The prospect of a threaded fastener becoming loose on a vehicle is concerning as it might cause damage and, potentially, prove dangerous. To overcome the limitations of conventional solutions for threaded fasteners, such as mechanical, friction and locking devices, more and more car repairers and restorers are turning to threadlocking adhesives. Indeed, this fact is confirmed by Henkel, owner of the LOCTITE® range, which has conducted a new survey in conjunction with a nationwide provider of both car parts and servicing/repairs.
Unfortunately, solutions such as tab washers, nylon ring locking nuts and saw-tooth flanged bolts all have their limitations, which include differential thermal expansion and corrosion. For this reason, increasing numbers of those performing vehicle repairs and restorations are turning to threadlocking adhesives, as confirmed by the new survey.
Scores of customers were asked about their experiences of using general-purpose threadlocking adhesive. Although the applications were wide ranging, the results were the same: highly successful. Even for applications where safety was paramount, threadlocking adhesive provided the answer, as one respondent reported: “So simple and no mess - I needed this to lock the seatbelt bolts in place on a car I’m rebuilding.”
Excellent durability and controlled bolt tension are attributes of the latest threadlocking adhesives. Moreover, threadlockers are purpose-designed to fill voids and deliver vibration resistance. And word is clearly spreading: “Bought as I was changing a cam belt and had to secure some bolts.” Another respondent stated: “I bought this to lock small screws on a water pump cover that used to rattle out.”
Motorcycles are also benefiting. One answer said: “Used on an accessory for a motorcycle to combat bolt slacking due to vibration. All good after many miles.”
In fact, the range of vehicle applications for threadlocking adhesives is clearly extensive, as another user outlined: “I used it for peace of mind in preventing caravan wheel bolts from loosening.”
Threadlockers are ideal for use on a wide variety of metal surfaces, including passive substrates such as stainless steel.
