canflyboy

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

wmodavis

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.

dabac

+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.

Mondoman

It should also act as a lube during assembly, right?

operator

It doesn't make sense to me at all. Low spoke count wheels need to have the same if not more tension than a regular 32/36 wheel. Do not use loctite on spokes.

dabac

I'm just passing on my observations, that's all. It's out there with some regularity, so there might be something to it or it can be another example of wide spread misconception.

tellyho

Wheelsmith spoke prep is the same color as loctite - perhaps you saw that?

canflyboy

Never seen Wheelsmith Spokeprep. The thread locker was an orange color - not blue loctite.

Shimagnolo

Wheelsmith Spokeprep is available in two colors: blue, and orange

Al1943

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.

Mondoman

The loctite I was taught to use was the weak purple stuff.

Shimagnolo

I'm a firm believer in Loctite, but there are places where it does *not* belong:
- bottom brackets
- chainring bolts
- spokes

Jeff Wills

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.

Panthers007

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.

operator

Blue loctite is needed on spokes if you have no idea how to build wheels.

vredstein

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.

Al1943

Blue Locktite works very well on a problem wheel when the owner can't afford a better wheel.

Panthers007

So, by your account, seeing blue Loctite indicates the wheel is a "problem." Good to know.

MrPhil

"In the good old days" we used linseed oil. It lubricates during the build then sets up. Not to tight, just a little resistance.

vredstein

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.

engo

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.

JohnDThompson 

Yup, and a few bucks will get you a lifetime supply, unlike the official "spoke prep" products.

GV27

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.

JSellers

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.

DannoXYZ 

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.