Threadlockers are anaerobic adhesives that are triggered by contact with metallic surfaces, however, they will not cure completely in the presence of oxygen. This makes them ideal for use in small spaces.

They are often referred to as threadlockers as this is the most common use of these adhesives. To understand why, consider a standard bolt, which may have as little as 15% surface contact with its nut, resulting in a fastening that is prone to loosening over time.

Using an additional component like a washer may strengthen the hold somewhat, but using a threadlocker creates a 100% surface contact and greatly increased strength. Anaerobics can replace washers, nylon lined nuts, and serrated bolts for improved functional performance with the addition of sealant capacity.

Any tight fitting metal to metal bonding application also has the potential to benefit from the addition of a threadlocker. Not only do anaerobics prevent loosening due to vibration, thermal expansion, and other forces, corrosion due to weathering, galvanic forces, and crevice corrosion, they also protect the fastener against damage during intentional removal.

These adhesives are easy to apply and to make life even easier, new formulations don’t even require surfaces to be completely clean and uncontaminated.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Cure Time

Cure Times range from as little as 5 minutes to 24 hours for full cure. This depends on the substrates used, the exact type and strength of the adhesive, temperature, and humidity. No stress should be placed upon the fastening until full cure is achieved in order to ensure best possible performance.

• Faster Cure (5 minutes):
  Copper, brass
• Standard Cure (10-15 minutes):
  Steel, Nickel, Iron, Aluminium, Zinc
• Slower Cure (over 15 minutes):
  Anodised aluminium, Cadmium finishes, Chrome finishes, Passivated metals, Stainless steel, Titanium

Temperature

Increased temperatures reduce cure time, with as little as 8°C halving the cure time. In this way, full cure can be achieved faster using heat application.

Activators

An activator can also be used to speed up cure time, by applying to one or both surfaces before applying the adhesive.

SUBCATEGORIES & RELATED BENEFITS:

Types of Threadlocker

Threadlockers are available in a range of strengths and viscosities to cater for a range of different industry applications.

Strength

To determine the strength of the threadlocker required, you need to consider how large the fastenings are and whether they will need to be removed later for servicing or disassembly.

Generally, low and medium strength adhesives can be used for smaller fastenings, where larger bolts or screws require stronger threadlockers due to the greater shear forces involved.

If fastenings need to be removed in the future, lower strength threadlockers can be easily removed with hand tools, and are ideal for applications where frequent servicing is required. Stronger adhesives may require the application of heat to facilitate removal, allowing the possibility of high adhesion combined with removability.

Viscosity

Low viscosity threadlockers are ideal for fastenings with small gaps, offer better penetration, and are good for maintenance, cure faster, and leave less residue.

Larger gaps require higher viscosity adhesives, which also resist greater shear forces, and are more resistant to chemicals and solvents.