There are several things that you need to keep in mind when choosing your Loctite threadlockers. These Loctite products come in a wide range of sizes and capacities, so you’ll want to find one that will work for your specific needs. They also come in varying viscosities or thicknesses, so you’ll want to find one that will not cause your Loctite product to drip down the threads.
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What are the differences between Loctite 242 vs. 243?
Loctite 242 and 243 are quite similar products. 243 does not have any solvents, meaning that it won’t dissipate as 242 does. This means that Loctite 243 is more resistant to environmental changes. It also contains somewhat different corrosion inhibitors, which makes 243 superior vs. 242 in some situations. In other words, Loctite 243 is an improved version of Loctite 242.
I’ll admit that the difference between these two products is subtle. Unless you’ve used them before, it will be hard to notice any significant differences at all. But there are a few benefits of Loctite 243 vs. 242, and I want to walk you through those.
Why Loctite 243 is a better choice than Loctite 242?
- The main benefit for me of using 243 is that it’s oil resistant;
- 243 is a stronger threadlocker than 242;
- 243 is an upgraded version of 232;
Price
While Loctite 242 and Loctite 243 are two of the best-selling products, they’re also among the most expensive. With hundreds of other product choices from which to pick, it may be tempting to shell out for a more expensive one that is designed for your needs. The price will increase as services change, so if budget is an issue, then you can save money by choosing Loctite 242 vs. 243. So, if you are looking for a Loctite threadlocker to do a simple job and price is an issue, then Loctite 242 may be the best Loctite product for your needs.
What is Loctite 242?
It is an all-purpose threadlocker, which means that it can be used in many different situations.
It is used for tightening bolts and carburetor studs, one of the most commonly-used adhesives in mechanics. Notably, this product quickly fixes tighter ailments such as stainless steel and copper surfaces that are relatively inactive.
It is also thixotropic, which means that it seals even when screws vibrate and keep the threads safe from corrosion. It also requires normal disassembly with hand tools, so you can go without those expensive lock nuts and lock washers.
Loctite 242 Key Benefits
- It can be used in many different situations, including as a threadlocker for tightening bolts and carburetor studs.
- This Loctite product quickly fixes tight ailments such as stainless steel and copper surfaces that are relatively inactive.
- It is also thixotropic, which means it seals even when screws vibrate and keep the threads safe from corrosion.
- The Loctite 242 requires normal disassembly with hand tools, so you can go without those expensive lock nuts and lock washers.
What is Loctite 243?
It is a general-purpose threadlocker. It is based on acrylic technology and has an improved oil tolerance with surface insensitive properties.
It is an excellent product for preventing leakage in metal bolts, metals, brass, and copper. It can handle a wide variety of conditions, and it isn’t as sensitive to dirt as other thread locking compounds.
Plated screws and studs won’t need primers if you apply this upgraded version in advance. The use of this adhesive will ensure the successful completion of dozens of different projects, from rocker arms, oil pans, and pulley assemblies to disc brake calipers.
Loctite 243 Key Benefits
- General-purpose threadlocker.
- It is based on acrylic technology and has an improved oil tolerance with surface insensitive properties.
- An excellent product for preventing leakage in metal bolts, metals, brass, and copper.
- It can handle a wide variety of conditions, and it isn’t as sensitive to dirt as other thread locking compounds.
- Plated screws and studs won’t need primers if you apply this upgraded version in advance.
Common questions
Can I use Loctite 242 instead of 243?
Yes, it can be used to replace Loctite 243 in some instances. They both have oil tolerant properties, so you should be able to use 242 in those cases where 243 is not necessary. It depends on the project and what type of Loctite adhesive you need.
Is Loctite 243 removable?
It is resistant to environmental changes. Prolonged exposure to Loctite 243 in the presence of solvents should not compromise its performance. However, it is recommended that it be removed with hand tools in an inert environment.
What does Loctite 243 do?
Loctite 243 is a general-purpose Loctite threadlocker. It is based on acrylic technology and has an improved oil tolerance with surface insensitive properties.
Do you need a premier for Loctite 242?
The Loctite 242 does need a primer which is why the 243 is the better option.
How long does the Loctite 243 take to dry?
Once the parts are assembled, torqued, and tightened correctly, it takes less than 10 minutes to set. It takes 24 hours for full curing.
What is the difference between Loctite 242 and Loctite 222?
Loctite 242 and Loctite 222 are products that have many similarities. They both set up in about ten minutes, and they can both be removed with hand tools. However, Loctite 222 is based on epoxy chemistry which makes it more resistant to solvents than Loctite 242. You should be able to use Loctite 222 for projects where Loctite 243 would not work right away. Loctite 242 is better for screws and bolts, while Loctite 222 is better for fasteners that need a little extra time to get the job done.
What is the difference between Loctite 243 and 248?
Loctite 248 and Loctite 243 are two Loctite adhesives that have many similarities with one another. They both need a primer for metal surfaces, and they both last around 24 hours for full curing. Loctite 248 sets up in just four minutes, while 243 takes 10 minutes to set up. They also use different chemistry; Loctite 248 is based on epoxy chemistry, while Loctite 243 is based on acrylic technology.
Will it work on stainless steel bolts?
The 242 and 243 are both able to work on stainless steel bolts.
Is it safe to use as denture glue?
Yes, 242 can be used to glue a denture.
Will this work for watercraft bolts?
Yes, 243 will work on watercraft bolts. However, 243 is not as resistant to solvents as 222, so 242 would be a better option.
Conclusion
Loctite 242 and 243 are the two most popular products amongst their lineup. Threadlockers are some of the most commonly used adhesives among mechanics, so these products are perfect for this requirement. But if you have to choose out of these two, then definitely go for Loctite 243.
