Max Metal Custom Motorcycles

Threadlocker is good.

Threadlocker is bad.

Thread locking compounds are applied to bolts to keep them from vibrating loose.  Certain motorcycles have a bad habit of spreading parts along the road as the bolts fall out.  Threadlockers keep the parts on and the roadway clear of roadkill motorcycle parts.

I use two types of threadlocker.  Medium strength and High Strength. 

The Medium Strength threadlocker is what I use most often.  It is a general purpose threadlocker and can be applied to small Phillips Head screws and anything larger.  Medium Strength stays sort of gummy and can be removed with some resistance but relatively easily.  The small fasteners (ie. handlebar control screws, etc.) require only a small drop.  Larger fasteners can be smothered in Medium Strength threadlocker if so desired.  I use this on some axle threads and nuts. 

The High Strength threadlocker, I use in only a few locations.  Usually where the fastener is large (3/8″ or larger) and they take a pounding.  Applications include clutch to output shaft nuts, stator nuts, fork stem nut or bolt, etc.  The High Strength threadlocker gets hard.  Small bolts may break before loosening with the High Strength threadlocker.  Finding that High Strength threadlocker has been used on small Phillips Head, Allen, or Torx is a mechanics nightmare.  Particularly after the heads have already been stripped out.  Politely stated—AAAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH !!!!!!!!!

For general chassis use, Medium Strength threadlocker is sufficient.  Occasionally, High Strength may be necessary but only on larger fasteners.

High Strength threadlocker should never be used on anything 1/4″ and smaller.  It has too strong of a hold for successful fastener removal.  If a larger bolt has a 5/32″ or smaller allen or T25 or smaller torx head, using medium strength should be considered to keep from stripping out the head. 

Threadlocker is good—-when used properly.

Threadlocker is bad—-if High Strength is used on the wrong fastener.