Vibra Tite vs Loctite – What Should I Use? Our Review

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A threadlocker is an adhesive that keeps screws, bolts, and other fasteners tight. Mainly, a threadlocker is applied to prevent fasteners from loosening. It’s a product that prevents loosening and leakage of fasteners when exposed to stress or vibrations. Notably, there are two types of thread lockers, among others: Vibra Tite and Loctite.

Usually, if you’re looking for a quality threadlocker, you can’t go wrong with either – Vibra Tite or Loctite. Both are effective at keeping screws and bolts in place. But which one should you choose between the two? Mainly, you should use the threadlocker with specific features suitable for a particular purpose.

Therefore, you need to know the differences and similarities between the two and choose the one that suits your specific needs. In this post, we will examine the similarities and differences between them. Also, we will give you information on the benefits of using the lockers, the factors to consider when selecting a suitable threadlocker, and our verdict.

What is Vibra-Tite threadlocker

The Vibra -Tite is an adhesive compound made of elastomer resins which makes it remain flexible and can absorb vibrations. Notably, the Vibra -Tite thread lockers are aerobic, requiring air to cure. Therefore, in instances where the fasteners are to be used underwater, then you need to air dry them after application before installing them underwater. Importantly the fasteners coated with Vibra-tite are adjustable, reusable, and removable.

Also, Vibra-Tite thread lockers are available in various series and colors. You come across multiple colors, including purple, red, brown, blue, and green. The Vibra – Tite threadlockers include VC-3, VC-4, VC-5, and VC-6. Although all these types are similar in many ways, each has a unique characteristic that makes it suitable for a specific locking use and not another.

Therefore, you should check the particular features of each series or color and choose the one that suits your specific needs. For instance, if you are looking for a Vibra -Tite threadlocker for a permanent bond, then a red Vibra -Tite high-strength threadlocker should be your top choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a Vibra -Tite thread locker for a bond that you can adjust, remove and often reassemble without damaging the threads, then a Vibra -Tite VC-3 should be one of your top choices.

Features and Pros:

  • Suitable for high-vibration applications.
  • Made using resins hence the fasteners locked using this threadlocker are still removable and adjustable without damaging the threads.
  • It’s waterproof hence preventing leakages.
  • Fast-acting since it cures fast and the assembly is ready after 24 hours only.
  • It can be used on metals and other materials, such as wood and plastic.
  • Withstands high temperatures.
  • Resistant to most chemicals hence preventing corrosion.
  • Versatile and suitable for use on fasteners of different sizes and shapes.

Cons:

  • Vibra-Tite is more costly compared to its counterpart threadlocker.

What is Loctite?

Loctite threadlocker is an anaerobic adhesive compound used to prevent loosening, leaks, and rusting of fasteners. Notably, the adhesive is suitable for metal-to-metal assembly parts. Therefore, if you are looking for an adhesive to use on metal-to-metal bonds, then Loctite should definitely be one of your top choices. Also, Loctite threadlocker is a brand of anaerobic and acrylic threadlockers. So, after application, you need to install the bolt into the nut since it cures in the absence of air to form a strong bond that locks fasteners in place.

Loctite’s threadlockers are available in a variety of formulas and a variety of colors, including purple, red, blue, and green. Each of the four different formulas has unique features that make it suitable for a particular application and not the other. For instance, the blue Loctite threadlocker is a medium-strength threadlocker designed for use on screws and bolts that are frequently removed. The adhesive creates an effective medium-strength bond making it easy to disassemble the bolts with bare hands or using basic tools when needed.

On the other hand, the red Loctite threadlocker is a high-strength compound designed for use on screws and bolts that are permanently installed. Once you apply a red Loctite threadlocker on a fastener and assemble it, it forms a permanent bond that will require heat if you want to disassemble the object.

Features and Pros:

  • Loctite adhesive is anaerobic and remains wet after application, and you need to twist the bolt into the nut for it to cure in the absence of oxygen.
  • Available in various formulas, each with unique characteristics, making it suitable for a specific fastener locking use.
  • Waterproof hence preventing leaks in joints.
  • Resistant to chemical reactions hence preventing the fastener threads from corrosion.
  • Absorbs shocks and vibrations, making it effective in increasing the reliability of mechanical fasteners.
  • Suitable for use in metal-to-metal bonds.
  • It can be used in screws and bolts of all sizes and shapes.
  • Suitable for preassembled fasteners such as electrical connection sets.

Cons:

  • When you disassemble fastened with Loctite, you must reapply the threadlocker before reassembling it.
  • After application, you cannot assemble the fasteners underwater. Loctite has anaerobic drying characteristics, which means it only dries after assembling in the absence of oxygen.
  • The high-strength Loctite compounds require heat to remove and cannot be used in any part.

Similarities Between Vibra-Tite and Loctite Threadlockers

  • Although there are a lot of products out there that are designed to hold fasteners together, regarding threadlockers, these two brands stand out above the rest: Vibra Tite and Loctite. They are two of the most popular brands of threadlockers in the market.
  • Strength and Durability. Both products are known for their strength and durability.
  • Easy to use, and manufacturers provide clear instructions. The threadlockers are easy to use and come with clear manufacturer instructions.
  • Formulas and Colors. Both threadlockers have a variety of formulas and colors to choose from.

Differences between Vibra-Tite and Loctite Threadlockers

So, what’s the difference between these two brands?

  • The threadlockers are from different manufacturers. ND Industries manufacture Vibra Tite, while Henkel manufactures Loctite
  • Method of application. If you need a threadlocker that is easy to use, Loctite is a good choice. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply the Loctite thread lock and twist the bolt into the nut, even without waiting for it to dry first. On the other hand, after applying Vibra Tite on the bolt, you need to allow it to dry first before inserting it into the bolt.
  • Strength and Durability.Vibra-Tite is more potent and durable than Loctite. Therefore, Vibra -Tite is suitable for solid bonds compared to Loctite.
  • Conditions for curing. The two main types of threadlockers require different conditions to cure. In contrast, Vibra-Tite can cure in aerobic conditions, where it needs oxygen. Loctite adhesives are anaerobic threadlockers and cure in the absence of air.
  • Suitable material to use on. Vibra-Tite is typically used on all fasteners, while Loctite is used on metal fasteners only.

Benefits of using Thread Locking compounds

The following are the key benefits of using threadlockers.

  • Thread-locking compounds are effective in creating tight bonds reducing frequent damages due to vibrations and shock hence significantly reducing the cost of machine maintenance and repairs.
  • It prevents fasteners from leaking, rusting, or loosening.
  • The thread lockers reduce the cases of downtime due to machine breakdowns.
  • Eliminates the need for washers and other ineffective and costly inserts.
  • Threadlockers are fast-acting and convenient to use.

Factors to Consider Choosing Either of the Two

When looking for a quality threadlocker, you can’t go wrong with Vibra Tite or Loctite. But there are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right threadlocker for your needs.

  • The material you are using the threadlocker on: The type of material you’re using the threadlocker on is the most critical factor in choosing the right threadlocker. Loctite is only suitable for use in metal-to-metal applications.
  • The strength of the bond you need: The strength of the bond you need is the second most crucial factor in choosing the right threadlocker. If you need a strong bond, then Vibra Tite is a good choice. If you need a weaker bond, then Loctite is a better choice.

Verdict

Now that we’ve looked at the key differences and similarities between Vibra Tite and Loctite threadlockers and factors to consider when selecting any of the threadlockers, you can easily decide which threadlocker you should use.

Mainly, although both Vibra-Tite and Loctite are two of the most popular brands of threadlockers on the market today, Vibra-Tite seems to be the better choice thanks to its wide range of formulas, strengths, and durability.

Notably, there are equally many pros to using Loctite, especially in metal-to-metal bonds. Therefore, no matter your choice, you can be sure you are getting a quality threadlocker.

Lastly, although choosing the right threadlocker is crucial, you must apply it correctly to attain the desired results. Applying the threadlocker the right way guarantees the effectiveness of the locked fastener.

Mainly, the thread lockers are available in a tiny bottle with an application nozzle. The thin nozzle allows for easy application of the adhesive on the fastener. Importantly, you can follow the easy-to-follow manufacturer’s guide to apply correctly the threadlocker you have chosen and achieve the best results.

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