What Is Threadlocker? A Complete Guide to Types, Uses & Application

Threadlocker is a specialized adhesive used to secure metal fasteners, such as bolts and screws, and prevent them from loosening due to vibration, shock, or corrosion. Commonly used in automotive, industrial, and machinery applications, threadlocker helps maintain assembly integrity by locking threaded fasteners in place. Threadlocker is an anaerobic adhesive, meaning it cures in the absence of oxygen—specifically, within the threads of tightly assembled metal parts. How Does Threadlocker Work? 1. Application Apply the liquid threadlocker to the threads of the fastener before assembly. 2. Assembly As the bolt or screw is tightened, air is displaced from the threads, creating the oxygen-free conditions needed for curing. 3. Curing The adhesive cures into a rigid thermoset plastic, locking the fastener and sealing micro gaps within the threads. 4. Sealing and Protection Once cured, threadlocker provides a protective seal that helps prevent rust, corrosion, and leakage. Threadlocker Strengths and Colors Most manufacturers (like Loctite) use a color-coded system to indicate the strength and removability of their threadlockers: 🔵 Blue Threadlocker (Medium Strength) Best for: General-purpose fasteners up to 20mm that may require periodic maintenance Common uses: Engine bolts, machine screws, pump housings Removability: Can be removed with standard hand tools đź”´ Red Threadlocker (High Strength) Best for: Permanent installations and heavy-duty fasteners up to 25mm Common uses: Automotive suspension bolts, heavy machinery Removability: Requires localized heat (~450°F / 232°C) for removal 🟢 Green Threadlocker (Wicking Grade) Best for: Pre-assembled fasteners or hard-to-reach areas Common uses: Electrical connectors, set screws Removability: Medium-to-high strength; may need heat on large fasteners 🟣 Purple Threadlocker (Low Strength) Best for: Small screws under 6mm or fasteners that require frequent removal Common uses: Eyeglasses, electronics, laptop screws Removability: Easily removed with hand tools How to Apply Threadlocker Correctly 1. Clean the Threads Use a parts cleaner or solvent to remove grease, oil, dirt, or old adhesive from both internal and external threads. Allow them to dry completely. 2. Apply the Threadlocker Through holes: Apply a few drops to the bolt where the nut will sit. Blind holes: Apply drops to the bottom of the internal threads. 3. Assemble and Tighten Quickly assemble and torque the fasteners to specification. The adhesive will spread throughout the threads. 4. Cure Time Allow 24 hours at room temperature for a full-strength bond. Use a threadlocker activator to speed up cure time if needed. When to Use Threadlocker Preventing vibration loosening in automotive and aerospace applications Sealing threaded connections in hydraulic and pneumatic systems Corrosion protection in outdoor or marine environments Reducing maintenance by eliminating the need to retighten bolts Choosing the right type of threadlocker ensures fasteners stay secure under tough conditions. Whether you're working on automotive repairs, industrial machines, or small electronics, using threadlocker properly prevents loosening, improves safety, and extends the life of your equipment. Product Re-Lok™ Highlights Color Viscosity (cP) Strength Temp. Range Curing Time Re-Lok™ B22 A low-strength, thixotropic adhesive for locking and sealing small fasteners (M6 and smaller). Ideal for applications requiring frequent disassembly, it works on…

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Incure Anaerobic Flange Sealant

Anaerobic flange sealant is a high-performance, form-in-place liquid gasket designed to seal rigid metal flanges with precision and durability. Unlike traditional pre-cut gaskets made from rubber, paper, or cork, this advanced anaerobic adhesive cures in the absence of oxygen and in the presence of active metal surfaces, creating a long-lasting, leak-proof seal. Ideal for applications in automotive, industrial, and heavy machinery, anaerobic sealants eliminate micro-gaps, resist fluid leakage, and provide a cleaner, more reliable alternative to conventional gasket materials. How Anaerobic Flange Sealants Work Application Process: Apply Sealant: A continuous bead is applied directly to one flange surface. Assemble Flanges: The parts are torqued together, spreading the sealant into all surface imperfections. Curing Reaction: With oxygen excluded and metal ions present (from materials like steel, aluminum, or copper), the sealant undergoes a chemical reaction and cures into a durable, flexible polymer. No-Cure Excess: Any excess sealant exposed to air remains uncured and can be easily wiped away, reducing mess and waste. Key Features & Benefits of Anaerobic Flange Sealant 100% Surface Contact: Fills all microscopic surface irregularities, creating a perfect seal between metal flanges. No Shrinking or Cracking: The 100% solid formula won’t shrink, crack, or compress over time, ensuring long-term performance. High Resistance: Withstands vibration, thermal cycling, pressure, and exposure to oils, coolants, fuels, and industrial chemicals. Clean and Efficient: Reduces the need for gasket inventory by replacing multiple pre-cut gasket shapes with a single, form-in-place solution. Easy Disassembly: While offering strong adhesion, flanged parts can still be disassembled when necessary—heat may be used for tougher bonds. Common Applications of Anaerobic Flange Sealants Anaerobic sealants are widely used in automotive repair, heavy-duty equipment, and industrial assembly to ensure leak-proof sealing of precision-machined components: Automotive Engine Components: Water pumps, oil pans, thermostat housings, valve covers, timing covers, and engine cases Transmission Systems: Transmission pans, casings, and gear covers Industrial Equipment: Compressors, pumps, gearboxes, and hydraulic components Heavy Machinery (Mining & Construction): Load-bearing equipment subject to vibration and stress Why Choose Anaerobic Flange Sealant Over Traditional Gaskets? Eliminates inventory of various gasket sizes Offers a custom-fit seal every time Reduces risk of fluid leakage Enhances assembly reliability in high-performance environments Boost equipment reliability and reduce maintenance with anaerobic flange sealants—a smarter, cleaner alternative to traditional gaskets. For product recommendations or technical support, contact our team or explore Incure full range of industrial-grade flange sealants. Product HeatGrip™ Highlights Color Strength Temp. Range HeatGrip™ 503 HeatGrip™ 503 Rigid adhesive layer after curing. Fills gaps up to 0.25 mm in rigid flanges. High temperature resistance up to 200°C. Excellent solvent resistance. Suitable for sealing high-temperature rigid flanges. - - up to 200°C HeatGrip™ 504 HeatGrip™ 504 Flexible adhesive layer after curing. Fills gaps up to 0.25 mm on rigid machined flanges. Purple color for easy identification. Compressive strength of 5.2 N/mm². Purple 5.2 N/mm² - HeatGrip™ 508 HeatGrip™ 508 Excellent flexibility and solvent resistance. Fills gaps up to 0.25 mm. Easy to disassemble and clean after use. High compressive strength (7.8 N/mm²). - 7.8 N/mm² -

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Retaining Compounds

What Is a Retaining Compound?A retaining compound is a specialized anaerobic adhesive used to bond non-threaded cylindrical metal parts into a strong, high-precision assembly. These adhesives cure in the absence of air and in the presence of metal, filling microscopic gaps between close-fitting surfaces to create a solid, vibration-resistant joint.Unlike traditional press-fit methods, retaining compounds increase surface contact and overall strength by forming a 100% metal-to-metal bond, improving performance in demanding applications.How Do Retaining Compounds Work?Retaining compounds work differently than conventional adhesives like super glue, which cure when exposed to moisture. These anaerobic adhesives cure only when confined between two tightly fitting metal surfaces, such as shafts and bearings.In typical metal assemblies, even precision fits only achieve around 30% surface contact, leaving microscopic gaps. Under high stress or vibration, these gaps allow for micro-movement, leading to:Fretting corrosion: Caused by metal-on-metal wear within the joint.Loosening of parts: Over time, gaps grow and reduce fit integrity.Reduced mechanical strength: Limits the performance of interference or press fits.By filling these voids, retaining compounds eliminate micro-movement, distribute stress uniformly, and can increase joint strength by up to 3–4 times compared to traditional interference fits.Common Applications of Retaining CompoundsRetaining compounds are widely used in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery to enhance or restore mechanical fits. They’re ideal for:Bearings in housings or on shafts: Prevents spinning and wear during operation.Gears, pulleys, and sprockets: Locks components in place under high torque.Cylinder liners in engine blocks: Provides sealing and stability, especially in engine repairs.Repairing worn metal parts: Fills gaps in damaged shafts or housings, avoiding costly part replacements or machining.Key Benefits of Using Retaining CompoundsUsing retaining compounds offers several performance and cost advantages:Increased load capacity: Bonds components into a unified assembly for better load distribution.Prevents fretting and wear: Eliminates microscopic motion that leads to corrosion.Simplifies assembly: Allows for looser machining tolerances, reducing production costs.Improved durability: Creates a rigid, long-lasting joint resistant to shock and vibration.How to Choose the Right Retaining CompoundDifferent applications require different types of retaining compounds, each optimized for specific conditions:High-strength retaining compound: Ideal for permanent assemblies in heavy equipment or industrial applications.Medium-strength: Suitable for assemblies that may require future disassembly with tools.High-temperature resistant: Designed for automotive engines and other high-heat environments.High-viscosity: Best for worn parts or larger gaps needing gap-filling capabilities.Low-viscosity: Perfect for tight-fitting, precision components with minimal clearance.Optimize your assembly performance with the right retaining compound—whether you're enhancing a new design or restoring a worn component. For expert advice or product selection, contact us today or explore Incure full line of WeldLock™ retaining adhesives.  ProductWeldLock™ HighlightsColorViscosity (mPa·s)StrengthTemp. RangeCuring TimeWeldLock™ 356Retaining Compound (Metallic Grey)High-strength repair compound for worn press fit parts. Ideal for press fit repairs, filling large gaps, and restoring tight fits in shafts, housings, keyways, bearings, and sleeves.Metallic Grey2500High-50°C to 150°C10 mins (initial), 24 hrs (full)WeldLock™ 338Retaining Compound (Yellow)Medium strength, easy disassembly for cylindrical assemblies. Designed for press or slip fit applications where future disassembly is required. Ideal for maintenance-friendly bonding of cylindrical metal parts.Yellow600Medium-50°C to 150°C10-30 mins (initial), 24 hrs (full)WeldLock™ 365Retaining…

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Incure Thread Sealants

Need a reliable, long-lasting thread sealant? Blaze offers consultation and a wide selection of thread sealants to help you find the right solution for your project. Contact us today! What Is Thread Sealant? Thread sealant, also known as pipe dope or pipe joint compound, is a material used to seal the gaps between threaded pipe fittings. It prevents leaks of fluids or gases and provides a durable, long-lasting seal. Thread sealants come in various forms, including liquids, pastes, and tapes. They are essential for plumbing, industrial piping, and many other applications where a leak-tight connection is critical. Product ProGrip™ Highlights Color Viscosity Strength Temp. Range Curing Speed ProGrip™ 204 High-temp, high-viscosity sealant for M80 or smaller threads. Withstands up to 200°C, excellent solvent resistance, safe on stainless steel. Disassemblable with hand tools. White 35,000 MPa·s - -50°C to 200°C 20 min (initial) / 24 hrs (full) ProGrip™ 201 Low-strength sealant for hydraulic/pneumatic systems. No fillers; safe for valves/filters. Max pressure: 69 MPa, max thread: M36. Purple 14,000 MPa·s Low -50°C to 150°C 40 min (initial) / 24 hrs (full) ProGrip™ 202 Refrigerant thread sealant with excellent chemical resistance. Safe for harsh/chemical systems. Max pressure: 69 MPa, max thread: M80. Red 2,500 MPa·s - -50°C to 150°C 40 min (initial) / 24 hrs (full) ProGrip™ 206 Medium-strength sealant for high-temp/high-pressure applications. Low viscosity (400 MPa·s) ensures easy application. Max thread: M36. Yellow 400 MPa·s Medium -50°C to 150°C 20 min (initial) / 24 hrs (full)   Key Advantages of Thread Sealant Long-Lasting Seal: Provides a durable, leak-tight seal for gases and fluids. High Pressure Resistance: Designed to withstand high-pressure environments, ensuring reliability. Corrosion and Vibration Resistance: Protects threads from corrosion and maintains the seal under vibration. Easy to Apply: Simple application with various forms like paste, liquid, or tape. Versatility: Works on various pipe materials, including metal and plastic. Common Applications for Thread Sealant Plumbing: Sealing pipes and fittings in residential and commercial plumbing systems. HVAC: Ensuring leak-free connections in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Industrial Piping: Sealing joints in manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and other industrial settings. Automotive: Used on fluid lines and fittings to prevent leaks. Choosing the Right Thread Sealant Selecting the right sealant is crucial for a successful application. Consider these factors: Type of Media: Is it for water, gas, oil, or another fluid? The sealant must be compatible with the media being sealed. Temperature and Pressure: Choose a sealant rated for the specific temperature and pressure of your application. Material Compatibility: Ensure the sealant is compatible with the pipe material (e.g., steel, PVC, copper). Cure Time: Some liquid sealants require a specific cure time before the system can be pressurized. Limitations of Thread Sealant Not for All Threads: Some sealants are not suitable for all types of threads or very fine threads. Proper Application is Key: The effectiveness of the seal depends on the correct application and cure time. Specific Formulations: General-purpose sealants may not be suitable for extreme conditions or highly corrosive media.…

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