Introduction
Threadlockers are one of the most vital components in the manufacturing industry, especially in the mechanics sectors and even DIYs. While there are several manufacturers of threadlockers in the global market, you must be looking for a mix of affordability and quality and that is what this article will guide you about.
This is a threadlocker selection guide 2025, where you will get to know deep insights into threadlockers, types of threadlockers, their uses across industries, and how to select the right manufacturer or supplier of threadlocker adhesive from China.
What Is A Threadlocker?
Consider threadlockers as a type of adhesive that is best used in securing the threaded fasteners.
When we secure a fastener using a thread, there are chances that the fastener can loosen over time due to several reasons like corrosion, vibrations, mechanical stress, and a lot more. In that case, the thread can become useless and the fastener can loosen, which is why we seal the fastener using a threadlocker.
It’s an anaerobic adhesive that is a must have in every household and manufacturing industries that use threaded fasteners in their products.
Different Threadlocker Types
- Low Strength
Low strength threadlockers are usually used in screws and bolts that need to be removed eventually. While they offer strength and prevent loosening, we can unscrew the bolts using simple hand tools. Low strength threadlockers are generally purple in colour.
Application industries include electronics, small machines and DIY projects.
- Medium Strength
Nuts, screws, and bolts that we don’t need to remove anytime soon shall be fastened using a medium strength threadlocker. It’s generally blue in colour and it prevents loosening due to vibrations and wear and tear. We need to use hand tools with a fair amount of force to unscrew those using medium strength threadlockers.
Applications include industrial machines and automotives.
- High Strength
These are heavy duty threadlockers that are only used in industrial applications, engines, and heavy machineries where the vibration is immense and no compromise in loosening of bolts, nuts, or screws. These are meant for permanent fittings and heavy workloads for a very long time such as engines, trains, bogeys, and automatic plant and machinery. It’s generally red in colour.
How To Choose Threadlocker: Key Factors
- Application Requirements
To make an anaerobic adhesive selection, first identify where you’ll be using them. For DIY and lightweight applications, use a low strength one. For heavy uses such as outdoors, consider medium strength.
- Material Compatibility
Low strength threadlockers are compatible with aluminum, brass, or any soft metal. Ideal for delicate parts.
Medium strength threadlockers are generally compatible with all metals like stainless steel but not good with plastic.
High strength threadlockers are ideal for steel, iron, or heavy metals.
- Environmental Conditions
Low strength threadlockers are fit for indoor use or light environments where the temperature doesn’t vary much. It can handle low to medium stress but cannot resist chemicals.
Medium strength threadlockers are suited for vibration-prone areas and can resist chemicals, oils, and moisture.
High strength threadlockers can work in the harshest environments with high vibrations.
- Cure Time & Application Methods
The low strength threadlockers can start curing within 20 minutes and have a full cure time of 24 hours.
Similarly, medium strength threadlockers start curing in 30 minutes with a full cure time of 24 hours.
High strength threadlockers start curing in 20 to 40 minutes and fully cure in less than 24 hours.
- Removal Considerations
Low strength and medium strength threadlockers are easy to remove using hand tools with light to medium force, but the high strength threadlockers are almost non-removable and often permanent because of their extremely high strength once it cures completely.
Threadlocker Guide For Different Applications
This section explains which threadlocker to use in different application scenarios.
Automotive Threadlocker Guide
In automotives, threadlockers are used in engine bolts, brake systems, suspensions, steering, drivetrain, and even assembling the body parts.
We know that automotives operate in extreme conditions and must be superior in strength, which is why, consider at least medium strength threadlockers because the mechanic can disassemble these die cut parts for repair or maintenance, which is not possible with a high strength threadlocker.
Furthermore, using a high strength threadlocker in automotives isn’t feasible in cars and bikes, because it can damage the vehicle due to excessive strength. For automotives like trains and its bogeys, consider a high strength threadlocker.
Industrial Threadlocker Guide
In the industrial sector, threadlockers are generally used in machines and complex tools that include assembled parts using fastened bolts and screws. These machines and tools go through a lot of pressure and force and can be made of iron, steel, or aluminum in general senses.
Based on the materials, consider medium strength threadlocker in small machines and tools.
For heavy machines such as fully automatic plants, where you need a permanent fixture and the material is hard metal like iron or stainless steel, we recommend high strength threadlockers.
DIY Threadlocker Guide
DIY projects such as college projects, DIY crafting, or home repairs often use low strength threadlockers because the parts don’t go through rough usage and harsh weather conditions. Also, such projects often use plastic or soft metals, which are compatible with low strength threadlockers only.
But if the situation demands, such as plumbing work, fastening screws for fans, or other household items that might go through vibrations, or you need strength, then look for material compatibility and go with medium strength threadlockers.
Remember that you will be able to unscrew any bolts, nuts, or screws using low strength and medium strength threadlockers with hand tools like a wrench with a decent amount of force.
Threadlocker Application Tips
- Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is very important and for the adhesive to make a firm grip, we will require a slightly rough surface such as the grooves of the bolt or screw. Also, you need to ensure that there is ample amount of space on the surface to apply the threadlocker adhesive.
- Correct Application Techniques
- Now wrap the grooves with the thread and put a thin layer of threadlocker all over.
- If fastening a screw into the hole, consider injecting a little bit of threadlocker into the hole before fastening the screw.
- Fasten the nut through the bolt or simply fasten the screw into the hole.
- Safety Precautions
- Avoid direct contact with the skin as much as possible and wear gloves as feasible.
- Avoid getting the threadlocker to the eyes or sensitive parts on the body at any cost. In case of contact, wash the area with soap and cold water immediately.
- Never apply excess threadlocker on the surface because it can drip down and get into places where it is not meant to be.
- Removal Techniques
Use any hand tools to unscrew the screws, bolts, or nuts that were secured using threadlockers previously. However, this method is applicable for low to medium strength threadlockers only.
Special Case of High Strength Threadlockers
When it comes to high strength threadlockers, they are generally meant for permanent fixtures but still, there can be a situation where the high strength threadlocker needs to be removed and in such a situation, the threadlocker needs to be heated so that it can soften and then use mechanical tools to unscrew the nuts and bolts.
If the threadlocker is still intact, consider applying more heat until it becomes possible to unscrew the nuts. But remember that high heat should not damage the machinery itself.
FAQs
How long does a threadlocker take to cure?
Every type of threadlocker takes no more than 24 hours for a full cure. They start curing within 20 to 40 minutes of application.
Can I use threadlocker on plastic?
You can use a low strength threadlocker on plastic in a small quantity.
What is the best threadlocker for high-heat applications?
For high heat applications, always use a high strength threadlocker that can withstand extreme temperatures.
What are the typical issues and solutions with threadlockers?
- Not preparing the surface properly: Make sure that the surface is clean, dry, and a little rough on the top to allow a firm grip with the threadlocker.
- Applying on incompatible materials: Using medium or high strength adhesives on plastic or soft metals will damage the material. Always double-check the material compatibility with the adhesive and for that, you should read the right threadlocker buying guide.
- Wrong way of removing: Industries that use high strength threadlockers might come across a point when they want to remove it and for that, they will need to apply heat to melt it down before removing.
Conclusion
Threadlockers are very helpful across industries and even for domestic applications but the main problem is choosing the right threadlocker and a threadlocker supplier. For that, you should be aware of the latest suppliers in the market such as Jiuju Tech that is a threadlocker supplier based in China.
The reason why you should prefer threadlocker products from Jiuju Tech is because of their expertise in the market, field, and incredible performance. Not only are they affordable, but they are also reliable, making the company and its
