Use of Threadlocker or Locktite
07-31-11, 02:11 PM
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Use of Threadlocker or Locktite
I have recently had to use a threadlocker (Permatex) on my crank bolts to keep them from loosening - To tell you the truth I have never had to use threadlocker before - After talking to a few other cyclists I have found that some use threadlocker on their aluminum head sets...
Do any of you'se guys use threadlocker and if so where and why...
Is it dissimilar metals, components, coatings, plating, composites creating the need...
Do any of you'se guys use threadlocker and if so where and why...
Is it dissimilar metals, components, coatings, plating, composites creating the need...
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07-31-11, 02:20 PM
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I find mild threadlocker (Loctite 242 or equiv.) useful for rack bolts, B-tension screws, limit screws, stuff like that.
Just the stuff that tends to vibrate loose on me.
I just use grease on crank arm bolt threads.
Just the stuff that tends to vibrate loose on me.
I just use grease on crank arm bolt threads.
07-31-11, 02:52 PM
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07-31-11, 03:00 PM
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I've never had to use any Loctite stuff on bicycles: motorcycles, yes.
07-31-11, 03:04 PM
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I always use blue Loctite on French- and Italian-threaded fixed cups, which tend to self-loosen because of a fundamental design flaw solved by English or Swiss threading.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
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07-31-11, 03:29 PM
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There are very few good applications for threadlockers in bicycle work. They include:
Cantilever brake mounting bolts (front especially.)
If these are overtightened, they can "mushroom" the ends of the cantilever bosses, causing the brake to bind up.
Fixed bottom bracket cups on French or Italian threaded frames
French and Italian fixed cups are threaded in the wrong direction, so there is a tendency for them to loosen up in use.
Mounting rings for some cartridge bottom brackets
Many mounting rings are tightened only against the ends of the bearing cartridge rather than having a shoulder or lockring that bears against the end of the bottom-bracket shell.
Radial spokes.
Cantilever brake mounting bolts (front especially.)
If these are overtightened, they can "mushroom" the ends of the cantilever bosses, causing the brake to bind up.
Fixed bottom bracket cups on French or Italian threaded frames
French and Italian fixed cups are threaded in the wrong direction, so there is a tendency for them to loosen up in use.
Mounting rings for some cartridge bottom brackets
Many mounting rings are tightened only against the ends of the bearing cartridge rather than having a shoulder or lockring that bears against the end of the bottom-bracket shell.
Radial spokes.
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07-31-11, 05:18 PM
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I only ever used/use locktite when it came with a part or frame
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07-31-11, 05:19 PM
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IMO, there is no need to use thread locker on any fastener on a bike. If properly installed (with lock washer or locknut) and torqued, it shouldn't loosen. Checking fasteners is part of routine maintenance anyway.
If the manufacturer recommends Loctite, by all means.
You can always use it as cheap insurance. Some interfaces are more benefited by an application if it's given you a history of trouble.
Personally, I've not needed it in 30 years of biking and wrenching.
If the manufacturer recommends Loctite, by all means.
You can always use it as cheap insurance. Some interfaces are more benefited by an application if it's given you a history of trouble.
Personally, I've not needed it in 30 years of biking and wrenching.
07-31-11, 05:27 PM
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Italian threading works just fine. It's the operators that err. Either that, or say Italian bikes are inferior.
As I said, talk to Peter at Vecchio's. He is much more knowledgeable and eloquent than I.
I have a tendency to get a bit short with nonsenseable premises.
As I said, talk to Peter at Vecchio's. He is much more knowledgeable and eloquent than I.
I have a tendency to get a bit short with nonsenseable premises.
07-31-11, 05:48 PM
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Sheldon recommended Loctite on French and Italian fixed cups.
(My previous post was taken from his glossary.)
(My previous post was taken from his glossary.)
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07-31-11, 06:14 PM
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I don't know who Peter at Vecchio's is, but if he has anything useful to say, it would be welcome to hear it. I assume he can post here.
I have used Blue Loctite on many threaded bicycle things and for years, yes I got into the habit after using it on Motorcycles and Autos, but consider: Phil Wood supplies a small ampule of it with every Phil BB unit I ever got, dating back to the '70s. I have never regretted using it on anything bicycle related that I put it on.
Red Loctite is another story, but only used that in Auto applications, so far.
I'd also refer to the hundreds of fasteners that Shimano and others produce that have a factory-applied locking compound on the threads (usually a blue or gray strip), including their sealed BB cup threads: it does the same things, in practice, as Loctite.
I have used Blue Loctite on many threaded bicycle things and for years, yes I got into the habit after using it on Motorcycles and Autos, but consider: Phil Wood supplies a small ampule of it with every Phil BB unit I ever got, dating back to the '70s. I have never regretted using it on anything bicycle related that I put it on.
Red Loctite is another story, but only used that in Auto applications, so far.
I'd also refer to the hundreds of fasteners that Shimano and others produce that have a factory-applied locking compound on the threads (usually a blue or gray strip), including their sealed BB cup threads: it does the same things, in practice, as Loctite.
Last edited by unworthy1; 07-31-11 at 06:21 PM.
07-31-11, 07:04 PM
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I have been using Italian threaded bottom brackets since way back when.
A dab of grease on the bb threads and teflon tape on the BB. Stays put, comes off when needed.
Peter is probably the most knowledgeable person this side of Italy when it comes to Campagnolo. If you've never heard of Vecchio's, I really don't know what to say. Peter IS Vecchio's.
I stand by my reply, that if the crank is coming loose, it is trashed, and gorilla glue wont fix it.
A dab of grease on the bb threads and teflon tape on the BB. Stays put, comes off when needed.
Peter is probably the most knowledgeable person this side of Italy when it comes to Campagnolo. If you've never heard of Vecchio's, I really don't know what to say. Peter IS Vecchio's.
I stand by my reply, that if the crank is coming loose, it is trashed, and gorilla glue wont fix it.
07-31-11, 07:10 PM
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I use blue Loctite on most fasteners EXCEPT:
- BB threads
- Crank bolts
I use anti-sieze on these.
Blue Loctite not only keeps things from loosening, but it also keeps things from seizing.
On spoke nipples I use only a very light oil.
- BB threads
- Crank bolts
I use anti-sieze on these.
Blue Loctite not only keeps things from loosening, but it also keeps things from seizing.
On spoke nipples I use only a very light oil.
07-31-11, 07:17 PM
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07-31-11, 07:49 PM
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I use blue loctite on crank bolts and crank nuts.
08-01-11, 11:40 AM
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Guess anybody who doesn't live in Boulder, CO has to use Google...so here he is:
https://www.vecchios.com/who.html
Peter Crisholm "Owner/Patriarch" of this LBS in Boulder, so now we know.
Looks like a real nice shop, I'll drop him an email and see if he responds here.
But...I still have all flavors and colors of LocTite on my workbench
https://www.vecchios.com/who.html
Peter Crisholm "Owner/Patriarch" of this LBS in Boulder, so now we know.
Looks like a real nice shop, I'll drop him an email and see if he responds here.
But...I still have all flavors and colors of LocTite on my workbench
08-01-11, 11:50 AM
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Have used it for racks and nipples on radial front wheels. Otherwise, I use grease on most threads, and I can't remomber the last time a screw went loose anywhere but in my head.