Loctite on Spoke Threads????
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Loctite on Spoke Threads????
I'm replacing the spokes on a Bontrager 700c 24 spoke rear wheel. I noticed the original spokes had loctitie on them.
Is loctite common on wheel assembly? I've never used it before, but only built a couple wheelsets so far.
Thanks
Is loctite common on wheel assembly? I've never used it before, but only built a couple wheelsets so far.
Thanks
#2
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Wheels with proper tension and stress relief will not need loctite because the spokes will not loosen up. The key is to be sure the tension is high but not too high, and even between spokes on a side. Some choose to use loctite I guess as assurance because they either don't tension the wheel properly or believe they will stay tightened without it, or they just have some laying around and say 'well I might as well use it'. But it is unnecessary on a properly built wheel.
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Wheels with proper tension and stress relief will not need loctite because the spokes will not loosen up. ... Some choose to use loctite I guess as assurance because they either don't tension the wheel properly or believe they will stay tightened without it, or they just have some laying around and say 'well I might as well use it'. But it is unnecessary on a properly built wheel.
For a nipple to be able to unwind the spoke has to go slack first, and if that happens you're heading towards trouble anyhow. Still, it's not that unusual to find various locking agents on low spoke count wheels, so maybe they actually need it on some sort of regular basis.
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+1
For a nipple to be able to unwind the spoke has to go slack first, and if that happens you're heading towards trouble anyhow. Still, it's not that unusual to find various locking agents on low spoke count wheels, so maybe they actually need it on some sort of regular basis.
For a nipple to be able to unwind the spoke has to go slack first, and if that happens you're heading towards trouble anyhow. Still, it's not that unusual to find various locking agents on low spoke count wheels, so maybe they actually need it on some sort of regular basis.
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Blue Locktite works well on spoke threads as a lubricant and as a setting agent. But I also agree that it's usually not needed.
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I'm a firm believer in Loctite, but there are places where it does *not* belong:
- bottom brackets
- chainring bolts
- spokes
- bottom brackets
- chainring bolts
- spokes
#13
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That's a hideous pun, but another +1 on correctly tensioning the spokes. Since I learned the "high and even" method of tensioning spokes, I haven't broken a spoke. My wife recently broke one on her bike- but that was a factory-built wheel, not one of mine.
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Why on Earth did Wheelsmith have to make it's (abysmal) spoke-prep in the same colors as Locktite?? What sort of message are they trying to send us? "Use Wheelsmith Spoke-Prep! Make your spokes seize-up!"
I never use that stuff. A little lithium grease and I'm set.
I never use that stuff. A little lithium grease and I'm set.
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Wheelsmith made the prep in two colors-one color for drive side spokes of one particular length, and another color for non-drive side spokes of a slightly different length-to help avoid getting them mixed up. I might be tempted to use it if I was building many copies of the same rear wheel AND it wasn't so expensive.
Last edited by vredstein; 05-07-09 at 09:44 PM.
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"In the good old days" we used linseed oil. It lubricates during the build then sets up. Not to tight, just a little resistance.
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Thoughts
Other than changing the rim tape, if come across a situation where you can see the threads, you probably have a problem regardless of whether they're colored blue, orange, or uncolored.
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I was advised by a local shop to try this . Same rationale. They do it on all their wheelbuilds. Available in vast quantities at hardware stores.
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How are you going to true a wheel with Loctite'd nipples?
I doubt the OP had Loctite on his spoke - anything other than the blue stuff would've required heat to remove.
I doubt the OP had Loctite on his spoke - anything other than the blue stuff would've required heat to remove.
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Blue loctite is also used as an anti-seize. not just a locking agent it is not strong just a good lube that dries. this keeps the spoke from corroding to the nipple and seizing. You don't have to use it but does help if you sweat a lot or do open water swims then ride getting salt on wheel.
#25
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Blue Loctite isn't that strong and can be easily trued. Some kind of compound is needed to insulate the dissimilar metals if you use alloy nipples.