In mechanical assembly, maintenance, and industrial manufacturing, fastener loosening is a common but costly problem. Vibration, thermal cycling, and dynamic loads can gradually reduce clamping force, leading to equipment failure, safety risks, and unplanned downtime. To address these challenges, medium-strength threadlockers have become a standard solution—and LOCTITE 243 Threadlocker is one of the most widely trusted options for metal fasteners.
This article provides a practical overview of what LOCTITE 243 is, how it works, its technical characteristics, and why it is widely used across industrial, automotive, and maintenance applications.
What Is LOCTITE 243 Threadlocker?
LOCTITE 243 is a medium-strength, oil-tolerant threadlocker designed for locking and sealing threaded metal fasteners. It belongs to the threadlockers product category and is based on acrylate chemistry with anaerobic curing technology.
Anaerobic cure means the adhesive remains liquid when exposed to air but cures once confined between metal surfaces in the absence of oxygen. This curing mechanism makes LOCTITE 243 highly reliable for threaded assemblies, ensuring consistent performance without complicated application procedures.
Its medium-strength formulation allows fasteners to be secured against loosening while still permitting disassembly with standard hand tools, making it ideal for both permanent assemblies and components requiring periodic maintenance.
Designed for Real-World Assembly Conditions
One of the defining advantages of LOCTITE 243 is its oil tolerance. In many real-world production and repair environments, it is difficult to completely remove cutting fluids, lubricants, or protective oils from fasteners. LOCTITE 243 is engineered to cure effectively even on lightly oily metal surfaces, reducing preparation time and improving assembly efficiency.
This feature makes it particularly suitable for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations where speed and reliability are critical.
Key Performance Characteristics
LOCTITE 243 combines balanced mechanical strength with ease of use. On M10 steel nuts and bolts, it provides a breakaway torque of approximately 26.0 N·m and a prevail torque of around 5.0 N·m, offering secure locking without making disassembly difficult.
The product cures anaerobically and typically reaches fixture strength in about 10 minutes, allowing assemblies to be handled or moved shortly after application. Full cure develops over time as the adhesive polymerizes within the threaded interface.
The operating temperature range is broad, from -55 °C to 180 °C, making it suitable for equipment exposed to cold environments, elevated operating temperatures, or fluctuating thermal conditions.
Application Methods and Ease of Use
LOCTITE 243 is supplied in liquid form and can be applied using multiple methods, including manual application, dispense guns, or automated dispense systems. This flexibility allows it to be integrated easily into both small-scale workshop operations and high-volume production lines.
Its thixotropic nature prevents excessive flow after application, helping the adhesive stay where it is applied without dripping or spreading unnecessarily. This characteristic improves application accuracy and reduces waste.
The blue color also serves as a visual indicator, making it easier to confirm that threadlocker has been applied during assembly or inspection.
Compatibility with Metal Fasteners
LOCTITE 243 is recommended for use with metal fasteners, including passive metals. It performs reliably on common materials such as steel, stainless steel, and other metallic substrates typically used in machinery, automotive components, and industrial equipment.
Because it is primerless, it does not require additional surface activators under normal conditions, further simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of materials needed on the shop floor.
Typical Applications Across Industries
Thanks to its balanced strength and oil tolerance, LOCTITE 243 is widely used in a range of industries and applications, including:
General machinery assembly
Automotive components and subassemblies
Pumps, motors, and gearboxes
Industrial equipment maintenance
Fasteners exposed to vibration or dynamic loads
In these applications, the threadlocker helps prevent loosening caused by vibration and shock, seals threads against leakage and corrosion, and improves overall joint reliability.
Supporting Efficient Maintenance and Disassembly
A key advantage of medium-strength threadlockers is their removability. LOCTITE 243 is designed so that fasteners can be disassembled using standard hand tools when maintenance or part replacement is required. This makes it an excellent choice for assemblies that need both security and serviceability.
The product is also fluorescent, allowing quality inspectors to verify proper application under appropriate lighting conditions. This feature supports process control in production environments where consistency and traceability are important.
Ordering, Samples, and Logistics Support
For customers interested in using LOCTITE 243 Threadlocker, a structured ordering process is typically followed. This includes inquiry submission, application discussion, product recommendation, sample confirmation, contract finalization, production, and delivery coordination.
Sample orders are available to help customers evaluate suitability for specific use scenarios. Multiple transportation options can be arranged, including ocean freight and express delivery, depending on project requirements and timelines.
Delivery time for production generally depends on order quantity and is typically within standard business lead times. Payment confirmation and documentation support are available through direct communication.
Accepted delivery terms include FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW, and express delivery. Payments can be handled in USD or CNY through commonly used international payment methods. Multilingual support ensures smooth communication across global markets.
Choosing a Reliable Supply Partner
Selecting the right adhesive product is only part of the solution. Working with a supplier that understands application requirements, logistics coordination, and technical support is equally important.
Wuhan Hualiwei New Material Co., Ltd. focuses on providing reliable adhesive solutions and professional service for industrial customers. To explore available threadlocker products and technical options, you can visit the official product page here:
<a href="https://www.hlw-adhesive.com/products" target="_blank">LOCTITE Threadlocker Products</a>
Conclusion
LOCTITE 243 Threadlocker is a proven, medium-strength solution for securing metal fasteners in demanding environments. Its oil tolerance, anaerobic curing technology, balanced mechanical strength, and ease of application make it a dependable choice for both production and maintenance applications.
For manufacturers and maintenance teams seeking consistent fastener reliability without sacrificing serviceability, LOCTITE 243 offers a practical and well-established threadlocking solution suited to real-world industrial needs.
www.hlw-adhesive.com
Wuhan Hualiwei New Material Co., Ltd.
