Getting to Know Threadlockers: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Torque‑Lok™ Threadlocker?

Torque‑Lok™ Threadlocker is a premium thread-locking adhesive formulated to secure fasteners and prevent loosening due to vibration, shock or thermal cycling. Available in diverse strengths (low, medium and high), it's engineered to meet a wide range of assembly needs, from delicate electronics to demanding industrial hardware.

Why Choose Torque‑Lok™ Over Competitors?

Kimball Midwest’s Torque‑Lok™ line of threadlockers rivals top-tier brands like LOCTITE®, offering:

• Low strength (Purple, comparable to LOCTITE® 222): Ideal for small or delicate fasteners (<1/4”), allowing easy disassembly without damage around 25-60in-lbs holding force.
• Medium strength (Blue, comparable to LOCTITE® 242): Reliable hold for fasteners up to 1/4” to 3/4″, about 60-150in-lbs of torque, perfect for valve covers, pumps and automotive assemblies. Fasteners with medium strength threadlocker can be removed with hand tools.
• High strength (Red, comparable to LOCTITE® 271): Offers around 200-300in-lbs torque resistance to lock and seal large fasteners where shock and vibration may cause the fastener to loosen. Fasteners secured with high strength threadlocker will often need heat to disassemble.
• High strength, high temperature (Red, comparable to LOCTITE® 272): Offers around 150-300in-lbs. Lock and seal fasteners against leakage, loosening and corrosion in high temperature environments.

Form Factors for Every Workshop

• Liquids (bottles and gels): For everyday or large-scale assembly use. Gel formulas in pump dispensers provide precise application with less mess.
• Solid sticks: Clean, mess-free application; handy in toolboxes, no spills.
• Torque-Lok™ Penetrating Green Threadlocker (Green): Eliminates lock nuts and lock washers, turning ordinary fasteners into vibration-proof assemblies. Penetrating formula allows application before or after assembly, ideal for problem areas. Powerful capillary action ensures reliable threadlocking. Seals threads to prevent corrosion and fills porosity in welds and castings. High-strength green formula performs effectively.

Real-World Benefits

1. Cost-efficiency and convenience: Eliminates the need for locking nuts/washers and reduces downtime from re-tightening.
2. Enhanced joint integrity: Maintains preload and prevents loosening in vibrating or thermal environments.
3. Simplified logistics: Stock a few variants to cover most fastening scenarios.

Tips for Using Threadlocker

• Clean all mating surfaces (degrease if necessary).
• Apply a small bead to the threads of the fastener.
• Tighten to spec — Threadlocker won’t alter torque values, just secures the joint.
• For red (high strength), disassembly often requires heat (typically up to 300°F or 150°C).

Torque‑Lok™ threadlockers offer a versatile and reliable alternative to market-leading threadlockers. With options for every application, solid form for clean usage, penetrating formula for retrofit or retrofit or liquids for bulk needs, they deliver industrial-grade performance in a user-friendly, cost-effective package.

Interested in trying Torque‑Lok™ threadlockers? Reach out to your sales rep today. If you do not already have a rep, we can help you