Areas of application for threadlockers
Threadlockers are frequently used in the maintenance and repair of machines and in production. If machines are subjected to vibrations or changing loads, the screw connections may fail. The screw loosens or even comes loose completely. This does not happen with the right threadlocker. WEICONLOCK has become an essential part of many industries, such as automotive, mechanical engineering and gear manufacturing.
What are threadlockers and how do they work?
WEICONLOCK are anaerobic curing 1-component adhesives and sealants especially for metal joints. “Anaerobic” means that these adhesives require the exclusion of oxygen. The adhesive hardens as soon as it comes into contact with metal and is deprived of oxygen.
A distinction is made between active and passive metals and alloys. The surface properties of some metals reduce the curing speed. These passive metals, such as chromium, nickel or zinc, provide a lower number of free metal ions for the curing process and therefore make the bonding process more difficult. WEICONLOCK Activator F can be used as a support for all passive surfaces. It accelerates the curing process.
The four WEICONLOCK product categories
WEICONLOCK can be divided into the following application areas: threadlocking, sealing of threaded pipes and fittings, retaining cylindrical assemblies and flange sealing/gasketing. The four WEICONLOCK categories are divided into different types, which are distinguished by their numbers in the product names. Other differences include viscosity (liquid to paste-like), colour, strength (low to high) and removability, i.e. whether they are easy or difficult to disassemble. Our type selection chart is a great help in choosing the right adhesive. The four categories can always be identified by the product label.
(141,26 $* / 100 ml)
(41,82 $* / 100 ml)
(96,46 $* / 100 ml)
(128,86 $* / 100 ml)
(128,86 $* / 100 ml)
(128,86 $* / 100 ml)
(128,86 $* / 100 ml)
(107,48 $* / 100 ml)
(73,88 $* / 100 ml)
(141,26 $* / 100 ml)
(96,46 $* / 100 ml)
(73,88 $* / 100 ml)
(73,88 $* / 100 ml)
(73,88 $* / 100 ml)
How do I find the right product?
To make sure that you find the right product, other questions are also important: when do I use a liquid threadlocker and when a pasty one? Which colour is the right one for me? What strength do I need? And is easy disassembly important? How do I find the right product for my application?
Our type selection chart is a great help in finding the right adhesive. The four categories can easily be identified by looking at the product label:
- Yellow: locking of threads and stud bolts
- Red: sealing of threaded pipes and fittings
- Blue: bonding ball bearings or gear rims (i.e. for extremely high loads)
- Green: for flanges, sealing of cases or large threads (these are types that are somewhat more flexible after curing; they absorb energy and shocks)
The first three to five columns of our chart are interesting for a general selection. For the specialists, the chart also lists details such as temperature and time, which greatly depend on the materials used.
Three important steps to finding the right threadlocker
1. Application
First of all, there is always the question of the application area – as described above. Then the thread size or gap has to be checked. The larger the gap, the thicker – more viscous – the product must be.
2. Strength
First of all, there is always the question of the application area – as described above. Then the thread size or gap has to be checked. The larger the gap, the thicker – more viscous – the product must be.
3. Colour
In many manufacturing processes, the colours of the product are important in order to avoid confusion, for example in series production. Additionally, the colours are important for visual quality inspections after production. UV light can be used to check whether a threadlocker has actually been used.
Do you need help selecting the right solution?
If you have any questions about applications, areas of use or the right product, please feel free to contact us. We will help you find the right WEICON solution for your problem.
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(0,24 $* / 1 m)
Frequently asked questions about threadlockers
When should I use a threadlocker?
A threadlocker is useful whenever screws may loosen due to movement, vibration or changing loads. Typical applications include engines, gearboxes, pumps or safety-critical connections.
How do I choose the right threadlocker?
The selection depends on three key factors:
- Strength (low, medium, high)
- Thread size / gap size
- Application (removable or permanent)
For maintenance work, a medium-strength removable threadlocker is recommended. For permanent joints, a high-strength product is the best choice.
Which threadlocker is removable and which is permanent?
The classification is based on strength:
- Low strength: easy to remove, ideal for small screws
- Medium strength: removable with tools, standard for maintenance
- High strength: permanent, removable only with heat or special tools
What role does thread size play in the selection?
As a rule, the larger the thread, the higher the required viscosity and strength of the threadlocker. Small threads require low-viscosity products, while larger threads generally require more viscous ones.
How do I apply threadlocker correctly?
The threadlocker is applied directly to the thread. Important points are:
- Clean the surface (free from oil and grease)
- Apply an even amount
- Assemble the screw immediately
How long does curing take?
Initial curing usually takes only a few minutes, while full curing takes place within 24 hours depending on the product. Factors such as material, temperature and gap size influence the curing process.
Why is my threadlocker not curing?
Possible causes include:
- Passive metals (e.g. stainless steel)
- Gaps that are too large
- Contaminated surfaces
- Temperature too low
In such cases, an activator may be required.
Which threadlocker is suitable for high temperatures?
For applications involving high temperatures, specially designed threadlockers should be used that remain stable even under thermal stress.
