Loctite 222 vs. 243: what’s the difference?
Loctite is my go-to solution for keeping screws securely in place, and I’ve been using their products for many years. They offer different strengths to match the size of your screws, ensuring a reliable hold.
For screws up to 1/4″, I recommend the low-strength Loctite 222 (purple liquid). It’s easy to remove with just a hand tool.
If you’re working with screws ranging from 1/4″ to 3/4″, the medium-strength options are Loctite 243 (blue liquid) and Loctite 248 (blue stick). They provide a secure hold, but you might need some leverage to remove the screws.
When dealing with screws up to 1″, the high-strength Loctite 263 (red liquid) is ideal, although you’ll want to heat it slightly before attempting to remove the screw.
Loctite 222 vs. 243: Specs & Uses
🔥Heat Aging
Loctite 222: Resists up to 150°C
Loctite 243: Resists up to 180°C
🆚Appearance
Loctite 222: Purple liquid
Loctite 243: Blue liquid
🛠️Common Uses
Loctite 222 is suitable for securing metal screws in eyeglasses; used by gunsmiths to prevent tiny screws on telescopic sights from loosening due to vibration; can be used to tighten Philips head screws in shower controls.
Loctite 243 can effectively stop diesel leaks from threaded joints; offers a wide service temperature range of -55 to +180°C, making it suitable for applications in extreme temperature conditions; waterproof.
Technical Info
My Hands-on Test of Henkel Loctite 222
✅Pros: 222
Loctite 222 on the countersunk M4 bolts that hold the GoPro adaptor to the MCdeck 👇
Applying Loctite 222
It holds strong, yet it’s easy to loosen when necessary, making it an ideal choice for my needs.
Firearms
When it comes to firearms, some components cannot tolerate medium strength Loctite, as it can potentially strip screws and threads. That’s why I find this light strength variant to be perfect for such applications. It creates a snug lock without the fear of damaging or stripping any parts.
I have also used this product effectively on gun sights. What impresses me is that it can be removed without heat, yet it holds tight, providing the reliability and security I require.
How Long Does Loctite 222 Take to Dry?
Sets in approximately 10 minutes and fully cures in 24 hours.
Convenient Pop-Up and Snap-Down Tip
One feature that stood out to me is the convenient pop-up and snap-down tip. This design makes it easy to open and close the bottle with just one hand, a valuable feature when you’re working on intricate projects that demand your full attention. The ease of use and removal, as reported by others, is also worth noting.
❌Cons: 222
The large bottle size may be excessive for some individuals, but considering the value and the fact that it will last me a lifetime, I see it as a worthwhile investment.
FAQ of Loctite 222
Q: Can I use Loctite 222 to tighten a Philips head screw in a shower control (not the faucet handle set screw, but the one below)?
A: I believe it should work fine. I have personally used it to keep parts of black boxes together in 747 aircraft at my workplace. Just ensure that all surfaces are dry before applying the adhesive, and allow it to dry completely before using the shower.
Q: Is Loctite 222 safe to use with plastics, specifically for applications like Kydex holsters?
A: Based on my experience, I have seen this adhesive being used on various plastic applications in the aircraft industry, such as spacers. However, its suitability may depend on the strength of the component being secured.
Q: When using Loctite 222 for firearm screws, do you need to degrease them? Can alcohol be used as a degreaser, and is a primer necessary?
A: It is acceptable to degrease both sets of threads, and alcohol is sufficient for this purpose. Ensure that all traces of degreaser are removed before applying Loctite. As for a primer, I have never used it for this level of retention, as the intention is to allow for disassembly.
Q: Has anyone used Loctite 222 for cabinet pulls?
A: It should work fine. The Loctite 222 is designed to prevent screws from loosening while still allowing for easy removal if needed. It’s commonly used for a variety of applications, including cabinet pulls. Just make sure to follow the instructions and allow the adhesive to fully cure before putting any stress on the pulls.
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Loctite 243 (Threadlocker): Loctite 222 Equivalent
✅Pros: Loctite 243 Medium Strength Threadlocker
loctite243 blue will keep the barrel adjuster from loosening. The loose threads don’t help with keeping the barrel adjuster in. So it definitely needs help.
Allows for Easy Removal While Still Keeping the Bolts Tight
The blue formula of Loctite 243 is a bit softer, which allows for easy removal while still keeping the bolts tight. It’s perfect for my motorcycles, and I use it on almost every fastener I remove. The bottle itself is a significant improvement compared to the regular tubes. The spout slides up and down, sealing the bottle and preventing air from entering and curing the Loctite. The graduated spout and small opening make it easy to meter out the Loctite precisely.
Applying Loctite 243
In terms of quality, Loctite never disappoints. This product works exactly as it should, and I appreciate its consistency and reliability. It’s the real deal, not some fake imitation.
Applicator Nose
The applicator nose of the bottle is cleverly designed. With a simple push, it seals everything, eliminating the need to put the cap on between applications and avoiding accidental spills.
As for the bottle being half full, it’s important to understand that this chemical requires air to cure, so some space is necessary. The liquid promised is indeed the amount received, and the container is designed to “breathe” for this exact reason.
Sealed
After each use, I simply push down on the nozzle to seal it, and when I need to use it again, I just pull up on it. It’s a feature I didn’t know about until I purchased it, but it has proven to be great.
❌Cons
Some people have expressed concerns about the amount of liquid in the bottle. However, I believe they may have unrealistic expectations. This bottle contains the amount of liquid as described, and a little goes a long way. You only need a couple of drops per application, so even though the bottle may not be completely full, it’s enough to last most people a very long time. Considering the price and the longevity of the product, I can’t see how anyone could feel ripped off unless they’ve never used it before.
💬 FAQ of Loctite 243 (Threadlocker)
Q: What are the benefits of using Loctite 243 Vs. Loctite 242 for medium-strength applications?
A: Loctite 243 cures slightly faster and is less sensitive to surface cleanliness than Loctite 242, making it a better choice for medium-strength applications. Unlike Loctite 242, which requires a clean, dry, non-greasy surface on both items being connected and only works with ferrous materials, Loctite 243 works with any material and is more versatile while offering similar functional characteristics to 242. That is also included in blue loctite 242 vs 243 in Retaining Compound vs. Threadlocker (Loctite 680 Vs. 243)
Q: Is it possible to remove fasteners using ordinary hand tools with Loctite 243?
A: Yes, ordinary hand tools can be used to remove fasteners that have been treated with Loctite 243. This threadlocker is designed to offer similar functionality to Loctite 242, but with greater versatility as it can work with any material and does not require a perfectly clean surface.
Q: Do you know the expiration date of the current stock being shipped?
A: While I cannot confirm the exact expiration date of the current batch of Loctite 243, I can attest to the freshness of the product I received from a previous order. The bottle I received was manufactured in April 2021 and had an expiration date of October 2022. It remained effective even after the expiration date.
Q: Is this Threadlocker safe for food use?
A: To my knowledge, Loctite 243 is not safe for food use.
Q: What is the break strength of Loctite 243? Is it suitable for use on zinc-plated nuts and non-plated bolts?
A: Loctite 243 is a medium-strength Threadlocker that can withstand a breakaway torque of 19ft/lb. It is suitable for use on threaded fasteners between 1/4″ and 3/4″ made of any material, including zinc-plated nuts and non-plated bolts.
I’m Ronald Stevens, a Mechanical Engineer obsessed with adhesives, glue, and all things sticky! My passion began in childhood when I’d always be the one playing with glue during arts and crafts. And I’d spend hours researching and experimenting. Happy reading, and remember: stick with the best, and you’ll never be stuck in a mess!
Feel free to contact me and join our discussion:
Can I use Loctite 222 for eyeglass screws, considering the need for potential removal in the future?
Loctite 222 should work well for eyeglass screws, as long as they are metal screws. However, be cautious to keep the adhesive away from the lenses, as they are typically made of plastic or a similar material. Gunsmiths often use this adhesive to prevent tiny screws on telescopic sights from loosening due to vibration, while still allowing for removable maintenance…Read More
Loctite 222 should work well for eyeglass screws, as long as they are metal screws. However, be cautious to keep the adhesive away from the lenses, as they are typically made of plastic or a similar material. Gunsmiths often use this adhesive to prevent tiny screws on telescopic sights from loosening due to vibration, while still allowing for removable maintenance when required.
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