes off in
seconds so I would expect it to start setting before the piece may have
been fully assembled.

Question 2, google the likes of "loctite 242", it turns up the technical
documents at Henkel IIRC. Like http://65.213.72.112/tds5/docs/242-EN.PDF
which probably gives you more information than you wanted to know.

Question 4, from experience it is not a good idea to use a high strength
locker on a small thread ~ 3-4mm or less as you may not be able to get
it undone as the head or drive such as socket may not be strong enough.