Threaded fasteners are essential components in mechanical assemblies, but they are also one of the most common sources of failure. Vibration, thermal expansion, and repeated load cycles can gradually loosen bolts and screws, leading to equipment malfunction, safety risks, and costly downtime. To address this issue, threadlocking adhesives are widely used across industries—and LOCTITE 243 Threadlocker is one of the most reliable and versatile solutions available.
This article explains what LOCTITE 243 threadlocker is, how it works, and when it should be used, helping engineers, maintenance teams, and procurement professionals make informed decisions in real-world applications.
What Is LOCTITE 243 Threadlocker?
LOCTITE 243 is a medium-strength, general-purpose threadlocker designed specifically for 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 in the presence of air but cures when confined between metal surfaces where oxygen is absent. Once applied to a bolt or screw and assembled, LOCTITE 243 polymerizes within the threads, forming a strong bond that locks the fastener in place while also sealing it against corrosion and leakage.
The product is easily identified by its blue color, which also helps during inspection to confirm application.
Key Characteristics That Define LOCTITE 243
LOCTITE 243 is designed to balance holding strength with serviceability. Its medium-strength formulation allows fasteners to be removed with standard hand tools when maintenance or part replacement is required.
Some of its most important characteristics include:
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Removable disassembly, suitable for components that require periodic servicing
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Oil tolerance, allowing effective curing on lightly oily metal surfaces
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Primerless application, reducing preparation steps
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Fluorescent properties, enabling inspection under appropriate lighting
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Thixotropic behavior, preventing unwanted flow after application
These features make LOCTITE 243 particularly practical for both production environments and maintenance operations.
How LOCTITE 243 Performs on Metal Fasteners
LOCTITE 243 is recommended for use with metal fasteners, including passive metals. On standard M10 steel nuts and bolts, it delivers a breakaway torque of approximately 26.0 N·m and a prevail torque of about 5.0 N·m. This level of performance is sufficient to resist vibration-induced loosening while still allowing controlled removal.
The adhesive has a fixture time of around 10 minutes, meaning that assemblies can typically be handled shortly after installation. Full curing continues over time as the adhesive fully polymerizes inside the threaded joint.
With an operating temperature range from -55 °C to 180 °C, LOCTITE 243 performs reliably in both low-temperature and high-temperature environments, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial conditions.
Application Methods and Ease of Integration
LOCTITE 243 is supplied as a liquid threadlocker and can be applied in several ways, depending on production scale and process requirements. Common application methods include manual application, dispense guns, and automated dispense systems.
This flexibility allows the product to be easily integrated into assembly lines, repair workshops, and maintenance routines. Its viscosity of approximately 2150 mPa·s helps ensure controlled dispensing without excessive dripping or spreading, improving consistency and reducing material waste.
When Should You Use LOCTITE 243?
LOCTITE 243 is best suited for applications where fasteners need to remain secure under vibration but must still be removable for maintenance. Typical use scenarios include:
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General machinery and equipment assembly
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Automotive components exposed to vibration
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Pumps, motors, and gearboxes
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Industrial maintenance and repair work
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Fasteners that may be exposed to residual oils
Because of its oil tolerance, LOCTITE 243 is especially useful in environments where thorough degreasing is difficult or time-consuming. This makes it a reliable choice for MRO applications, where speed and consistency are critical.
Situations Where Medium Strength Is the Right Choice
Choosing the correct threadlocker strength is essential. High-strength threadlockers may require heat or special tools for removal, while low-strength products may not provide sufficient resistance to vibration.
LOCTITE 243 occupies the middle ground. It is strong enough to prevent loosening in most dynamic applications, yet removable without damaging fasteners or surrounding components. This balance makes it suitable for assemblies that are serviced regularly or adjusted during their lifecycle.
Additional Benefits in Daily Use
In addition to locking fasteners, LOCTITE 243 also acts as a sealant. By filling the gaps between threads, it helps prevent moisture ingress, corrosion, and leakage caused by vibration or pressure changes.
The fluorescent property of the adhesive adds value in quality control processes. Inspectors can quickly verify correct application using appropriate lighting, improving consistency and reducing assembly errors in production environments.
Ordering, Samples, and Logistics Support
For customers interested in using LOCTITE 243 threadlocker, a clear ordering and support process is available. Typically, this includes submitting an inquiry, describing the application scenario, receiving product recommendations, confirming samples, finalizing contracts, and arranging production and delivery.
Sample orders can be provided for testing and evaluation. Multiple logistics options are available, including ocean freight and express delivery, depending on project requirements. Production and delivery timelines depend on order quantity and coordination details.
Accepted delivery terms include FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW, and express delivery. Payments can be handled in USD or CNY using standard international payment methods. Multilingual communication support ensures smooth cooperation across different regions.
Choosing a Reliable Supply Partner
Using a high-quality threadlocker is only effective when paired with reliable technical support and supply stability. Wuhan Hualiwei New Material Co., Ltd. focuses on providing dependable adhesive solutions and professional service to customers across multiple industries.
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 versatile, medium-strength solution designed to secure metal fasteners against vibration while allowing easy disassembly. Its anaerobic curing technology, oil tolerance, and wide temperature range make it suitable for both production and maintenance environments.
If your application requires reliable fastener locking without sacrificing serviceability, LOCTITE 243 is an effective and proven choice that aligns well with real-world industrial needs.
www.hlw-adhesive.com
Wuhan Hualiwei New Material Co., Ltd.
