Loctite

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Loctite is a wide-ranging brand of adhesives which includes acrylics, anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, epoxies, hot melts, silicones, urethanes and UV/light curing adhesives.^[1] The name Loctite was chosen in 1956 by the daughter-in-law of Dr. Vernon Krieble, inventor of a unique adhesive resin that hardened in the absence of air, as a replacement for less-reliable locking washers when securing bolts and screws.^[2] Vernon Krieble is listed as an inventor on a number of patents, including U.S. Patent No. 2,895,950 (July 21, 1959) and U.S. Patent No. 3,046,262 (July 24, 1962).

The Loctite brand is now part of Henkel, a German family company with interests in many chemical and industrial products. Loctite is the market leader in adhesive technology, and although its original anaerobic technology is still core to its business many know Loctite for its superglue (cyanoacrylate) adhesives. Loctite now offers a complete range of adhesives to provide engineering solutions for all industries globally. Loctite products are available in at least 80 countries, and are used throughout the automotive, microelectronics, aerospace and medical industries.^[3]

In addition to their consumer and industrial adhesives, other Loctite products include their cleaners, coatings, gasketing and molding products, lubricants, mold releases, sealants, surface treatments and threadlockers.^[4]

Some of Loctite's best-known adhesive products are their threadlockers, used to prevent screws and bolts from loosening, more effectively than a locking washer alone could. They are anaerobic adhesives that are based on methacrylate.

[edit] Threadlocker Grades

Loctite's threadlocker products come in different strength grades, to suit the particular application.

Blue Removable No. 242, 243, 246, 248, 2432 & 2440 - Used for things you may want to unscrew with minimal hassle. It cures into a brittle, glassy bond that takes one good twist to break, but removes cleanly after that. Recommended for use with valve covers, water pumps and oil pan bolts.

Red High-Strength No. 271, 262, 266, 268, 272, 277 & 2760 - Used on things that you don't want to take apart for a long time. It requires heat from a torch or iron (to 250° C) to loosen its grip. It cures into a thicker, sticky bond that holds up better against vibration and shocks. It is typically used in mechanical applications such as nuts and bolts in cars, motorbikes, snowmobiles, and watercraft.

Green - penetrating grade No. 220(blue), 290 & 294 - Used for use on parts that have already been assembled.

Purple - low strength grade No. 222MS & 222 - Used for set screws.

For Plastic threads - No. 425. - Used for small plastic threads.