Re: Something like Loc-Tite: A question for the pros
Reply #1 –
Assuming you are using Loctite between metal parts and not on the wood screws:
Loctite should start to harden in a matter of hours with full cure in 24. If it has not cured in that time frame it never will. Two things can inhibit cure: one is exposure to oxygen and the other is contaminates such as oil and grease. The typical use is on screw theads where the screw has either a nut on it or is screwed into metal. Within the threads air is excluded and the lack of oxygen enables cure.
I suggest disassembly, clean with alcohol and reassemble with more loctite. One thing I've noticed when using loctite is it seems to cure best when there is some load on the screw - I think the load helps block out the air.
Also, there are different strengths of Loctite that are color coded which all the generic manufactures seem to have adopted as well:
Blue (regular strength) is most commonly used and is consider "removable" (unless using very small fasteners, like #2 screws)
Red (high strength)is considered permanent (but can usually be removed with a little work or heat)
Purple (low strength) I believe is used for very small screws.
Hope this helps