Tamiya thread lock questions

[metroplex]

I have a few questions regarding Tamiya's thread lock products:

* Which thread lock (anaerobic gel (#54032) or the liquid one (#87004)) is generally preferred?

* I assume that the anaerobic gel is stronger - but how strong is it? Can I remove a screw if I use it?

* Both above mentioned products are for metal-to-metal, right?

I find it hard to find any good information on this, so I'd be very happy if someone could help me out on this.

[taliesin]

I think it is a preference thing. I've always used liquid, but I'm going to give the gel a try as it looks a bit cleaner to use - just dip the bolt and done. Curious to see what other folks think on this issue.

You can remove nuts/bolts fairly easily with either, they just won't come off by themselves. DO NOT ever use "red" thread lock found in hardware stores. This is way too powerful for R/C applications and you will destroy your car and break or strip every nut/bolt you have. "Blue" is ok for R/C use.

Metal to metal only. Thread lock will destroy the plastic if you use it to lock in self tapping screws.

Hope that helps.

[metroplex]

I think it is a preference thing. I've always used liquid, but I'm going to give the gel a try as it looks a bit cleaner to use - just dip the bolt and done. Curious to see what other folks think on this issue.

You can remove nuts/bolts fairly easily with either, they just won't come off by themselves. DO NOT ever use "red" thread lock found in hardware stores. This is way too powerful for R/C applications and you will destroy your car and break or strip every nut/bolt you have. "Blue" is ok for R/C use.

Metal to metal only. Thread lock will destroy the plastic if you use it to lock in self tapping screws.

Hope that helps.

Thank you very much for the fast and good reply - now things are more clear! I'm also curious to read what other people prefer, liquid or gel thread lock..

[dimblum]

I have not tried the anerobic gel threadlock Tamiya makes, but I have used the blue liquid threadlock in the past and I think it is terrible for RC applications.. When you remove a screw from a liquid threadlock bond it will leave a hard crusty/gritty film on your screw threads that you need to scrape away if you plan to reuse the screw. Its a real pain and very unpractical. I cannot figure out why all the hobby shops stock liquid threadlock as "pretty much" their only choice...

I use this threadlock product instead. It is my all time favorite for RC: http://www.amazon.com/Loctite-QuickStix-Th...e/dp/B000132VH6

It has a wax/paste type consistency, is much easier to work with than liquid and your screws come out clean if you need to remove them.

----

This is just my opinion after using several brands of threadlock. No offense to anyone who prefers liquid threadlock or had a better experience with it than I had.

Hope this helps.

[Saito]

I've used both, but I like the smell of the old blue Tamiya threadlocker best.

[taliesin]

I've used both, but I like the smell of the old blue Tamiya threadlocker best.

Yes, but which tastes better when you lick your fingers?

These things are very important to us TC'ers!

[MadInventor]

I prefer not to use any if at all possible. If tighten metal onto metal I just make sure it's good and tight. Where possible I replace the M3 tamiya machined screws with the phillips head for socket cap screws (allen key drive). They're a lot easier to tighten and undo without damaging the head. I find where thread locks have been used the bolts are generally extremely difficult to undo. I appreciate if you run ball diffs you'll need to use thread lock to set the tension properly.

[oz-trash-cowboy]

If the threads are locked at little too tight. I have had success heating the parts in an oven 200C or over a candle flame. If you cant find your tube of TL or run out afer hours, I have improvised with my wifes nail varnish!!!

[Skottoman]

I've used both the gel, and the liquid.

Something to keep in mind is that sometimes you need/want to put thread lock on a screw that has already been put in place before installing the nut.

In this case the liquid in the tube is the only one you can use.

I agree that for a lot of basic assembly, the red gel is quite nice to use as you just dip and go.

Cheers,

Skottoman

[matman]

I've used both, but I like the smell of the old blue Tamiya threadlocker best.

it brings back the 80's . Amazing how smell can bring back memory's

& very lucky it don't bring back the hair & the cloths back LOL .

[Thommo]

I've used both, but I like the smell of the old blue Tamiya threadlocker best.

Be very careful as this can lead to addiction. The other one to look out for is Tamiya Box Wrench Syndrome. When advanced, it becomes immpossible to let go of a box wrench. Some sufferers find the box wrench always in their pocket or worn on the body as an accessory. I suffer from both threadlock addiction and box wrench syndrome

A tattoo of a box wrench may fix the box wrench syndrome but there is nothing you can do if you get hooked on threadlock.