Solvent for removing Locktite

O

Otto V

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Sprucedale, Ontario
I ordered some Leupold Ringmounts and the screws came with a dab of what I assume is Locktite (blue). The Locktite is dried hard as rock and makes it really hard to install the screws . . . I want to remove it. Does anybody have any idea what solvent will dissolve Locktite? :confused:
 
"...what solvent will dissolve Locktite..." Nothing dissolves Lock-tite. Use heat. A quick touch with a propane torch will do it.
 
Here's some info from their site, apparently there is a solvent for blue loctite :) ht tp://www.loctiteproducts.com/tds/T_LKR_BLUE_tds.pdf
 
Thanks for the replies. I talked to a rep at Locktite, she recommended methylene chloride which is apparently a common ingredient in paint stripper (the info on their website also mentions the use of methylene chloride and a wire brush).

I tried paint stripper, it softened the Locktite a bit (but not much). It still took lots of scrubbing with a small wire brush to get all of it off the threads.
 
Just use some heat. The heat will soften the compound, whether it's Loctite or something similar. I don't like that stuff either.

I just use a butane torch, hold the screw by its head in a pair of pliers and wipe the crud off when it starts to melt.
 
Try using a soldering iron as the blue stuff will usually let at pretty low temperature (usually, below or around 300 Deg. F).
By using a torch and not knowing exactly what you're doing, , you may change the hardness / heat treatment / finish of the steel.

The dry blue stuff is made by many companies and usually, it's an anaerobic compound which is activated by compression (and shear), similar to Loctite.
 
Ian,
Vibra-Tite is just another "dry" anaerobic compound and is in fact similar to Loctite, but uses a catalyst to "solidify" the adhesive until it's screwed in. The shear heat will soften the stuff and it will cure in place after the air is remove by the pressure on the threads.

Check Vibra-Tite.com
 
Don't think so:

Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadmate is one of the most versatile threadlockers available on the market. Unlike traditional liquid lockers which cure to form a hard bond, VC-3 is a blend of resins designed to remain flexible and absorb vibration. This unique difference makes VC-3 coated fasteners truly adjustable, removable, and reusable. Great for fasteners ranging from tiny set and eyeglass screws to huge construction bolts, Vibra-Tite VC-3 is ideal for use on assemblies of any size and configuration.
 
You didn't specify which serie, but even the VC series are acrylic polymers and Loctite threadlocker (and other derivatives and or spinn-offs) are acrylic acids, so the bases are pretty close. Most others Vibe-Tite threadlockers are acrylic acids too.
Anyhow, it's even easier to melt as the boiling point is lower than "Loctite".
 
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Hmmm, I think the point is in this case that the screws come with the stuff on them as a locking device so you don't need to put loctite on them. I suggest you use them as supplied and intended. It may be rocket science but it's not a big deal. If you really want to clean it off get a die and run the screws in to clean them off. Don't spend a day on a non issue!
 
Yeah, I agree with you, Ian. And that low boiling point makes it even easier to remove after, if something goes wrong.
But if the OP absolutely wants to revome it, it's possible to do so by heating the screws and using a wire brush or steel wool.
 
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I work in an industry that uses a LOT of loctite, red, blue green and whatever else there is out there. A couple of the guys have already mentioned using heat and I've found that to be the best and easiest thing to do. You don't need much heat, a lighter usually do the trick or a hot iron. A few years ago we had to remove a lot of screws held in by red Loctite and they wouldn't budge without the heat. Just a few seconds under some heat and they released easily. Well sort of, we still had to use some pressure to get them out but nothing really difficult. A heat gun, something a bit hotter than a hair dryer, does the trick for anything I've worked on and will not do anything to the metal.
 
+1 for the heat gun . We remove loctite /other thread lockers on a daily basis in the motorcycle repair industry . No need to use an open flame .
 
Blue loctite should really require anything, surprised you can't just pick it off with a toothpick or something.
The red stuff is the really tough stuff that requires heat to separate parts.
 
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