Frankly Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 For years I’ve been squirting too large drops of Loc-Tite onto threads which is sloppy. Or squirting a few drops into a blob and rolling threaded parts through it. Maybe covering 50%, sometimes more. When I remove a part I’ll have to wire brush old dried compound off. Whats the sophisticated Enos Expert way to do it right? Secondarily, if I buy a little MagPul rail the bolts will have a thin dried year’s-old coating of thread locker pre-applied. Since it’s already dried on, isn’t it like the dirty parts before I labored to clean? If I just rescrew a bolt with old dried on Loc-Tite on it am I getting nearly the same benefit? Should I not bother cleaning old Loc-Tite off scope rings, etc.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bkreutz Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 It depends on which Loctite you use, they have a usage page on their website that explains the usage of the various products. I have a drawer full of various types and strengths. The pre applied (what you called the old dried up stuff), is activated by pressure. Cleaning the threads is good for maximum strength, but when using medium strength (blue) I just put the same screw back in and the pressure re-activates the stuff. Might even work with red, but I haven't experimented with that. They even have some red that doesn't require the bolt to be cleaned prior to usage, just put it on a greasy dirty bolt and it holds good. (isn't science amazing) There are all kinds of adhesives, even some that if you use it, it is a permanent bond. There is no disassembly possible. You have to use the proper product for the proper application. https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/about/our-brands/loctite.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broncman Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 They even make primer for use on stainless and other materials that do not oxidize easily. Loctite cures in the absence of oxygen. Carbon steel etc pulls the oxygen out of the compound and it sets up. The primer has copper salts that do the same thing when used on stainless etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkrispies Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 (edited) Interesting info in this thread. To cure the sloppiness problem, I usually apply it first to something like a toothpick or Q-tip and then apply it from this tool onto the screw. Most people already know that Loc-Tite releases with heat, so I determine where I will apply it on the bolt based on where best to apply the heat if I ever need to release it. For instance, if it's a very long bolt going into thick metal that will be difficult to heat down to the tip, it would be best to apply the Lok-Tite up near the head. Edited July 22, 2018 by jkrispies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IHAVEGAS Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 2 hours ago, Broncman said: Loctite cures in the absence of oxygen. Maybe that is why some types do not cure at all if pressure is not sufficient. Used locktite red on a connection that I did not need super tight, just wanted things snug and aligned just so. Was surprised to find that it never set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bkreutz Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 7 minutes ago, IHAVEGAS said: Maybe that is why some types do not cure at all if pressure is not sufficient. Used locktite red on a connection that I did not need super tight, just wanted things snug and aligned just so. Was surprised to find that it never set up. In that case I would have used 680 which is designed for use in loose joints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broncman Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 Yes, loctite also has different "fit" compounds for different clearances. Go to their website and look up the charts. But if it is stainless, get some primer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidp1911 Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 I clean contact surfaces thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before applying loctite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tampa-XD45 Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 On 7/22/2018 at 3:13 PM, Davidp1911 said: I clean contact surfaces thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before applying loctite This is the main reason that Loctite fails for some users. Failure to clean/de-grease the parts. I usually apply with a highly specialized wooden gunsmithing tool aka toothpick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidp1911 Posted July 27, 2018 Share Posted July 27, 2018 On 7/24/2018 at 1:54 PM, Tampa-XD45 said: This is the main reason that Loctite fails for some users. Failure to clean/de-grease the parts. I usually apply with a highly specialized wooden gunsmithing tool aka toothpick. Me too, I own a box full of those hi-tech tools Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now