Loctite wont cure

kaosu04 · Jun 21, 2005

Purchased a tube of blue loctite Tite'n for screws. I've applied in numerous ways and let it sit and cure for 12 hours, it never does anything, doesnt even offer resistance to pulling the screw out. I've tried applying it to the threads in the screw in varying quantities. Tried applying it right under the head. Tried pouring it into the pin. I also clean everything with wd40, wait for it to dry, and rinse with compressed air with each attempt. Nothing works. Do I just need to let it sit longer? Any suggestions?

DaveH · Jun 21, 2005

WD40 will leave an oily residue which is probably interfering with the loctite. Clean you screws with acetone, then try it.

zman · Jun 21, 2005

Loctite cures by lack of oxygen, so unless you're applying pressure (like in the case of threads) which deprives the product of O2 it won't cure properly.

Hope this helps,

AZ...

pogo · Jun 21, 2005

I have used the blue Locktite but, the Red Loctite is even better. Like was said the WD40 will leave a residue so make sure to get this off first.

pogo · Jun 21, 2005

I forgot, for threads not used around water.. Elmers Glue will work. I have used this to lock threads in the past & it does the job. If its going to be imersed in water forget the Elmers.

deputy tom · Jun 21, 2005

kaosu04,try cleaning threads with lighter fluid then use clear fingernail polish to lock the threads.tom.

kamkazmoto · Jun 21, 2005

Try acetone (nail polish remover) to clean everything with, and don't forget to clean out the hole too but make sure you get a nail polish remover that does NOT contain lanolin.

Normark · Jun 21, 2005

Hey Guys....

Maybe a stupid question,, but did you try shaking the tube,, or kneeding it to mix it well ??

Loc-tite will separate if it's been sitting around too long..
The other advice mentioned above should also be concidered..
Oil/residue
lack of oxygen...
Never had that problem, but again I always shake my 242 first..

ttyle

Eric...

wwells20 · Jun 21, 2005

I am experimenting with a new (I presume it's new) product from Loctite "Tite'n for screws" I don't know if this is the product in question, but this a clear liquid that is marketed as "screw tightener/gap filler" I have only used it as a replacement for blue/red loctite, but it shows promise. Holding power falls somewere between blue and red. This product seems to "set" like gel glue and can be taken back apart. *only have one knife done with it, a Camullis Blaze. Seems to be holding fine, although this knife is not known for looseing screws.

redtail · Jun 21, 2005

A little off the topic, but NEVER use Locktite on aluminum, especially if it is exposed to heat (like cylinder heads). It will set up hard, and you will never get the screw out. I've never done this myself, but I've read plenty of warnings.

Danzz · Jun 21, 2005

kaosu04 said:
I've applied in numerous ways and let it sit and cure for 12 hours, it never does anything, doesnt even offer resistance to pulling the screw out.

I use the blue stuff, works well for me. I think, 12 hours may be a bit too short a time to let it cure under everyday conditions. I always shake the tube before use and let it cure for 48 hours, and have had good luck with it.