Ogre (and others) mentioned on other question threads that red locktite might be a bad idea for places like the steering column tilt bolts. I have found at least 3 different red locktite compounds each with a different number. Of course, there is the classic red liquid stuff which is truly semi-permanent. I have also found one that is basically like a glue stick and is more or less solid but soft. I think I got it from the GM dealer when thread locking caliper bolts on the Tahoe. I also found a tube of a gel like red compound at Autozone. Are all 3 of these the same red semi-permanent variety or do the gooey one have release properties somewhere between classic red and classic blue compounds?

I'm no expert but there are an awful lot, more than four. And you'll find opinions. I use blue for most things.
These are the four common automotive use though:



". Loctite® Purple Threadlocker

Ever have the fasteners on your eyeglasses begin to loosen or need to repair your laptop computer? Loctite® 222™ is a threadlocker that specializes in these small fastener assemblies, typically under 1/4″. The biggest benefits of this threadlocker are that it can be easily applied to small fasteners, will lock and seal out moisture, but can be gently removed with the same hand tool you used to assemble the fasteners.

Why would you want an ‘easily removable’ threadlocker? Often times smaller fasteners are used on assemblies that are very delicate. This threadlocker gives you the option to still reliably hold your assembly together, but if you ever feel the need to remove them, it won’t take a large amount of torque that could potentially damage the overall assembly. In fact, this threadlocker is so versatile, Kelly Matson wrote an entire post about it last year; When and Why to Use Purple Threadlocker.

2. Loctite® Blue Threadlocker

The number one product to keep in your garage is by far Loctite® 243™ Medium Strength Threadlocker. It is higher strength than Loctite® 222™, but still can be removed using standard hand tools.

The number of times Loctite® Medium Strength Blue Removable Threadlockers have come in handy around my house is countless! Over the winter months, my front door begins to loosen up from harsh winds and everyday use. One of my common projects is to tighten everything up when this happens. Here’s how it unfolds:

1.Lay out newspapers for easy cleanup.


2.Remove one of the screws that connect the front and back of the knob/handle with a screwdriver.


3.Now break out my favoirite blue threadlocker, Loctite® 243™ Medium Strength Threadlocker. Apply one drop on the threads of the removed screw and roll the screw until the adhesive is coated around the threads.


4.Replace the screw in its proper hole.


5.Repeat until all your screws are securely in place once again.


Loctite® blue threadlockers are designed to be removable, meaning the assembly can be taken apart with the same tools it was put together with. The blue threadlockers are not meant to add strength to an assembly, but to prevent a tight assembly from vibrating loose.

Want more info on blue threadlockers? Read Blue Threadlocker Basics.

3. Loctite® Red Threadlocker

Your average lawn mower or snow blower is full of vibration, this vibration is a torqued assemblies worst nightmare. The best use of red threadlocker is for areas of heavy vibration.

Our lawn and garden equipment generally sees a lot of abuse, especially the equipment that sees the winter months. I would recommend using a High Strength Red Threadlocker for some key areas such as the bolts that hold the motor to the deck of a snow blower or lawn mower. In these situations, specifically a product like Loctite® 271™ High Strength Threadlocker works best. Simply apply Loctite® 271™ to the nut and bolt, reassemble, and it will not only protect the fasteners from corrosion, but lock them in place to help resist shock, vibration, and temperature variance.

What do I do if I ever need to take these fasteners apart? Depending on the size of the bolt, you may have to apply localized heat to soften the threadlocker in order to remove it with hand tools. To learn how, read How to Remove Red Threadlocker.

4. Loctite® Green Threadlocker

Ever have an assembly that’s already been put together but they forgot to use threadlocker on the fasteners? Loctite® 290™ Wicking Grade Threadlocker is specifically designed for those projects that the fasteners are already in place and torqued down, but you want to add more reliability. Simply place the tip of the threadlocker bottle at the interface of the nut and bolt (or bolt and blind hole) and apply a few drops. The product has the ability to wick in between the thread engagement, fully cure within 24hrs, then lock and seal for the life of your assembly…all WITHOUT having to take the fasteners apart during application. I use this product on a number of applications, including bikes, instrumentation screws and carburetors."


http://henkeladhesivesna.co...ctite-threadlockers/

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 12-15-2016).]

purple was called "small screw formula" and often hard to find at most stores. Green too.

Red liquid is bad for many things. Red need heat to remove later and heat can damage the parts and near by items.
Blue can be hard when piece are aluminum etc. You can twist strip or otherwise break the parts before blue releases.

Solid and "pre-applied" locking media can be very hard to get by public. (pre-apply is put on bolt day to years before installing whatever.)
Locktite Red color for solid is likely permanent but you need to contact the maker for specs.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

I was surprised to see "pre-apply" on the Tahoe brake bolts. I had never seen it before. It is yellow and comes on the caliper bracket bolts. Lost a bolt some where (still haven't found where it got to) and had to buy a new one. Surprisingly it was only like $2.

As you said, I am not sure where you might actually buy some of that yellow stuff. If I find specs on the various non-liquid red varieties I'll post to the group.

quote Originally posted by Ray_and_kevin: I was surprised to see "pre-apply" on the Tahoe brake bolts. I had never seen it before. It is yellow and comes on the caliper bracket bolts. Lost a bolt some where (still haven't found where it got to) and had to buy a new one. Surprisingly it was only like $2. As you said, I am not sure where you might actually buy some of that yellow stuff. If I find specs on the various non-liquid red varieties I'll post to the group.

Pre-apply thread locking and sealers are often only in bulk packs for manufacturing plants etc and public can't get them.

You might get small samples but need to call for them and be working of a company etc.
Example: I used to some samples from 3M that I test to see if they work for the job but had to go to elsewhere to buy or buy a huge amount from 3M.

Often same thing for solid lockers, only really sold to manufacturers etc by Grainger Graybar etc that are mainly Business to Business operations.
Grainger, unlike AZ et al, does carry Loctite Red Solid... Item # 3UU56 Mfr. Model # 37685 cost $19.10 each
Both above Does sell to the public but most of public doesn't hear about them and stores aren't design as public shopping places. Is more like "old school" car parts and most things you go to the counter.
(Graybar is where I got bulk network and phone wiring parts etc but general public doesn't buy full reels of plenum Cat5 wire. Easy just go to HD Lowes for small amount they need.)

Ah Grainger. People in industrial area know them well. The memories