Preferred Threadlock

[Jerold]

I've been using Loctite Threadlock Stick and Permatex Threadlock (Blue). The Threadlock stick is sort of a pasty thing and though it would be good but it turns out it's a bit tedious on small parts. I'm out of the liquid and need to refill.

For my applications the 'Blue' or medium strength should be fine. My limited understanding is that the 243 is a bit better with oily applications, thus doesn't matter for me.

The Permatex works OK but there are other options.
Loctite 242/243
Eskone 242/243
Some other rando brands like "Amazon", Vibra-tite and Detai. Unless these are the best ever, it's not worth the 25 cent savings.

What's your preference?
The little tube is OK, but it the bottle better, like easier to use?

 

[Tunedfrog]

I use Loctite 243. I've tried the stick but it dried up too fast for my liking.

 

[Greywolf74]

As far as brands go, theyre all about the same to me. Loctite, permatex, or Losi brand are the 3 I use and as far as I can tell theres no real difference. I typically use the blue 243 stuff but on some things Ill use the orange 266 stuff if I need something a bit stronger but still needs to be removable.

As for stick or liquid, I can use either. Liquid is prolly a little easier to use but I waste less with the stick. 6 one way, half a dozen the other to me.

 

[WoodiE]

I've been using the Loctite stick for the last 4-5 years and it's the only thing I use now. I've not tried other brands as Loctite has done just fine for me with no complaints.

 

[ahr43]

Shop preference here is the Prime Lok 245 Blue. Don't use it very often any more and when it gets used it is sparingly. Pinion gear grub screw is the only use that comes to mind. One tube lasts a long time around here.

Reading this thread got me to search for articles on shelf life. What I found is that with Permatex it is two years from date of manufacture. One year shelf life after opening. It does not become ineffective once it goes beyond shelf life, just a bit weaker in holding strength.

Coded onto the Permatex card is an alpha numeric. Example found was 6LK1801B. '6' being the year of manufacture 2006. 'L' being the twelfth letter of the alphabet corresponding to the twelfth month of the year December. For this example, date of manufacture is December 2006. Corresponding to a shelf life extending to Dec 2008. After opening Dec 2007. For what it's worth. Found it kind of interesting to know.

[Edit: But, hey, don't go throwing away the Loctite. Research reveals the coding is mostly for industrial controls. For RC hobby use, it continues to be effective well beyond its carded expiration date // 'AC']

Cheers, mates. 'AC'

 

[Jerold]

All of the brands have something like

• Ideal for all nut and bolt applications 1/4" to 3/4" (6mm to 20mm)

But I still use it on the tiny screws.

Anyone know what's the limitation? My assumption is it has to do with ratio of surface area to thread lock. So larger screws would have more surface area to threadlock and it would be weak. Conversely, with smaller screws might have too little surface area to threadlock, making it harder to break loose. Which would explain why we all complain about stripping screw heads.

Perhaps we should be looking at the purple? which is

• Designed for fasteners under 0.25 inch

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RER9A...otive&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1

 

[RustyUs]

The gel is just the perfect consistency. My go-to medium strength stuff...

And for times when RED is called for...

The JB Weld Red high strength was the standout threadlocker in testing done by someone out there on the interwebs. I tried the gel RED from Vibra-TITE, but was not as strong as the JB Weld Perma-Lock.

 

[RustyUs]

Shop preference here is the Prime Lok 245 Blue. Don't use it very often any more and when it gets used it is sparingly. Pinion gear grub screw is the only use that comes to mind. One tube lasts a long time around here.

Reading this thread got me to search for articles on shelf life. What I found is that with Permatex it is two years from date of manufacture. One year shelf life after opening. It does not become ineffective once it goes beyond shelf life, just a bit weaker in holding strength.

Coded onto the Permatex card is an alpha numeric. Example found was 6LK1801B. '6' being the year of manufacture 2006. 'L' being the twelfth letter of the alphabet corresponding to the twelfth month of the year December. For this example, date of manufacture is December 2006. Corresponding to a shelf life extending to Dec 2008. After opening Dec 2007. For what it's worth. Found it kind of interesting to know.

[Edit: But, hey, don't go throwing away the Loctite. Research reveals the coding is mostly for industrial controls. For RC hobby use, it continues to be effective well beyond its carded expiration date // 'AC']

Cheers, mates. 'AC'

Which is why I don't buy huge amounts of threadlocker, or tire glue any more. Fresh is better.

 

[olds97_lss]

I use this for most of my stuff at home:
Blue Gel: https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-24010-Strength-Threadlocker-Applicator/dp/B000HBM564

This for things I want a bit more hold on (MIP cvd grubs, pinions, cvd cups):
Orange: https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-25210-Strength-Removable-ThreadLocker/dp/B07R6B87S5

This for stubborn things that don't stay put with orange and in an area I can apply heat easily to (pinions usually):
Red: https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Threadlocker-Red-0-20-209741/dp/B000FP8EUS

I have one of the sticks in my pit bag. Have had it for probably a decade and it hasn't dried up yet.

 

[Greywolf74]

I use this for most of my stuff at home:
Blue Gel: https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-24010-Strength-Threadlocker-Applicator/dp/B000HBM564

This for things I want a bit more hold on (MIP cvd grubs, pinions, cvd cups):
Orange: https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-25210-Strength-Removable-ThreadLocker/dp/B07R6B87S5

This for stubborn things that don't stay put with orange and in an area I can apply heat easily to (pinions usually):
Red: https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Threadlocker-Red-0-20-209741/dp/B000FP8EUS

I have one of the sticks in my pit bag. Have had it for probably a decade and it hasn't dried up yet.

Hey Olds! Long time no see

 

[olds97_lss]

Hey Olds! Long time no see

Yeah, been a minute. Between work, running RC's, working on RC's and keeping up with facebook groups... haven't been on forums in a while. lol!