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Loctite 635 Vs. 638: Cure Stainless Steel & Aluminum Surfaces

Last updated on March 20, 2024 / Reviewed by Ronald, a 🎖️10-year Adhesive Industry Veteran  @stickyaides in 🌉San Francisco

Loctite 635 Vs. 638: what’s the difference?

638 has improved oil resistance & readily cures on inactive metals like stainless. 635 is for press fits, and 638 is for slip fits.

Loctite 635 Vs. 638

Loctite 635 Vs. 638: Specs & Uses

The key difference between Loctite 635 Vs. 638 is:

Loctite 635Loctite 638
Rating★★★★★★★★★
Datasheet📥Loctite 635📥Loctite 638
TechnologyAcrylicUrethane methacrylate
Appearance (uncured)Green opaque liquidGreen liquid
FluorescencePositive under UV lightPositive under UV light
Viscosity1,500-2,500 mPa·s2,500 mPa·s
CureAnaerobicAnaerobic
Secondary CureActivator requiredNo activator required
Typical Bond GapN/AUp to 0.25 mm
StrengthRetainingHigh
Application Temperature RangeCures at room temperatureCures at room temperature and higher temperatures up to 150°C
Heat ResistanceTested up to 150°CTested up to 200°C
Chemical ResistanceResistant to motor oil, brake fluid, ethanol, acetone, gasolineResistant to wider range of chemicals including biodiesel and antifreeze
Curable SubstratesSteel, aluminumSteel, stainless steel, aluminum
Gap Filling AbilityN/AFills gaps up to 0.25 mm
Activators7471, 7649 improve cure speedSF 7471, SF 7649, SF 7091 improve cure speed
Compressive Shear Strength13.8-31 MPa13.5-29 MPa

📝 My Hands-on Test of Loctite 635

Loctite 635
I had a recent experience with Loctite 635, which was recommended to me as a solution to fix a loud noise coming from my Elite Direto bicycle trainer. The issue was related to the belt drive, specifically the pulley on the main shaft. Upon inspection, I noticed that the key used to secure the pulley to the shaft was not a proper Woodruff key, as it had a flat bottom instead of the characteristic half-moon shape.

✅Pros: Loctite 635

Consequently, the key didn’t function effectively, and I was skeptical that Elite’s suggested fix would solve the problem. Surprisingly, their proposed solution involved using 635 adhesives to glue the key into the shaft recess. Despite my doubts, I decided to give it a try, and to my amazement, it worked like a charm. This adhesive not only secured the key firmly but also resolved the noise issue. I was impressed by its effectiveness and started contemplating other potential applications where 635 adhesive could come in handy for securing metal parts. I’m definitely looking forward to conducting further experiments with it.

Using Loctite 635
To remove pinions that are set in place with the retaining compound, I applied a little heat with a lighter. You can also use a pinion puller.

As a test, I installed the new bearing and baled approximately 70 rolls of hay. To monitor its performance, I regularly checked the bearing temperature using an infrared thermometer. I’m pleased to report that the 635 adhesive retained the bearing securely in place throughout the demanding baling process, and the temperature readings indicated that it was functioning precisely as it should. This gave me confidence in the adhesive’s ability to provide reliable and durable support for various mechanical applications.

Loctite 635

❌Cons: Loctite 635

During my usage of the product, I encountered one minor drawback. The expiration date of the adhesive was only a few months after I received it. This was a bit disappointing, as I expected a longer shelf life. It’s important for such products to have a reasonable expiration date to ensure their usability over an extended period, so this aspect was not okay in my opinion.

CTA:list all comments

2 reviews

  • Garry Owsley
    January 26, 2024 at 2:20 am

    Will Loctite 640 help hold a crankshaft oil seal in an aluminum lawn mower engine block?

    Reply
    • Ronald Stevens (administrator)
      January 26, 2024 at 3:15 am

      In the case of aluminum, you will need to use LOCTITE SF 7649 primer to cure the LOCTITE 640 on the inactive metal. Additionally, consider the expected temperature, as LOCTITE 640 is rated up to 400°F. Please note that once the adhesive is cured, the assembly becomes permanent, and heating it to 500°F would be necessary for future maintenance removal.

      Reply

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📝 My Hands-on Test of Loctite 638

Loctite 638
Using Loctite to secure bearings is a breeze. The application process is straightforward, and it’s easy to get the desired results. However, there’s one crucial thing to keep in mind: make sure you don’t get it inside the bearings themselves. That could cause some unwanted issues down the line.

✅Pros

Now, let’s get back to the performance. Loctite did exactly what it promised. It secured the bearings in my gearbox, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing any potential wobbling or shifting. I’ve had my fair share of disappointments with other products, but Loctite lived up to its reputation. It’s a reliable choice for mechanical applications, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

I also used Loctite to keep a pinion gear on the motor shaft of my 31 lbs RC car, and it has been holding up remarkably well. It’s been through some intense off-road adventures, and the bond remains strong. So, if you’re looking for a solution to keep your gears in place, Loctite might just be the answer.

use loctite 638 to tap handle
My new tap handle kept switching directions while I was using it. Super annoying. So I tried this and it worked. Just make sure you move it periodically while it’s curing so it doesn’t seize. This Loc-Tite 638 compound is awesome stuff.

Speaking of the bottle, I lucked out because instead of the 50ml bottle I ordered, I received a generous 250ml bottle. Talk about a pleasant surprise! Initially, I was a bit skeptical since it was labeled as being from India. However, I soon realized that it was not a counterfeit product. But once I peeled away the tape, I discovered that the product was well within its shelf life. It was about 18 months old and still good for another 18. Phew!

❌Cons

Now, let’s talk about the bottle itself. When my package arrived, I was a bit alarmed to see that the bottle was only half full. Naturally, I wondered if I had received an incomplete product. However, after doing some research, I discovered that this is actually intentional. Due to the chemical nature of Loctite, the bottle is filled with air to maintain its effectiveness. So, no need to panic if you find your bottle half empty upon arrival!

Loctite 638

FAQ of Loctite 638

Q: How much should a new bottle weigh? Mine feels kind of empty.

A: Ideally, the bottle should have a weight that indicates it is half empty. This allows for the necessary presence of air to prevent the content from hardening within the bottle.

Q: What country is Loctite 638 manufactured in?

A: The product originates from India.

Q: Can Loctite 638 be used on an O.D. rubber seal surface to metal housing, or is it only suitable for metal-to-metal applications?

A: This particular product is specifically designed for metal-to-metal applications and may not be suitable for use on an O.D. rubber seal surface to metal housing.

Q: How effective is “638” in providing sealing properties?

A: Authentic Loctite products, such as “638,” have a QR verification code on the bottle to ensure their genuineness. I personally returned a product that did not have this code.

Q: Is Loctite 638 reliable to use?

A: I suspect Loctite 638 might be counterfeit since it lacks the QR verification code found on genuine Loctite bottles.

Q: Does this formula have a quick setting time?

A: Yes, I believe it does. After approximately one minute, it becomes difficult to separate the bonded parts.

Q: Can you provide the expiration date for this bottle of Loctite 638?

A: The expiration date is indicated by a code on the bottle. To decipher the code and determine the exact expiration date, it is best to contact Loctite directly.

Q: Why does Loctite arrive empty?

A: As I said, it is empty intentionally. If you put a drip of Loctite on the table, it is never gonna dry. That said, it is going to stay in that form because Loctite takes an absence of air to create the chemical reaction to harden it. That’s also why when you buy a new bottle of Loctite it feels like it’s kind of empty. It’s actually because they put it too much. There won’t be enough air for it to stay in its liquid form. The absence of air within the bottle will cause the entire bottle to harden.

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Ronald Stevens photoI’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:

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