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Threadlocker locks and seals fasteners

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Threadlocker is designed to lock and seal threaded fasteners and prevent loosening from vibration.

What is a threadlocker?

Threadlocker Blue 242 is designed for the locking and sealing of threaded metal fasteners which require normal disassembly with standard hand tools. The product cures anaerobically, when there is an absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces. Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 is particularly suited for applications on less active substrates such as stainless steel and plated surfaces.

Threadlocker Red 271 is designed for permanent locking and sealing of threaded metal fasteners. The product cures anaerobically, when there is an absence of air, between close fitting metal surfaces. It protects threads from rust and corrosion and prevents loosening from shock and vibration. Once cured, it is only removable by heating parts to 450°F (232°C).

Threadlockers and their uses

Threadlockers protect from leaks, rusting, and corrosion and eliminates need to stock up on expensive lock nuts and washers.

Threadlockers are recommended for use on metal fasteners in a wide variety of applications including:

  • Automotive – Valve covers, water pumps, alternators, oil pans
  • Maintenance – Light machinery, light conveyors, door hardware, tow motors
  • Home – Lawn Mowers, grills, locksets, bicycles


Threadlocker Blue 242 is a medium-strength formula for use on threads for 6mm to 19mm nuts and bolts.  It sets in 10 minutes and fully cures in 24 hours - and it can be removed with hand tools.

Threadlocker Red 271 is a heavy duty, high-strength formula for use on threads for nuts and bolts up to 1 in (25mm).  It sets in 10 minutes and fully cures in 24 hours, and is a permanent fix.  The permanent seal prevents tapering and is only removeable once cured by heating parts up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius)

How to use threadlockers

Selecting the proper threadlocker (red or blue) is the first step in any DIY thread-locking job.  Once you have done that, follow these steps to seal your fasteners.

Get ready. Gather the parts you are going to apply the adhesive on and your threadlocker.  Wear gloves to protect your hands.

Clean and prepare all external and internal surfaces. Clean and dry metal parts before assembly.

Shake well and apply a bead of threadlocker.

Insert the male thread into the female thread. Assemble parts.

Clean-up. The threadlocker sets in 10 minutes and cures in 24 hours, so work fast to make any adjustments or clean up any messes.

Products used

  • Loctite Threadlocker Blue 6ml Tube
    Loctite Threadlocker Blue

    Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 is designed to lock and seal threaded fasteners and prevent loosening from vibration.

  • Loctite Threadlocker Red 6ml Tube
    Loctite Threadlocker Red

    Securing nuts and bolts from accidental loosening. Heavy duty; removes with heat and hand tools.

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