How to remove a high strength threadlocker in plant maintenance applications

Henkel’s Loctite 2620 is an ultra-high temperature, high strength red threadlocker that locks and seals threaded fasteners in applications that require continuous temperature resistance up to 650 degrees F. It is considered a permanent assembly method; however, there may be instances where removal is necessary — in plant maintenance applications, for example. Red threadlocker removal is possible, the company says, if you know the right technique.

“Removing a red threadlocker involves heating the nut and bolt for a couple of minutes to a temperature of 500 degrees F (250 degrees C),” explains Mike Oliveira, an application engineer for Henkel, in a recent blog on the company’s website. 

Applying localized heat using a blowtorch, for example, will soften the thermoset plastic in the threadlocker. Once the nut and bolt are heated up, disassembly is possible using a standard hand wrench, Oliveira says.

Loctite 2620 Red High Strength Threadlocker is ideal for use on fasteners up to ¾ inches (19 mm) in size. It will secure parts that need to withstand heavy shock, vibration, or extreme chemical or environmental conditions in plants. 

If the job doesn’t require such a high strength threadlocker, the company offers a blue medium strength threadlocker, which can be removed with standard hand tools. There are, in fact, a variety of different threadlockers in various strengths to lock threaded assemblies and protect against vibration, corrosion and galling. 

The team of experts at Henkel can help you select the right threadlocker for the job based on your specific application needs.

To learn more, contact Henkel. 

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