Bolts and nuts are important components in any assembly, but they often loosen due to thermal expansion, vibration, or incorrect torque. In such cases, conventional mechanical fasteners (lock washers, nylock nuts, double lock nuts, castle nuts, etc.) are commonly used to hold the threads securely.
Unfortunately, most mechanical devices are unable to maintain the required clamping load and will eventually fall out. For this reason, thread locking has become the common method to ensure that a threaded assembly remains securely locked throughout its life.
What is a thread locker?
A threadlocker is a liquid lock nut that uses anaerobic technology. This means that it hardens (hardens) into a tough solid in the absence of air and in the presence of metals.
But you might be wondering how a liquid threadlocker is better than a mechanical fastening method? Mechanical fasteners do not loosen the 85% gap between the threads of the lock nuts and bolts. Yes, as shocking as it sounds, even after a nut bolt is fully tightened, there is an 85 percent gap between the threads that allows it to loosen if there is vibration and shock. Here a liquid can take up the full gap and solidify to secure the nut and bolt.
And don’t worry about disassembling it. You can easily open a screw tightened with threadlocker with a hand tool if necessary. ‘
This is all great information, but where is it advisable to use Threadlocker?
The answer is all threaded assemblies – since these bolts and nuts hold the assemblies together, and even a nut bolt failure can cause the entire assembly to fail. In addition, threadlockers protect the threaded assemblies from corrosion. You can use threadlockers on through bolts as well as blind holes. Below are some popular use cases for screw retention:
1. Locking set screws, countersunk head screws, motor through bolts and set screws; on collars, pulleys, tool holders and controls. Even if the threaded parts are made of aluminum and brass – In these cases, a low viscosity screw lock with low strength is recommended, e.g. E.g .: LOCTITE 222)
2. Locking of threaded metal fastenings on pump housings, motor fastening screws, mechanical coupling, gearboxes, presses etc. – in these cases a medium strength threadlocker is recommended, e.g. E.g .: LOCTITE 243)
3. Locking of threaded fasteners made of steel, stainless steel and most plated fasteners – in these cases a screw locking agent with even hardening is recommended even on passive surfaces, e.g. E.g .: LOCTITE 263)
4. Locking large screws and studs or when the vibrations are strong, e.g. B. in some material handling equipment, mixers – in these cases a high-strength threadlocker is recommended, e.g. E.g .: LOCTITE 277)
5. Locking pre-assembled fasteners, ie instrumentation screws, electrical connectors, etc. – in these cases, a screw locking agent with wicking capacity is recommended, e.g. E.g .: LOCTITE 290)
These are just a few examples of where you can potentially use threadlocker. However, you can use them on any metal threaded assemblies to make sure they don’t lose on their own.
How to use a thread locker
Screw locking devices are easy to use – you only need 3 steps:
Step 1: Clean the threads to remove dirt
Step 2: apply a few drops to the screw where the nut will snap into place. In the case of a blind hole, apply a few drops along the sides of the blind hole as well as on the screw
Step 3: Assemble and tighten as needed. Tightening will help distribute the liquid into all of the gaps.
Leave the assembly aside for 10 minutes to allow it to solidify. Most machines can be operated after reaching the handling strength. 100% strength is achieved in 24 hours.
Dr. Vernon Kriebel invented anaerobic adhesives in the 1950s. Since then, screw locks have been helping mechanical engineers to ensure reliability. He was the founder of LOCTITE and today this brand has a full range of adhesives. Regardless of your threadlocker needs, there is a LOCTITE threadlocker that you can use to achieve a reliable installation right away.
(Disclaimer: This is Brand Desk Content)
Live television
