Thread Lockers: Essential Solutions for Secure Fastening
When it comes to fasteners, holding power is just as important as initial installation. Vibration, temperature changes, and daily wear can cause screws, bolts, and nuts to loosen over time. This is where thread lockers come in.
Thread lockers are anaerobic adhesives applied to the threads of fasteners to prevent loosening, leakage, and corrosion. Two of the most trusted brands in the industry are Loctite and Vibra-Tite, each offering a wide range of products for different applications and industries.
Loctite vs. Vibra-Tite: What’s the Difference?
Both Loctite and Vibra-Tite are highly respected brands in the fastening industry, but they each have distinct features:
Loctite
- Industry standard for decades, widely used in automotive, aerospace, industrial, and construction applications
- Offers a comprehensive line of anaerobic adhesives and thread lockers with global availability
- Known for high consistency and quality across all product ranges
Vibra-Tite
- Cost-effective alternative to Loctite without sacrificing performance
- Manufactured in the U.S., with a wide selection of thread lockers, retaining compounds, and sealants
- Often chosen for large-scale operations seeking strong performance with better value
Both brands provide different strengths and formulations to match the requirements of the job.
Strength Levels of Thread Lockers
Thread lockers are categorized by strength and removability:
Low Strength (Purple)
- Designed for small fasteners (up to ¼” diameter)
- Easily removable with hand tools
- Applications: eyeglasses, small electronics, set screws
Medium Strength (Blue)
- The most widely used thread locker type
- Provides a secure hold but still removable with standard hand tools
- Applications: automotive bolts, machinery fasteners, household repairs
High Strength (Red)
- Permanent locking solution for heavy-duty applications
- Removal often requires heat (450°F+) or special tools
- Applications: heavy equipment, industrial machinery, engine components
Wicking Grade (Green)
- Low viscosity adhesive that seeps into pre-assembled fasteners
- Applications: electrical connectors, set screws, situations where disassembly is rare
Industries That Rely on Thread Lockers
Thread lockers are used in nearly every industry where vibration or stress could loosen fasteners:
Automotive
Prevents critical bolts from loosening in engines, transmissions, and suspensions
Aerospace
Ensures reliability under extreme vibration and temperature conditions
Industrial Manufacturing
Keeps machinery and equipment fasteners secure for efficiency and safety
Electronics
Provides low-strength solutions for small precision fasteners
Choosing the Right Thread Locker
When deciding between Loctite and Vibra-Tite, consider:
Performance Needs
For highly regulated industries (aerospace, medical), Loctite may be the preferred choice due to widespread certifications.
Cost Efficiency
For industrial operations looking to reduce expenses without sacrificing performance, Vibra-Tite provides excellent value.
Application Requirements
Select the right strength (low, medium, high, or wicking) based on removability needs and fastener size.
Thread Locker Selection Guide
Partner With SC Fastening Systems
At SC Fastening Systems, we supply both Loctite and Vibra-Tite thread lockers, ensuring you get the best solution for your application.
Whether you need high-strength permanent adhesives or removable solutions for ongoing maintenance, our team can source the right product to keep your operations running smoothly. Contact our adhesive specialists today for personalized recommendations.
Help choosing the right strength and brand
Complete Loctite and Vibra-Tite inventory
Quick delivery for critical applications
Volume discounts for industrial users