LOCTITE 243

Threadlocking compounds are used throughout industry, especially in automotive applications, to provide an inexpensive and reliable way of ensuring that fasteners do not come loose. They are highly specialised liquid compounds that cure quickly to form a bond between the surfaces they join.

Good theadlocking compounds are far superior to split or shake proof washers and even Nyloc nuts since they also completely eliminate corrosion between the surfaces they bond hence preventing seizing.

Did you know that Nyloc nuts should always be replaced if undone even once? This is because the plastic insert in them is permanently deformed when first used and cannot recover on subsequent fittings. Using a threadlocker enables Nylocs to be reused again and again with no loss in performance. In fact any threaded fastener, e.g. a bolt, stud, set screw, nut or union, secured with the correct threadlocking adhesive will not loosen or seize during the life of the components it joins.

Threadlockers come in a variety of guises and some are designed to bond surfaces permanently! Obviously for most automotive applications this would be useless since servicing and replacing worn parts means that fasteners have to be undone regularly. Fortunately, medium strength threadlockers are designed to allow joints to be undone with hand tools alone, so these are ideal for automotive work.

We also discovered that unlike cheaper versions, some threadlocking compounds can tolerate oil and other contaminants on threads. This is perfect for automotive work since it removes the need for costly and time-consuming degreasing. Beware using cheap threadlockers on anything other than spotlessly clean and degreased components since they will be virtually useless.

At Difflock, we have been using one threadlocking compound in particular, Loctite 243, for many years. Loctite 243 Medium Strength Threadlocker is an easy flowing liquid specially formulated to be tolerant of oil and other contaminants and can still be easily undone with hand tools should the need arise.

Additionally all joints assembled with Loctite 243 will be shock, leak, corrosion and vibration-proof.

A 10ml bottle of Loctite 243 will be sufficient for up to 150 applications, depending on the size of fastener. Typically one bottle lasts a couple of years in our toolbox.

Loctite 243 can be used to prevent loosening of fasteners on vibrating parts such, engines, gearboxes, propshafts, steering and suspension components, equipment housing screws, presses, pumps, motor mounting bolt etc.

All those with a LandRover 200TDI or 300TDI engine will know that Loctite 243 is essential (and recommended by LandRover) for securing the front crankshaft damper after changing the timing belt.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE Squeeze a small drop of Loctite 243 onto the thread to be joined Use very sparingly Assemble the joint Tighten to recommended torque immediately Loctite 243 cures to Full Strength within 1- 3 hours of assembly at room temperature

AVAILABLE NOW! from the Difflock 4x4 Multi Store