When should I be using Blue Thread Lock?

[Dan-G]

Sorry for what I assume is an "amateur hour" question but adding modifications is new to me with my Grenadier.
I bought the tools and installed a few things - including rock sliders - and thought that went well.
Now I am about to install skid plates and the install instructions say to use Blue Thread Lock on all of the bolts - should I have done that one the rock sliders too? And if so, is it worth taking them off and putting the Thread Lock on the bolts?

 

[landmannnn]

There are several methods of preventing bolts or nuts from coming loose. Spring washers, flat washers or loctite being the most common in automotive.*

As long as your fixings have at least one type it will be fine. Not a bad idea to revisit the rock sliders though.

*If you live where salt is spread on the roads you might be better off with some anti seize

 

[Dan-G]

There are several methods of preventing bolts or nuts from coming loose. Spring washers, flat washers or loctite being the most common in automotive.*

As long as your fixings have at least one type it will be fine. Not a bad idea to revisit the rock sliders though.

*If you live where salt is spread on the roads you might be better off with some anti seize

No salt here, just mud, heat and humidity.

I will revisit the rock sliders while I am working on the skid plates.

So many things to learn (fun but occasionally overwhelming).

Thank you!

 

[Max]

Sorry for what I assume is an "amateur hour" question but adding modifications is new to me with my Grenadier.
I bought the tools and installed a few things - including rock sliders - and thought that went well.
Now I am about to install skid plates and the install instructions say to use Blue Thread Lock on all of the bolts - should I have done that one the rock sliders too? And if so, is it worth taking them off and putting the Thread Lock on the bolts?

If they are on and have spring washers[Photo]keep on eye on them, but if not yet fitted it is always a good idea to put thread lock on

 

[Logsplitter]

Thread locker will also help prevent corrosion as there will be no gaps between the threads for corrosion to creep in. I use the BÄDER B222 low strength thread lock on my under guard protection.

Schraubensicherung B222 Eco Niedrigfest – Lackfabrik Bäder

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baederlacke.eu

 

[JGB5]

A slippage mark as commonly used in aviation is a quick way to visually check for unwanted rotation. With a high visibility red enamel paint, draw a narrow line across any nuts, bolts, or washers of concern an onto the mounting surface. If the line later becomes broken you know something has turned.

 

[NQ94]

Over the shoulder with spring washers most washers supplied with aftermarket accessories are low quality junk. Use flange headed fasteners or good quality hardened washers and at least the correct minimum torques for the bolts. If bolts loosening is a major issue use serrated type washers. Low strength 222 or mid strength 243 Blue Lock-tite on most bolt threads 6mm to 16mm red high strength if you hate the next person to undo the bolt.

 

[parb]

Or ... You can get what I think is the best of the best

Nord-Lock

Home Page

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McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

A video showing various washers including nord lock tested according to DIN 65151, a really difficult fastener standard.

View: https://youtu.be/IKwWu2w1gGk?si=ROyYSgfYA38C4b2R


It's used on trains in Europe and elsewhere.

 

[CRH]

What are the different thread lock colours for?

 

[AWo]

Spring washers were removed from the standards many years ago as a method to prevent bolted connections from getting loose

Nylon lock nuts are also not for locking a bolted connection. They are for preventing the loss of the nut and where that can have a bad outcome.

The best thing is the right torque. But if the connection is facing vibrations or oil, etc, a liquid thread locker can be used. The colour defines the strength.

If you have multiple bolts holding one piece an equally applied torque is more important than the right torque.

To equal the torque as much as possible I use Molykote 1000, even on all my wheel studs. It prevents rust and equals the friction so the torque is more equal than without.

If someone want to take a deep dive I recommend the bolted connection bible: "An introduction to the design and behaviour of bolted joints" by John H. Bickford.

There are some good NASA readings free in the Internet, as well.

AWo