HF Thread Locker

[Ramper]

I see HF sells 3 kinds of thread locker. Blue, Red and Type 42, What is the difference between Blue and type 42? Type 42 says >1/4, but does that mean blue is for <1/4?

These are made in USA, so I assume they are name brand stuff but in HF bottles

 

[Danglerb]

We need a list of HF things not to buy. Not saying these would belong on it, but maybe. The risk is the same I think I might have with all the old bottles of Loctite branded stuff, maybe it works, maybe not.

 

[barracudadave67]

I don't know what the differences are between them, but I use the HF thread lockers with no problems.
I would give a guess that the color code is the same as locktite. Red is to be used sparingly on certain things, if you want them to come apart normally again.
Dave

 

[Bacon!]

Hmm, I have no problems with the old loctite, back when they were fresh. The shelf life is poor.

 

[lardy1]

Interesting. I wasn't aware that thread locker went bad over time. Thank you for that.

 

[Tinner]

There are 2 blue Loctites 242 and 243, 243 has about twice the strength of 242, 230 in/lb vs 110 in/lb. I use 243 (very sparingly) on screws as small as #2, it releases just fine.

Here's the guide to all Loctite thread lockers, it's not as simple as red or blue.

https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/search.html?9f2798e36db1f3ab7b21e7333ef79339689f7895.filterType=Products&9f2798e36db1f3ab7b21e7333ef79339689f7895.facetedSearch.productcategory=Threadlockers

Those are the industrial products, packaging will vary and some won't even be sold in retail stores.

 

[DFB]

There 3 grade strengths under the HF brand...I do think it all works fine.

And I use them a lot

A certain fastener size under/over doesn't really come into play as much the application strength

Pretty simple...pick your poison, Permanent (red), Semi Permanent (blue), or Medium strength (blue)

Red is the stud grade, Blue for easy hand tool removal.

The 42 is rated up to 1/4"- 1 inch fasteners, deal for high-vibration and heat applications And a medium strength for general duty use

Something under a 1/4" a little drop of blue probably be more than enough, or you be heating and or drilling something out with Red when you went to remove it

Quite honestly I'd never waste my money on paying for top dollar Loctite branded threadlocker again And I have seen so many colors duplicated by Locktite, but for different applications over the years certainly can't just go by that alone. Ya so number is important there.

Do have to love all the comments and responses though

 

[darkzero]

I had no idea HF changed their thread lockers. This is what HF used to sell. Aside from the red & blue formula they also had a purple that was the least strongest for very small screws.

Re anaerobic adhesives & shelf life. Although Loctite products have an expiration date on them I've never experienced failures for expired products. But I'm using them for just personal use. I use mostly green Loctite (forget the number right now) as well as 243 for threads the most. 242 blue is the most common & sold in stores but I prefer 243 as it has a bit of oil resistance & works much better IMO if the threads aren't completely clean.

 

[DFB]

Oh btw all the packages I have all say...made in USA

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Interesting. I wasn't aware that thread locker went bad over time. Thank you for that.

Neither was I. My bottle of Loctite is several years old now. Do I need to toss it and pick up a new bottle?

 

[cheechi]

I went through bottles too fast of HF blue so I got the big bottle from Northern which is also the same stuff, or at least really really similar.

Went back to the HF bottles even though the Northern is better cost/ml the big bottle was more cumbersome.

 

[bonneyman]

I tried the HF two-part epoxy because I was in a jam, and it worked great. Then read the label and found out it was USA manufacture!

Maybe the thread lockers will be the same surprise?

 

[Bacon!]

Neither was I. My bottle of Loctite is several years old now. Do I need to toss it and pick up a new bottle?

The primary problem is separation. It can leak catalyst out, or you may be able to shake it and get it mixed, or you may still get a bunch of catalyst out, wasted unless you squeeze the whole container out and mix it back together.

If it's a few years old, I'd test a sample before getting into the middle of a project where you have to stop and get more to finish it. If the sample sets, what you have is still good.

 

[WittHay]

I see HF sells 3 kinds of thread locker. Blue, Red and Type 42, What is the difference between Blue and type 42? Type 42 says >1/4, but does that mean blue is for <1/4?

These are made in USA, so I assume they are name brand stuff but in HF bottles

Educated guess is the 42 is the same as blue Loctite 242 or Permatex 24200. Kind of the all purpose, most commonly used thread locker

The blue is probably the same as Loctite 243 or Permatex 24300 slightly stronger and more oil resistant. Also for unclean bolts when you dont pick every last bit of old loctite out or wire brush them

Permatex also has has a orange 25200 that is good for larger bolts or high vibration stuff on industrial or offroad equipment. Still wrench removable

I use mainly Permatex products but HF has to be based either on either Loctite or Permatex brands if made in the US