Threadlock essential?

Is threadlock considered essential for putting some bolts in?

After having to hacksaw the bolt off between the torque arm/brake calliper I like the idea of using copperslip to stop the fixings jamming to an immovable state. If I did this am I risking the possibility of everything rattling loose & the bike dismantling itself?

[johnnyrod]

For stuff you'll hardly ever undo then threadlock is good. It shouldn't stick things like glue. Sounds more like that one was corroded (ally and steel in contact = bad).

[yorkie_chris]

Threadlocked bolts are usually easier to remove than ones held in by neglect and decay

Copperslip is fine in a lot of places but I wouldn't put it on torque arm bolts, I'd use threadlock there.

Thanks chaps, so would threadlock actually assist in preventing bolts seizing solid?

[embee]

Usually yes.

Fasteners seizing in holes is usually either due to corrosion or pick-up (metal to metal micro-welding which then tears the surfaces and will lock them in solid). Stainless steel fasteners are very prone to pick-up so you should always use some sort of lube/paste/threadlock on them.

Most threadlocking compounds are essentially liquid plastic material which sets once air is excluded. You end up with a thin layer of plastic between the threads which while it is stiff to undo, it does protect from corrosion and prevents the pick-up.

Manufacturers tend to use pre-coated fasteners for production reasons (clean/consistent etc), which can be either a patch/ring of nylon type material which is just a friction modifier in effect, or can be micro-encapsulated threadlock which is released when the fastener is fitted.

It's worth using the right grade for the application, most fasteners need only a very low strength version ("nutlock" or similar names often used, or refer to the Loctite/Henkel website), basically to stop them falling out if they come loose. High strength versions ("bearing fit" etc) can be OTT for fasteners and make life difficult getting stuff apart without risking damage. Heat will usually break them down, but you need 200C or so and you don't want to overheat other components so be cautious.

[mikerj]

Yes because it stops moisture creeping down between the threads.

Good stuff, cheers. Give me 10 years & i'll be done asking questions

[johnnyrod]

Tenner says otherwise. Should be about enough for a packet of sweets by then.

But will you remember this thread in 2022? If you do i'll happily buy you a bag of sweets.



(I may make use of the edit function towards the end of 2021 sweets may be a rare commodity by then)

Originally Posted by embee

Usually yes.
but you need 200C or so and you don't want to overheat other components so be cautious.

you can use a heatgun, like the type for removing paint off window frames etc, do this at work if we need to remove something thats had nutlock applied to the fastner.