Thread Lock for bolts..?

[stoatsngroats]

For V & cantilever brake bolts, is this a critical addition, and needing a fresh application after removing the bolt, or can I rely on that which was already applied?

 

[sidevalve]

No, it may do the job [if you're lucky, you never know] but it should be renewed every time. Buy the smallest tube you can from the local motor spares shop. It will last you YEARS. By the way, a dob of paint will often do the job in an emergency.

 

[gbb]

Personally i never have renewed when undoing those bolts.
It would be safer to do so no doubt, but ive never had problems.

If you do...low strength locking compound will do...actually, low strength is (IMO) the only one you need for anything on a bike .

 

[spacecat]

I have never renewed it either, but it would probably be safer if you did. To what extent that would be I don't know.

I've a bottle of loctite stuff that I've had for years and only ever used on car brake calipers.

I think you would be highly unlucky for a failure to be attributable to lack of threadlock.

 

[GrasB]

Needs a new application every time. As said lowest strength stuff you can get. When you start doing silly speeds on heavily textured roads then it really is needed! The thing is though, while even the smallest bottles seem expensive you use so little of the stuff you may not need to buy another bottle.

Another alternative is if this is a one off & you have a car on when an independent garage that does all your work they should be conducive to putting a few drops on your bolts as a good will freebee.

 

[PpPete]

IMO these things are so long that if they were to start shaking loose as result of a heavily textured road, you would notice the brakes either binding on the wheel or losing power long before you lost anyvital component.
I've messing about with cantis for many years and never ever had one come loose.

 

[MacB]

any links to recommendations for this stuff?

I have some blue loctite but it's in tube form like a lipstick/lipsil, very easy to use far too much

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

any links to recommendations for this stuff?

I have some blue loctite but it's in tube form like a lipstick/lipsil, very easy to use far too much

Here.

 

[MacB]

Here.

Wow, great link, that's on my favourites list...thanks....Al

 

[stoatsngroats]

Thanks all - I'll grab some soon!

As an aside - I wonder if there is anything which cc members agree on !

 

[Crankarm]

I have NEVER EVER used Loctite on bolts or nuts on my bike. CopperSlip yes, grease yes and Nyloc nuts yes, but Loctite no. Never had a problem not using it. I too have removed V brakes for cleaning and maintenance and not used Loctite when replacing. This has never been a problem. I wouldn't recommend using it as it is total over kill imho. You don't need it. Just do the bolts nuts up to a sensible torque. Check them at intervals if you are that worried about them coming loose, but mine have never done so. Same goes for chain ring bolts.

 

[Acyclo]

Common misconceptions regarding thread lock:
1. It makes things harder to remove.
2. It means you don't have to tighten things up.

Actually it makes things easier to remove as it excludes water and therefore prevents corrosive seizing.
It doesn't reduce the tightening torque required, you can however use the lower limit of the torque range without vibration loosening.

I've used it for years with great success, especially on those tricky areas like pedals and chain ring bolts.

 

[Alun]

If you can cadge a bottle of nail varnish, that is an acceptable substitute!
I don't usually bother with thread loc, or nail varnish come to that!