This Resource Centre provides general guidance only. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, the product technical data sheet and your site’s safe system of work. Isolate stored energy before maintenance. For safety-critical, regulated or uncertain applications, ask a competent engineer or the product manufacturer to confirm the specification.
These products may use related chemistry, but they solve different joint problems.
Threadlocker
Used on nuts, bolts and studs. Choose strength according to fastener size, service conditions and future removal. Low strength suits small or frequently adjusted fasteners; medium strength commonly allows service disassembly; high strength is intended for joints that should not normally move. Always check the individual product data.
Thread sealant
Used where a threaded pipe joint is designed to seal along the threads. Select for the thread type, metal or plastic, fluid, temperature, pressure and approvals. Keep sealant away from the first thread where the instructions require it and avoid excess entering a fluid system.
Retaining compound
Used between cylindrical surfaces such as a shaft and bearing inner ring or a housing and bush. Selection depends on fit, gap, material, load, temperature and required dismantling method. A retaining compound is not a substitute for correcting every damaged or structurally inadequate fit.
Cure conditions
Many anaerobic products cure when confined between close-fitting metal surfaces and deprived of air. Cure speed varies with material, gap, temperature, activator and contamination. “Hand tight” is not the same as fully cured.
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