Removing threadlocker residue

[tbailey0193]

I recently adjusted the action of a knife to my liking. In so doing, I applied threadlocker (blue) to the pivot screw to help eliminate blade play. However great the action may be, I have excess thread locker in the pivot and on the pivot screw. I've tried the following, without luck to remove it:

1) soaked pivot and pivot screw in hot soapy water and then scrubbed with a toothbrush

2) soaked the pivot/pivot screw in 91% isopropyl alcohol and scrubbed with a toothbrush

I've heard of people using break cleaner to dissolve threadlocker residue. I'm reluctant to do so because I don't want to harm the coating on the pivot and/or pivot screw. Please offer suggestions that will best remove pesky threadlocker residue.

 

[Tjstampa]

From the loctite Website

Cleanup
Clean adhesive residue immediately with a damp cloth. Cured product can be removed with a combination of soaking in methylene chloride and mechanical abrasion such as a wire brush.

For disassembly, shear with standard hand tools and remove with methylene chloride. In rare instances where hand tools do not work because of excessive engagement length, apply localized heat to nut or bolt to approximately 482°F (250°C). Disassemble while hot

Here is the link to the Federal Website that shows what products Methylene Chloride are in. https://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/search?tbl=TblChemicals&queryx=75-09-2

 

[mattmanyam]

Please use caution with solvents, especially if you're unfamiliar with them.

 

[sickpuppy1]

If I understand what your saying, the threadlocker pooled or puddled around the head of the screw? If thats the case, I would remove the screw and wipe out the excess with a Q tip and then, assuming there is compound left on the threads, re-tighten it.If all the compound is gone then reapply it to the bottom half of the threads only. I'm as guilty as the next guy of putting on too much loctite.