Locktite pros, cons, opinions

Mark Behnke

Mark Behnke

Well-Known Member
I'm getting close to finial assembly on the project build liner lock, and this is my first folder so was wondering about if locktite should be used . If so what kind and where?

Would the pivot get a different kind than the liners etc.

Mark
 
Mark, I don't Loctite anything on my knives. I think its ok without it. I like to be able to take it apart without fighting Loctite.
 
Use the blue locktite, at least on the pivot. If you ever have trouble loosening the screw you can put some direct heat on it with a soldering iron.
 
I think it depends on the design. Some pivot set up's tighten the swivel action and could benefit from a drop of loctite. Some pivot set up's tighten against a standoff or can be cranked down and won't affect the blade action.
 
I'm still pretty new to folders but I do use the purple loctite just cause I'm pariniod about them loosening.
Stan
 
Last edited:
I'm with Les....the blue paste (looks like a chapstick tube). I almost always use it on pivots, and on folders destined for hard use, EVERY screw gets a tiny dab.
 
pivot screw

Here is what I do for pivot screws. I use an 8-32 pivot screw and I put a nylon insert in it to stop it from turning. Make a jig block with 8-32 threads tapped in it. Drill a hole for a #51 drill perpendicular to the threads so that it will allow you to drill a hole 3 threads from the end of your pivot screw. Remove the screw after drilling the hole in it and deburr both sides of the hole. Take a piece of weed eater line that measures .165" in diameter and force it into the hole. It should slide in easy. Trim both sides flush with the threads with a razor. Now screw the pivot screw with the nylon line in it back into the screw jig. This will force the nylon tight into the hole and it will also clean up the ends. Now just screw it into the pivot of your folder and it will stay where you tighten it.
 

Attachments

  • pivotscrew1.jpg
    pivotscrew1.jpg
    6.4 KB · Views: 62
  • pivotscrew2.jpg
    pivotscrew2.jpg
    5.2 KB · Views: 65
  • pivotscrew3.jpg
    pivotscrew3.jpg
    6.6 KB · Views: 66
Blue on pivots.
Green on some small steel/steel applications (like 2-56 going into a steel part that may need disassembly down the road).
Red on thumbstuds.

I usually don't use anything on steel screws going into good tight (roll-tapped) threads in Ti. They seem to stay put just fine thanks to a higher COF and, I suspect, a little bit of bind the small, springy Ti threads generate when cinched down.
 
Loctite used in correct applications is just fine and applied properly you do not need tools to remove the fastener most people put way to much, it only takes a tiny drop on any fastener smaller then 2mm.One drop on larger fasteners up to 7mm. Coating all the thread defeats the purpose of the device. when i build wheels i use one tiny drop of 242/ 2240 fora 2mm spoke i have yet to ever need heat to true a wheel years later.

609 and the other green loctites are retaining compounds and can be substituted for 271 or the like for quicker cure times.

the big key to thread compounds is clean threads use acetone or 90% rubbing alcohol to clean the thread of both parts.

loctite is anerobic it only cures under pressure/friction and the absence of air

I find the sticks to be to wasteful for small applications making it twice as expensive as it already is.
 
I use blue loctite on bali pivots. I really like the idea of the nylon in the screw idea. I saw it somewhere else. Tracy posted something like that I think?
 
I have a question, wouldn't the Loctite interfere with the IKBS system that a lot of makers are using now. By the way I love the IKBS system and think it has the smoothest action I ever used.
 
nylon insert

Les George said:
I saw it there and thought it was a great idea but I've never tried it....yet... ;)

Thanks for posting it here! :) 2thumbs
Click to expand...

You should really try it on your folders. It can be unscrewed anytime and not lose friction. You don't have to keep putting anything on it every time it is unscrewed. I use contact cleaner on the pivot screw threads to get all the oil out off it before I put the screw in the pivot. This ensures good resistance in the pivot screw with no galling.
 
Larry B. said:
I have a question, wouldn't the Loctite interfere with the IKBS system that a lot of makers are using now. By the way I love the IKBS system and think it has the smoothest action I ever used.
Click to expand...

Not if you dont over do it... To much wil gum up the works no matter if it's IKBS or not.

tomwatson said:
You should really try it on your folders. It can be unscrewed anytime and not lose friction. You don't have to keep putting anything on it every time it is unscrewed. I use contact cleaner on the pivot screw threads to get all the oil out off it before I put the screw in the pivot. This ensures good resistance in the pivot screw with no galling.
Click to expand...


I'll add it to the list! :) 2thumbs
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top