Alright, crap, not getting any work done today anyhow. Here goes:
1. Never use it on a metal fastener that threads into a metal insert in a plastic part. If you do, you may end up stripping the metal insert OUT of the plastic if you try to remove it. Seriously not good if that happens.
2. Thread locking compounds typically take 24 hours to cure, thus making it worthless to apply a few minutes before going riding . . . which then leads to . . .
3. Repeatedly applying more Loctite to a threaded fastener without FIRST removing all traces of the old will give you a false torque reading and you're actually making the fastener MORE likely to loosen
4. Use the correct type. There are many and they have specific applications and torque ranges. You gotta match them up.
5. More is NOT better. A few drops is better than slathering it on.
6. Don't use on shock bolts that thread directly into the frame or actually any suspension bolt.
7. If you mistakenly use
RED Loctite it will take an act of God/Thor/Zeus to loosen it. And maybe not then. A butane torch may work, but there are lots of places you don't want to be using a torch on a bike.
8. Check the Service Manual. If the factory didn't spec a thread locking compound, then don't use it unless you're having a problem keeping that fastener tight. Don't just use it as "insurance" because it makes repairs and maintenance, especially the kind by the side of the road/raining/night much more exciting than it needs to be.
9. You must use Loctite primer on stainless, plated or anodized steel threads for the Loctite to work.
10. Putting Loctite on a fastener with dirty/corroded/dull threads can actually lead to stripping the threads out of whatever part you install it on when you later go to loosen it.
Them's the facts. Note that "facts" are generally the opposite of "opinions." No I don't work for Loctite, but I
WILL graciously accept a cash contribution to my Farkle Fund if anyone from 3M reads this.
