Loctite 242 vs. 243: For the adhesive novice, these product numbers likely blend together in a haze of cyanoacrylate confusion. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Even experienced DIYers can find themselves scratching their heads trying to pick between these two superglue siblings.
On the surface, 242 and 243 seem nearly identical – after all, they come from the same respected Henkel family. But under the hood, they have some key differences that make each one better suited for certain situations.
In this handy guide, we’ll break down the nitty gritty to uncover when you want the quick-bonding might of 242 versus the more flexible 243. We’ll look at cure times, material versatility, and bond strength so you can select the right adhesive and avoid sticky situations.
So grab your safety goggles and get ready to have some bonding fun. Let’s get stuck on the details of Loctite 242 vs. 243! By the end, you’ll be an adhesive expert.
Loctite 242 vs. 243: What’s The Difference?
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.
📝 My Hands-on Test of Loctite 242
✅Pros
I have found Loctite to be incredibly versatile and effective, especially for automotive applications. It has successfully secured bolts on various components, including those on pellet guns and rolling floor jacks. If you want to prevent nuts and bolts from vibrating loose, a few drops of Loctite will do the trick. The best part is that it can be easily removed when necessary. This reliability is why I genuinely appreciate this product.
The Threadlocker Blue variant of Loctite was precisely what I needed for my specific use case. The screw holes for my GPU would often become less tightened, causing the screws to fall off. However, after applying Threadlocker Blue to the screws and allowing it to set, I could easily tighten and remove each screw without encountering any issues.
I also had success using Loctite on shower door roller screws that had become undone. Applying the adhesive ensured that the screws stayed in place, effectively solving the problem. I am even considering using it on my fridge door handle, which tends to come loose frequently. I used a needle to open the tube, and it proved to be a wise choice.
In terms of value, Loctite offers a good price for the amount of product you receive. It was exactly what I needed for a project involving a washing machine, and it met my expectations perfectly. It’s been a few weeks since I used it, and everything is still securely held together. I’m highly satisfied with this product.
Additionally, Loctite is great for 3D printing applications. It provides the necessary strength and security for assembled parts.
As someone who likes to have extra supplies in different toolboxes, I appreciate the convenience of having Loctite available for various projects.
❌Cons
Tried to push a pin into the top to open it as I only wanted a very small amount of tightener for a small screw, but that was impossible without resorting to heating the pin. So after cutting the smallest part of the tube top, I had too large of an opening.
FAQ of Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242
Q: Should I apply Loctite Blue 242 to the doorknob set screw before or after screwing it in? Do I put a drop on top?
A: It’s best to apply this to the screw threads before screwing it in. Make sure to use a very small amount, and apply it before the screw is fully inserted. Remember, less is more in this case.
Q: What’s the proper way to open the sealed tube? Can I simply poke a hole at the top?
A: To open the sealed tube, I would recommend using a thumbtack, safety pin, or a similar object to gently poke a hole into the flat tip of the tube. This method allows for better control and ensures droplet-sized application.
Q: Can Loctite Blue 242 be used for securing glasses, particularly the screws that hold the lenses in place?
A: No, Loctite Blue 242 is not suitable for use on glasses. For small screws like the ones holding lenses in place, I recommend using Loctite 222 instead.
Q: I’m planning to join two 20′ pieces of pipe together for a weather station pole that will be exposed to outdoor conditions. Which Loctite product would be most suitable?
A: In your case, I would recommend using the Blue Loctite, which is designed for larger gaps like pipe threads. It has a thicker consistency. However, if you anticipate the need to disassemble the pipe in the future, I suggest using regular pipe dope paste. If the pipe is meant to stay permanently assembled, no additional product is necessary, but be cautious of potential rusting.
Q: Does Loctite Blue 242 harden? I applied it to a thread for testing, but after 24 hours, it was still in liquid form and could be easily removed with a paper towel.
A: Yes, Loctite Blue 242 does harden. Before using it, make sure to shake the bottle well. Apply a drop of the product to the fastener threads, ensuring you use a minimal amount. Tighten the fastener to prevent loosening, and wipe off any excess while it’s still wet. Remember to cap the tube tightly. If you need to reopen the tube in the future, you can use pliers and a pin or small nail. Loctite Blue 242 has proven effective for keeping fasteners secure while allowing for future removal if needed.
Q: Can I apply this to an already tightened bolt without removing it?
A: Loctite Blue 242 is intended for use during installation and not for already assembled or installed bolts. I would recommend removing the bolts and re-installing them with Loctite Blue 242 for optimal effectiveness.
Q: Will this work on stainless steel bolts?
A: Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 is particularly suitable for applications involving less active substrates like stainless steel and plated surfaces, where disassembly may be required for servicing. Have a great day!
Q: What is the shelf life of the Blue 242? If I open it, use it once, and then store it, how long will it remain effective?
A: According to Loctite, the shelf life of Blue 242 is two years. However, many users have reported it lasting longer. I have personally used a tube that I opened four years ago, and it still appears to work well.
Q: Will Loctite Blue 242 work for securing a bolt in a power rear gate? I had to replace the entire motor because the bolt came out and stripped the threads.
A: No, Loctite Blue 242 will not work in that situation. I recommend using Red Loctite instead( See loctite 515). Ensure that the bolt is clean and free of any oil residue before applying the Red Loctite. Allow it to dry for at least an hour, or longer if possible.
Q: Is it safe to use this as a denture adhesive?
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A: Yes, Loctite Blue 242 can be used as a denture adhesive. I have personally used it for ten years now, although I must say that it does affect the taste of corn.
📝 My Hands-on Test of Loctite 243 (Threadlocker)
When I found myself running out of Loctite and realized that my big box only contained small tubes, I was delighted to discover this great-sized bottle that perfectly suited my needs. It’s convenient and keeps nuts and screws tightly secured without any mess during application. The functionality is top-notch, and I appreciate how easy it is to dispense the adhesive precisely where I need it.
✅Pros
As someone who regularly uses Loctite brand thread locker, I can confidently say that the quality is excellent. The dispenser-type bottle is convenient to use—simply pull the tip up until you hear it click. I recommend shaking the bottle before each use, as over time, the mixture tends to separate. Loctite 243 effectively prevents bolts from backing out of metal components. To clean threads that were previously thread-locked, you can use acetone or even a wire wheel. A little bit of this Loctite goes a long way, making it a fantastic purchase.
Personally, I use this Loctite 243 to ensure that my red-dot optic by TruGlo stays securely in place. An optic that falls off is utterly worthless, after all. This particular Loctite has proven to be perfect for my needs, as just a small dab keeps the tiny screws tight as they should be.
While there are other formulas that require more effort to remove and are more permanent, this one only requires a little extra care and firm torque, allowing for easy adjustments. Initially, I may have thought that I didn’t need such a large bottle, but after experiencing the effectiveness of Loctite 243, I’m now considering other applications where it would be equally useful.
If you own an older Harley Davidson motorcycle, Loctite 243 is an absolute must. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself constantly replacing lost fasteners that have vibrated loose. Loctite 243 is specifically designed for securing threaded fasteners and preventing them from loosening due to vibrations. It forms a strong bond that keeps bolts, nuts, and screws in place, providing added safety and preventing potential damage.
💬 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.
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.
Q: Can Loctite 243 be used to stop diesel leaks from threaded joints?
A: Loctite 243 can be effective in stopping diesel leaks if the threads are cleaned properly before application.
Q: Would Loctite 243 be suitable for holding copper tubes carrying hot water?
A: Loctite 243 is designed for use on threaded fasteners only and is not suitable for holding copper tubes together. Soldering is the recommended method for joining copper tubing.
Q: What is the temperature range for Loctite 243? Is it waterproof?
A: Loctite 243 has a service temperature range of -55 to +180°C. It is waterproof and effective for locking and sealing threaded fasteners. For greater security, Loctite 638 green can be used for permanent fastening, and Loctite red can be used for fastening that can be undone with heat.
Q: Is it necessary to reapply Loctite 243 after unscrewing and tightening a fastener?
A: Loctite 243 is a Threadlocker, not a sealant. If a fastener is disturbed, it should be re-applied.
Q: What is the drying time for blue Loctite?
A: Blue Loctite is a medium-strength Threadlocker that takes approximately 24 hours to fully cure.
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!
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