A Complete Guide to Thread Locking Compound
Even a small leak or loose fitting in equipment can lead to dangerous outcomes in industrial applications, making the use of a reliable thread locking compound mandatory. Bakerlok is a trusted choice among the top-rated thread locking compounds, as it prevents nuts, screws, and bolts from loosening even under strong vibrations and harsh conditions.
It helps with safe operations and also consistent machine operations. This chemical adhesive is used in industries, including automotive, construction, and general manufacturing, to prevent loosening of threads and protect them from rust and corrosion. Continue reading this complete guide to this strong thread locking compound to learn more about its benefits, applications, types, and more.
Table of Contents
What is a Thread Lock?
A thread lock is a special type of anaerobic adhesive used to secure, protect, and seal a variety of threaded fasteners, like screws, bolts, and nuts. These are used in a vast range of applications, ranging from delicate components to heavy-duty industrial assemblies. Thread locker avoid unfastening due to vibration and other forces by filling the gaps between the threads.
Key Properties of Thread Lock
Threadlockers are adhesive specially created to prevent loosening of threaded connectors, like screws and bolts. Here are some of the main properties of this reliable adhesive:
1. Vibration Assistance
These prevent threaded fixing from loosening due to vibrations, impact, and other forces.
2. Sealing
By sealing the threads, the thread lock eliminates the issues, like leaking of liquids and gases, corrosion, and rust.
3. Anaerobic Curing
These harden in absence of air and create a strong bond by filling the gaps between the threads.
4. Chemical Compatibility
Threadlocker is compatible with a wide range of chemicals, including alkalis, acids, and solvents.
5. Temperature Resistance
Some thread locks can withstand high temperature by maintaining strong bonds under high thermal pressure.
6. Corrosion Resistance
By protecting the machinery from corrosion and rust, it extends its lifespan and improves overall performance.
7. Lubrication
Some threadlockers are also used as thread lubricants and help in easily tight or adjust bolted parts
3 Main Forms of Thread Locker
Thread lockers are available in three forms and among them liquid thread lockers are the most common. Each of them offer varying levels of strength and removability. It is also important to note that all the thread lockers can be removed with tools or heat treatment, and none of them are permanent.
1. Liquid Threadlockers
These are usually come in bottles with nozzles, making it easy to apply. These are available with varying strengths and are used for everyday use or simple assemblies, especially those with fine threads and blind holes.
2. Paste Threadlockers
These are thicker and more resistant to dripping, making them a best choice for applications where precise placement is mandatory. They also come in different strength levels and due to their quick drying nature are used with various materials.
3. Wax Threadlockers
These generally come in stick form and are used for threaded joints that are already assembled. In appearance, they look similar to a standard glue stick, and prevent the issue of accidental spill.
Strength Variations of Thread Lock
Different threadlockers come with various levels of bond strength, and depending on the strength, they can be removed either simply by hand tool or specialized tools or heat treatment. Here are the three main types of thread lock based on strength:
1. Low Strength Threadlockers
These are easily removable with hand tools and are used mostly for small screws.
2. Medium Strength Threadlockers
These are used for larger components, often applications needing periodic disassembly. In simple words, these provide a right combination of flexibility and grip.
3. High Strength Threadlockers
This type of threadlockers offers the strongest bond and is used for applications with least disassembly requirement, as these can only be removed with heat treatment and special tools.
Thread Lock Colors Explained
Generally, thread locks are classified based on their colors, which indicate their strength and removability. Not all manufacturers of threadlockers follow this color classification; however, many leading brands like Locite and Permabond offer products based on this color code. Here is more information about the thread lock colors:
1. Purple Thread Lock
These are the weakest with low strength and medium viscosity, and can be easily removed using hand tools at room temperature. They are popular for applications where occasional disassembly is required.
2. Blue Thread Lock
Their bonding strength is slightly higher than purple threadlockers, but they don’t provide permanent fastening, as can be easily removed by hand.
3. Red Thread Lock
These threadlockers offer bonds with high strength, and can be only loosen with heat treatment.
4. Green Thread Lock
These threadlockers have low viscosity but they offer highest strength, and are used as a durable and long-lasting fastening solution.
Main Benefits of Thread Locking Compound
Thread-locking adhesives are important for applications where threaded connectors are subjected to vibrations, loads, and other forces. Here are some main benefits of the threadlockers:
1. Enhanced Reliability
Thread-locking adhesives fill the microscopic gaps between threads, preventing them from loosening due to vibrations that are a common issue in machinery and vehicles. Moreover, they create a barrier to protect threads from damages caused by liquids and chemical exposure. By all these, these lockers improve the overall reliability, extend lifespan of the assembly, and reduce the risk of component failure.
2. Cost Savings
Initial investment on thread lockers might appear as an added expense, but they prevent costly downtime and repairs, helping businesses to secure better cost savings. Moreover, they are available in different strengths and viscosities, making them suitable options for various applications and thread sizes.
3. Ease of Application
Liquid thread locking compounds are easiest to apply and can be used on threads of various sizes. Moreover, these offer better grip force maintenance and shock resistance than mechanical locking devices, especially threadlockers with highest strength.
Common Applications of Thread Locking Compound
Commonly, thread lockers, like branded Bakerlok Thread Locking Compound, are used to prevent unwanted loosening of threaded connectors due to vibrations. Apart from preventing loosening, they also protect them from corrosion and seal them to avoid leaks. Here are some common applications:
- Used to secure engine components and transmission parts most subjected to vibrations in the automotive industry.
- Applied on threaded components to maintain safe drilling and pipeline operations in the oil and gas industry. Moreover, they help in achieving leak-proof connections in water and gas pipelines.
- Securing bolts and nuts in heavy machinery, equipment, aerospace components, marine hardware, and furniture.
- Some additional uses of thread locking compound area gasketing, temper proofing, structural bonding, and retaining.
Get Quality Thread Locking Solutions from Next Oil Solutions
Thread locking solutions might appear as small components of the assembly process, but they play an important role. They keep fasteners secure and tight for long-time, especially under high-pressure, vibrations, and other harsh conditions. Whether you’re operating in automotive or construction or other industry, choosing the right thread locking compound from a reliable supplier can be very helpful.
Get quality thread locking solutions, like branded Bakerlok Thread Locking Compound from Next Oil Solutions, the top-rated supplier of thread-adhesives in Kuwait. You can trust us for any type of thread locking solution, whether permanent, easily removable, or high-temperature options, as we offer a wide range of thread lockers.
Also Read – Everything You Need to Know About Gate Valves and Their Uses