Loctite 609 vs. 680: The retaining compound twins. Like Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger in Twins, this adhesive duo seems like an unlikely pair – but they’ve proven to be quite the dynamic glue-m.
You’ve probably stumbled upon these popular Locktite products in your quest for the ultimate metal fastener. And while they’re both strong contenders, how do you know which one is right for your specific needs? It’s a sticky situation!
Grab your safety goggles, things are about to get sticky! Let’s squeeze out which Loctite goo is the best fit for your next metal masterpiece.
Loctite 609 vs. 680: What’s The Difference?
The key difference between Loctite 609 vs. 680 is:
Loctite 680 has higher viscosity, faster cure speed, higher strength, and better temperature/chemical resistance compared to Loctite 609. Loctite 609 may be preferred where a slower cure speed is acceptable.
📝 My Hands-on Test of Loctite 680
The high number signifies its strength, and it requires heating to over 500 degrees F to break the bond. I was excited to try it out, but it’s essential to note that there is very little time to make adjustments for close-fit applications.
✅Pros
Loctite 680 truly lives up to its reputation. It works exceptionally well, but it’s crucial to use it correctly. Make sure to thoroughly clean both parts with brake cleaner or acetone before applying the adhesive.
I had a situation where the oil seal failed and damaged the bearings inside my mower’s gearbox. During the reassembly of the new components, I used Loctite 680 to facilitate retention, It has been over a year now with several hundred hours of use, and I haven’t encountered any issues. It truly saved the day.
It works like magic on both metal and plastic surfaces (See also metal to plastic adhesive). It dries incredibly quickly, making repairs a breeze. It’s a must-have for any workshop as it works on steel, brass, plastic, and more. The bond it creates is exceptionally strong, and the application process is straightforward. I’ve used it for various repairs, including antique clocks, where it proved invaluable for fixing loose governor flywheels. This adhesive has never failed me, even after multiple repairs.
I purchased it because the assembly instructions for the wheel hub bearing called for it, and I must say it was worth it. Although it may seem a bit pricey, it worked wonders as a bearing retainer during a repair on my JD mower deck. I used it on both the top and bottom bearings, a total of six, and it saved me from having to buy new spindles. Initially, I considered using an old soda or pop can shim, but this adhesive was well worth the investment. I also sourced blades and a belt from Amazon, and now all the blades are cut evenly.
In a different scenario, I used Loctite 680 to permanently connect the male and female threaded ends of my semi-automatic handgun’s recoil spring rod. I’ve fired approximately 250 rounds through the pistol, and the rod is still holding strong.
I particularly like this adhesive compared to the other blue Loctite variant because it’s designed to have some resistance to oil residue. It works excellently and only costs a little more.
❌Cons
When paired with the appropriate primer, this adhesive forms a remarkably strong bond, especially for slip-fit applications. However, it’s important to note that it sets very quickly when used with the primer. So, plan on assembling the parts immediately once you’ve applied it.
If you’re searching for something that will securely lock two metal parts together for eternity, this is the stuff you need. But be prepared to work fast because this liquid adhesive sets up rapidly. I’ve used it with the primer, and it seems to start curing within 60 seconds or even less.
While I haven’t attempted to disassemble anything I’ve used it on yet, from what I’ve read online, it’s even more difficult to take things apart compared to red Loctite. I reserve the use of Loctite 680 over Loctite 271 (red see loctite blue vs loctite red) only for situations where I never want to separate the two items, such as mounting studs forming part of an adapter or sleeves that will never need to be pressed out. I also find it particularly useful when inserting Time-sert threaded stainless steel inserts into aluminum.
💬 FAQ of Loctite 680 (Retaining Compound)
Q: Can Loctite 680 secure M2 taper chucks or arbors in place?
A: I have seen it used for that purpose, but for a more secure hold, I recommend using a clean shrink fit with a heated chuck and cooled arbor tapped together with a lead hammer. I have never had issues with slippage using this method.
Q: Is there a specific primer to use with this retaining compound for non-ferrous metal?
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A: I have used this retaining compound successfully on plastic, aluminum, and all types of steel without a primer. It works well on these surfaces without one.
Q: Will this retaining compound provide a strong enough bond between a steel electric motor shaft and a bronze press-fit gear?
A: This retaining compound is quite strong, but I cannot confirm its suitability for this specific application. I have only used it for a small mounted micrometer moved manually.
Q: Does this retaining compound produce foam?
A: No, it does not foam.
Q: Is the bottle completely filled or partially filled?
A: The bottle is only partially filled, leaving some air space. This is because Loctite products need to cure in the absence of air.
Q: Can this retaining compound prevent metal roof screws from backing out?
A: Unfortunately, I don’t believe this retaining compound is suitable for your needs. The lock is tight, threads on the bolt/but, and pressure are what create the bond. It only fills gaps of up to 0.015 inches, and it may be difficult to achieve such a small gap with sheet metal screws.
Q: Should I use this retaining compound for an AR-15 barrel extension to mate with the upper receiver, or stick with 620?
A: I recommend sticking with 620, as this retaining compound can be difficult to remove once the object is installed.
Q: Is this retaining compound conductive?
A: While this retaining compound is made of plastic and is not inherently conductive, it could conduct electricity if there are voids or uneven surfaces, especially if high voltage or contact is made. You can found more resources in my article about Conductive Glue vs. Solder.
Q: I am looking for a product to repair a cold solder joint on a double-barrel shotgun. Can this retaining compound be used for that?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot repair a cold solder joint. It needs to be reheated, the proper flux used, and then cooled slowly.
Q: Can this retaining compound, along with a primer, hold a 15mm bicycle lug nut permanently, even against breaker bars? I plan to use heat to remove them for theft protection.
A: I have only used this retaining compound for precision work, so I’m uncertain if it can withstand the pressure of breaker bars. It’s designed for slip-fit applications, so it may not be as strong as red or blue Loctite.
Q: Can this retaining compound handle the high temperatures of an AR-15 barrel, or will it cook off?
A: Loctite 680 is primarily used for slip connections and is very strong, but it may not be ideal for threaded connections. If you plan to use it on the flash suppressor, compensator, or sound suppressor that is threaded on the end of the barrel, or to attach the barrel to the upper receiver, I recommend using Loctite 271 instead.
Q: Can this retaining compound work as well as Loctite 638 for bushings?
A: This retaining compound actually works better than Loctite 638 for bushings.
Q: Can this retaining compound be used to glue a hand-cranked meat grinder to a surface?
A: No, this retaining compound is not an adhesive glue and is only designed to fuse metal to metal through a chemical etching process.
📝 My Hands-on Test of Loctite 609
✅Pros
Firstly, what caught my attention was its ease of application. Without the need for any special tools, I simply applied a small amount of the compound to the bolt threads and inserted it into the nut. The drying process was quick, and the resulting bond was incredibly robust. No worries about any movement or loosening here.
Loctite 609 proved to be an ideal solution for my 3D printer build, where I needed a permanent and non-moving bond between nuts and bolts. Its reliability and efficiency made the assembly process smooth and hassle-free. I can confidently say that this product delivered exactly what it promised.
The exceptional quality of Loctite products is well-known, and Loctite 609 Retaining Compound is no exception. Its high-strength formula ensures long-lasting performance, making it a valuable addition to any workshop or DIY enthusiast’s toolbox. In fact, it has saved the day for me on multiple occasions.
Furthermore, I appreciate the prompt delivery of this product. Despite my initial concern about it coming from India, it arrived within a reasonable time frame. I received it just in time for my weekend project, thanks to the quick shipping service.
❌Cons
In terms of value, Loctite 609 may seem a little expensive at first, but the results it delivers justify the cost. Plus, the bottle size exceeded my expectations. I initially thought it would be a small container, similar to the Blue 242 (See Loctite 248 Vs. 242)I picked up from a local store. However, this bottle is massive, and I doubt I’ll ever need to purchase 609 again. Talk about a long-lasting supply!
FAQ of Loctite 609
Q: Which Loctite product is recommended for securing a tapered roller bearing race with slight looseness?
A: Loctite 609 would be suitable for addressing your situation.
Q: Is there a risk of damaging carbon fiber with this product?
A: Carbon fiber is essentially carbon in its elemental state. It seems highly unlikely that it would cause damage, although it might not adhere well to it. It would be best to consult Loctite for a more definitive answer to your excellent question.
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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