edcantu9
Well-known member
I used thread loc on nyloc nuts. Was this a big mistake?
Do I need to replace hardware?
Do I need to replace hardware?
I read that it could dissolve the plastic part of the nyloc nut.
Do you know if there is any truth to that?
Belt and suspenders.

You should drill it out for a cotter pin or safety wire as well.
It's not a big deal. The loctite will reduce or eliminate the nylock's repeat use but it won't affect the ability of the nut to stay on until it is removed later. Most of the loctite affects on plastics is not a chemical reaction but issues related to the additional pressure the loctite adds when it cures - it tends to crack/relieve the plastics. We used to have a lot of issues with this on lexan guarding on machinery I used to help design/develop. Our assembly guys would think they were taking on extra thorough preventative step by adding loctite to the nylock hardware that held the plastics in place - but it would make the guards crack at the bolt holes some time later.
A fellow worker when I was in the Toolroom made a 1.2" thick Lexan cover and he didn't want the bolts to loosen up. He used Loctite on all of the screws. Went to lunch, came back a half hour later and the Lexan was all split everywhere. No one would have noticed it other than it was clear Lexan. I was really surprised it did that. BTW, is specifically states on the bottle that it will react with certain plastics.
I spent some time researching that and some documents I found on the Loctite site pointed to the expansion of the thread locker with plastics leading to cracking...who knows.
In addition to a lock washer.
but yeah... you're fine.
And don't forget to tack weld it.
That'll hold it good!
All jokes aside, I use 243 on nylocks all the time on my motorcycle.
Jason
I have never seen a reaction between Loctite and nylon. As others mentioned, polycarbonate ( Lexan) and Loctite is a really bad combo.
Even glass filled polycarbonate will crack and disintegrate.
A. Anaerobic adhesives are generally not used with most plastics. Anaerobic adhesives will stress crack some plastics, including many thermoplastics like ABS and polycarbonate. If the product is used for metal-to-metal but in close proximity to plastic, there is the possibility of excess liquid product or vapor affecting the plastic. In the case of compatible plastics like acetals, the anaerobic adhesives are simply not the best family of products for effectively locking and/or sealing. Often Loctite® Cyanoacrylates (Instant Adhesives) are substituted if they meet the other application parameters.
