Choosing the Right Threadlocker:
What to Consider
Selecting the right threadlocker ensures the reliability and safety of your assemblies. Consider these key factors when
making your choice:
Removability
Bolt removability is dependent on strength of hold needed & if you need easy access to remove the bolt in the future. High Strength requires the use of Heat to help remove the bolt.
Bolt Size
Size of the bolt impacts how much strength is needed to hold due to the contact area of the bolt & the threadlocker. A large bolt requires higher strength due to the large contact area.
Temperature
Temperature range the bolt may see impacts the melting point of thread-lockers. Threadlockers cure as a thremoset plastic and certain applications require higher temperature resistance than standard threadlockers resist.
Sealing
Some high vibration applications could benefit from both threadlocker and thread sealant. Though the mixing of the two is not recommended, Permatex has Seal & Lock that has both thread sealant and threadlocker characteristics.
Explore Our Threadlockers
Use our interactive chart to compare threadlockers and find the perfect fit for your needs. Click the product to view all available sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about Threadlockers.
The Threadlocker color should be chosen based on three key factors; Are you going to remove the bolt in the future? What is the diameter of the bolt? Will this bolt experience temperatures over 500 F? Medium Strength Blue Threadlocker is easiest to remove with hand tools. High Strength Removable Orange Threadlocker is 3x stronger than blue but can still be removed with hand tools. High Strength Red is for bolts you will not need to remove in the future as this can only be removed with localized heat.
Permatex High Strength Removable Orange Threadlocker is a hybrid formula that combines the strength of Red threadlocker with the removability of Blue Threadlocker. Orange Threadlocker is ideal for modern day engine bays with a great deal of lightweight components and high vibration applications. Unlike traditional Red Threadlocker, Orange Threadlocker can be removed with hand tools when extra force is applied.
Threadlocker has a fixture time of approximately 20 minutes without a Primer/Activator (Surface Prep 24163), approximately 5 minutes with a Primer/Activator (Surface Prep 24163). Full time to cure is 24 hours
For hand-tool removable threadlockers you should be able to just loosen the fasteners, If you are having issues loosening you may need to use heat on the connection. Heat the connection to approximately 450°F (232°C). If using High strength heat to remove, heat the connection to approximately 500°F (260°C) to break the bond.
We can use threadlocker on Active or Inactive metals. Inactive metals will need the use of a Primer/Activator (Surface Prep 24163). Threadlocker can be used on nuts, bolts, studs, housings, screws.
