Vibratite VC3 or Loctite Blue?

A

adam_s

Regular Member
Hey all:
After discovering the amazingness that are Loctite applicator sticks (think a glue stick, but as Loctite Blue or Red), I also came across Vibratite VC3. I've gone over to using it far more than Loctite Blue, but wanted to make sure that I'm doing right.

Basically, Vibratite VC3 is a threadlocker compound that you apply to the threads in question, and let dry before installing. Once dry, the threadlocker is of similar holding capabilities (from my reading) to Loctite Blue...but (and this is the kicker for me), is reusable. Set once, and then use multiple times. For things that may be adjusted a few times (optics, rail accessories, etc), that seems to be pretty ideal.

However, given that I'm not a super expert on such things, I wanted to ping the braintrust to see if I was missing something somewhere.

(For those who are interested in any/all, here they are on Amazon_
Vibratite VC3: http://amzn.to/1ACnSMa
Loctite Blue Applicator Stick: http://amzn.to/1D3IZoQ
Loctite Red Applicator Stick: http://amzn.to/1MNb2kq )

Thanks!
 
Chris Taylor

Chris Taylor

Random Factor of the K Power
On a serious note, I've always used the needed flavor of LocTite. Never tried the other stuff.

My only, possible, concern is the decrease in holding ability after unassing something a couple of times.
 
A

adam_s

Regular Member
Chris Taylor said:
On a serious note, I've always used the needed flavor of LocTite. Never tried the other stuff.

My only, possible, concern is the decrease in holding ability after unassing something a couple of times.
Click to expand...

I would assume that after a few on/off cycles, it would be worn off, and need to be reapplied. That being said, for something you may want to adjust somewhat on the fly (accessory positioning, etc), being able to redo something, and not worry as much about it working free is sort of nice. For things that are set and forgot (gas blocks, optic rings), I think Blue is still the way to go.

I guess my big concern was that I had missed something somewhere, and by using VC3 over LT, my rifle would catch fire, dogs and cats would live together, mass hysteria, that sort of thing.
 
Chris Taylor

Chris Taylor

Random Factor of the K Power
Even though I haven't used it, you'll probably be good to go.

in extremis (when I can't lay hands on the deliciousness that is LocTite), I've used paint, Elmer's Glue, and finger nail polish (clear, neon orange, and a really sexy DoMe Red :D ), all with no issues. You'll probably be fine.

Hell, use it for a while and write up a product review. Enquiring minds and all that.
 
Chris Taylor

Chris Taylor

Random Factor of the K Power
We use Blue 242 at the shop, and one of the Reds (not sure of the #), but if there's better product, I'm willing to give'er a shot.
 
Dan Easterday

Dan Easterday

Member
243 and 263 are primer less which means less oils in the mixture, which means shorter cure time, and a better adhesion if there are oils on the parts. They also do better with less active metals such as stainless than the 242/262 product. 242/262 are less tolerant of residue on the parts during assembly as those fomulas already have some oil in them, and the additional oils mess with cure time and strength.

When I was the shop lead/R&D guy for a small manufacturing firm that made specialty sensors for the railroad industry, we had been using 242/262 on our parts that went on track maintenance equipment (extremely high vibration areas). We were seeing fastener back out on some mounting bolts when we were using the 242/262 products after about 4 weeks in the field. We pulled some data sheets and had a Loctite rep come out and he turned us onto the -3 formulas. The bolts from Fastenal had oil on them from the factory, and it was negating the curing and adhesion process.

Technical sheet for 243: https://tds.us.henkel.com/NA/UT/HNAUTTDS.nsf/web/501F265EF4E40E6C8525760E004B632C/$File/243-EN.pdf
Techincal sheet for 242: https://tds.us.henkel.com/NA/UT/HNAUTTDS.nsf/web/4F5DE4CF912A71D7882571870000D60D/$File/242-EN.pdf

The graphs are the tell here. On all metals, the cure time is better, the adhesion strength over temperature curve rocks, and you don't have to worry about getting the surfaces as clean.
 
Dan Easterday

Dan Easterday

Member
as to the sticks, I am skeptical about long term locking because of the nature of anaerobic curing, not having the liquid base would seem to me to be a negative in bonding. Surface area is key for thread engagement, and a semi-solid stick will offer less surface area coating than a liquid.

just my thoughts.

oh, and another recollection about the 243 product is that you don't have to shake it to mix it as much due to the lack of oils in the 243
 
Chris Taylor

Chris Taylor

Random Factor of the K Power
Awesome dude, many thanks! I think I'll have us order a bottle or two of the 243 next time we need some.

Now rhe important question, does the -3 series taste as good?
 
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