Tightening pivots - Loctite or Teflon tape

[Otto Carpenter]

I've seen both used by guys who regularly take down knives. One likes blue Loctite and one prefers Teflon thread tape for fixing a pivot screw in place at the desired tightness. Any preferences?

 

[JB in SC]

Loctite 242 (blue) or Vibra-tite VC-3 depending on the knife. Properly applied on clean threads, neither will loosen on its own.

 

[Otto Carpenter]

Loctite 242 (blue) or Vibra-tite VC-3 depending on the knife. Properly applied on clean threads, neither will loosen on its own.

Thank you for the input, Jerry.

 

[JB in SC]

Thank you for the input, Jerry.

Sure thing, the Vibra-tite VC-3 is not as solid a bond as Locktite 242. Almost like a rubber cement, you can adjust it a tiny bit if needed without breaking the bond. Cleaning the threads thoroughly is imperative for any bonding agent, let it cure 24 hours after setting the tension.

 

[Otto Carpenter]

...let it cure 24 hours after setting the tension.

Curing as we speak. Picked up Loctite 242 at HD on the way home from work. Thanks!

 

[aquaman67]

Some here a also recommend purple (low strenght) 222 Loctite on pivots. It will hold but still let you take the knife apart with less risk of stripping something.

 

[cbwx34]

I've seen both used by guys who regularly take down knives. One likes blue Loctite and one prefers Teflon thread tape for fixing a pivot screw in place at the desired tightness. Any preferences?

I've never had much luck with thread tape holding a pivot that wanted to loosen, so Loctite for me.