Ok I searched, but I need some tips on Loctite...

nelsonmc

nelsonmc

Joined
Jan 14, 2005
Messages
1,225
Afternoon,

I bought some threadlocker (blue) for my pocket clips a long time ago. It doesn't seem to be working all that well as I've once again lost a clip this morning. So gents, I need some tips on using threadlocker, any alternatives to threadlocker, and any stories related to the use of threadlocker. I follow the directions, shake well, 1 drop (usually I dip the screw in a dot of it because pocket clip screws are tiny), tighten the screw, let set for at least 15 minutes (usually at least overnight though), etc...

Thanks a lot
 
You seem to be doing it right. I assume you are degreasing the screws also, that is important. The next thing would be to go one step up to red locktite but you have to be more careful as this is semi-permanent. :eek:

Good luck
 
Flying Turtle said:
You seem to be doing it right. I assume you are degreasing the screws also, that is important. The next thing would be to go one step up to red locktite but you have to be more careful as this is semi-permanent. :eek:

Good luck
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You might have just figured it out. I did use Militec1 on all my knives before and after I ever used the threadlocker. I think I will take them down and get all the oil off then try again. Oh man, I feel dumb. :D

Going to try that now lol.
 
Degreasing will definitely improve the bond strength.

I have switched to the paste version of LocTite and it's fantastic. It's almost 3x's the price of a liquid bottle but worth every penny, and it lasts a lot longer. The nice part about the paste is that it stays in place until it sets up.

On folders carpillary action tends to draw the liquid off of the screw. If you've ever taken a folder apart and found a ring of locktite between the scale and liner that's what happened. It also tends to get sucked into pivots which will gum up the action.
 
Well degreasing didn't work. I think I'm going to look into either the Red or Green threadlocker or the Paste. I only use it on the pocket clips and frame screws. I mess with the pivots too much to bother with threadlocker, not that the threadlocker seems to be making any difference. I just want to quit contacting knife company A through Z for new screws and clips heh :D
 
I'd stay away from the high temp stuff, it's really tough.

Try the paste, you'll be pleased.

For degreasing I use a Q tip and rubbing alchohol. Pull the Q tip to a point, dip in the alchohol and then spin it in the hole for a little bit. Then rub the screw down. Work like a champ for me.

If you have an AutoZone near you they sell the paste, it's around $20 a tube. I've had mine over a year and have hardly dented it.
 
Yeah I use Rubbing Alcohol all the time, cleans everything it seems. Use it a lot for electronic parts and whatnot. Anyways, I'll check the local autozone tomorrow most likely. $20 is well worth it if I don't lose anymore clips. Luckily the knives drop into my pocket. Can't really torque down these Torx screws, they seem to strip out awful easy, so threadlocker is my only hope. I did try superglue but it didn't work and just left white crusty crap all over.
 
Rubbing alcahol is actually not a good solvent for some high tech lubes. You might want to try some Goof Off or Carb Sol which are both good degreasing solvents.
 
nelsonmc said:
Well degreasing didn't work. I think I'm going to look into either the Red or Green threadlocker or the Paste. I only use it on the pocket clips and frame screws. I mess with the pivots too much to bother with threadlocker, not that the threadlocker seems to be making any difference. I just want to quit contacting knife company A through Z for new screws and clips heh :D
Click to expand...

I you've already had problems with these particular screws/holes - it'll be more of a problem as you've already "wallered" out the holes a bit. Loctite isn't designed close up wide tolerances. Epoxy like JB Weld would do a great, if permanent job on that.
 
I'm wondering if you are getting an air tight environment. Loctite needs a dearth of air in order to harden. If you are, then cleanliness is the next likely culprit.
 
FWIW, Break-Free Powder Blast is a great degreaser (but watch out around poly-type plastics because they will likely melt immediately).
 
I agree about the cleanliness and the absence of air to activate the anhydrous compound, but how are the internal threads of the material that you are screwing into. If your clip is coming loose that quickly, I would think that the threads are, possibly, damaged. What type of material is it and have the threads been damaged, already. Red or blue Loctite will not repair the threads. However, Loctite does make a thread repairing compound. It pretty much glues the screw in, then allows for removal, leaving the repaired threads. I've never tried it and wonder if it would work, under that much stress. If not, drilling to a larger screw size and tapping would be necessary.

Be sure that the compound is getting into the threads. I've seen a blind hole build pressure, as the screw is inserted, pushing the compound out. Not likely, in this case, but possible.
 
though white teflon tape is really for sealing it also works fine for locking small machine screws like on a knife pivot screw FWIW...........

i would never put JB weld on a knife pivot screw myself, loctite or teflon tape will work if applied correctly, if ya put something like JB weld on it and ya ever have to remove that screw ya are in for a lot of needless problems imho.

if the screw and hole are clean the blue loctite will work, clean the hole out with rubbing alcohol on a q-tip, clean the screw well, and tighten. it will work
 
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