Locktite - New Builds/Re Builds

[1997BlackC5]

Hi guys just wanted to see what the gereral consensus was, when you build or strip down & rebuild a bike. Do you use locktite on the bolts when you are putting them back onto the bike or do you tighten them as tight as you can?

If you do use locktite is there a particular brand/type that is preferable?

 

[cornholio's RC200]

I tend to go completely the opposite way and use grease or anti-seize.

In my previous experiences of Loctite it can go horribly wrong at times with heat having to be used even on the low strength stuff.

Also doing things up as tight as possible can sometimes be a no-no especially if you are talking about Alu or Ti bolts.

 

[feetabix]

I too build without, most threads will have survived intact and not need it.....any bolts that require it will make themselves known over the course of a few rides!....f

 

[hamster]

I put Loctite on things like racks for touring, otherwise I use grease. I put anti-seize (Copperslip) on anywhere likely to get very wet: bottom bracket threads, tandem eccentric, anything with titanium.

 

[Kbarkley]

You should never use Loctite on Ti or Al bolts. Use a bike specific grease or Anti-seize on Ti and Al. Only use Loctite on Steel bolts. You will find steel bolts on rotors, stems, water bottle mounts, rack mounting bolts and brake hardware. There are several types of Loctite. They are color coated and also based on the wrench head size. The Loctite Blue 242 Use on metal fasteners 1/4' (6 mm) to 3/4' (19 mm) in diameter. This should be all you need for bike use.

 

[bm0p700f]

I anti sieze bolt and threads. I don't anti sieze BB axle taper/splines as this cause the crank arms to be pushed to far.

I also use a torque wrench to ensure I don't strip treads or round of heads. I do this now as I have learnt that tightening up as much as possible often causes me more expense later.

 

[sylus]

Copperslip nowt else

 

[old_coyote_pedaller]

You certainly shouldn't tighten them as tight as you can, that's a recipe for cracked and distorted components. There's no need to "strain" to tighten bolts, at least with the size that are used on bikes.
I use coppaslip on alloy/alloy, alloy/titanium and alloy/steel interfaces.
Generally just use oil or waterproof grease on other bolt threads to stop them corroding if they are in a place they'll get wet.