When working with any kind of threaded metal pipe system, the most important thing is to keep the threaded components bound together, leak-free, and working. Loctite 572 is a popular threadlocker used to bind threading. But what if you don’t have any on hand, or can’t find it in the store? What are the alternatives to Loctite 572?
The best alternatives to Loctite 572 are going to be similar compounds with a superior bonding ability, such as Permatex 59214 and Gorilla Pro Threadlocker. Using basic glues or adhesives for binding threading will not work well, and threadlockers are the safest and surest product for any metals-based threading job that you may face.
Keep reading to learn more about alternatives to Loctite 572, what stands out about these products, and how to correctly apply threadlocker to your next project.
What’s a Threadlocker?
A threadlocker is any substance that is specially formulated to help seal the physical connection between threaded metal pipe components, or between a bolt and any threaded metal hole.
Typically soft like glue until they harden, threadlockers are uniquely formulated to help metal bond, and safely prevent the leakage of gas or liquid traveling through piping.
The threadlocker also helps protect the bond against vibrations, shock, temperature changes, and pressure variation. It’s another layer of advisable protection and strength for metal pipes, bolts, and threaded hardware.
What is Loctite 572?
Loctite 572 is a medium-strength methacrylate sealant. It comes in small tubes as a white, soft compound, and is ideal for sealing coarse threads on metal pipes. Known for its strong bonding abilities and suitability in a variety of environments, Loctite 572 is well-known among automotive techs, repairmen, and boating enthusiasts.
It cures a bit slowly, over 24-48 hours, and provides an excellent and superior hold against leaks. It’s one of the leaders in the industry, but what if you can’t find any at the hardware store? We’ll walk you through each alternative, and help you pick one that’s just as good!
1) J-B Weld Perma-Lock
J-B Weld Perma-Lock is our first alternative to Loctite 572. Known for its high-quality and industrial-strength products, J-B Weld has been in the adhesives and bonding business since 1969.
J-B Weld Perma-Lock is a highly effective threadlocker that is safe for a variety of projects, especially those requiring resistance to heavy and continuous vibration, jolting, and significant wear and tear. This makes it ideal for vehicles, boats, and even furniture that gets heavy use.
Simply clean the threading components before application, apply several drops of J-B Weld Perma-Lock, and allow the product to cure for 24 hours before using or driving your bonded project.
2) Permatex 59214
Also known simply as “Permatex High-Temperature Thread Sealant”, Permatex 59214 is a high-performance substance that works great on machine parts and is known for long-term resistance against leaks, vibration, and moisture.
Especially well suited for use on car and truck maintenance, thanks to its superior leak-resistant components, Permatex 59214 is a durable and dependable solution if you need to secure a threaded connection. Simply clean the threaded components, apply, assemble your threaded units, and allow the product to cure for 24 hours.
3) Gorilla Pro Threadlocker AT75
Gorilla Pro Threadlocker is from the famous makers of Gorilla Glue. It’s a dimethacrylate gel that works well to bond metals and has a professional-strength hold. It will work great on vehicles, metal piping, and anywhere else where you need a sure and safe threading bond.
Gorilla has established itself as a high-quality, likable, and well-advertised brand that has helped bring durable and well-made adhesive products to the mass market. You can be sure that this line of Gorilla products is meant to be reliable, tough, and to hold a good, strong bond even under tough conditions.
4) Vibra-Tite 121
Vibra-Tite 121 is another excellent option for home and automotive projects. It’s a lesser-known brand, but users appreciate its excellent strength and holding power under pressure and against considerable torque.
Use Vibra-Tite as you would any other gel threadlocker, and allow it to cure for 24 hours. This product is another great alternative to Loctite 572, and can sometimes come in at a bit cheaper, too. Excellent for automotive work, repairs, and boating projects, too.
What They Have in Common
All of these alternatives are high-quality products that will cure over about 24 hours, and help seal in gas and liquid, while protecting the threading from corrosion, moisture, and damage.
They all work equally well to protect metal threading, seal up connected metal components against leaks, and help improve the longevity of hardware. All three are from trusted industry brands, and will typically cost you anywhere from $20 – $50 per tube.
These are all uniquely formulated and patented products that are meant to bond especially well to metal, and help secure against leaks or dangerous escape of gas. They’re all produced by leaders in the repair and adhesives industry and are a worthwhile investment if you’re looking to tackle automotive or gas line replacement jobs.
How to Apply Correctly
To correctly apply any of these products, make sure that the metal threading is clean, dry, corrosion-free, dust-free, and in good condition before applying. Very light corrosion and most dirt can simply be brushed away with a wire brush before beginning work.
Apply threadlocker carefully to the first three layers of threading on a bolt or within a male threaded pipe. The rest of the threadlocker can be applied over the rest of the bolt. As you tighten up your fastener, the rotation of the threading will apply the threadlocker over the entirety of the metal threading.
Any excess threadlocker that winds up on the outside of a project can simply be wiped away with a damp cloth. Allow your threadlocker to cure properly, and then use or drive your equipment as you normally would.
What Not to Do
Firstly, don’t try to use a threadlocker on anything but metal parts. Threadlockers are not meant to be used with any kind of plastic, or any other material. If you need to help bond plastic piping or fixtures, a more basic epoxy or adhesive would work well here, such as basic Gorilla Glue, wood glue, or other materials.
You also don’t want to use any kind of threadlocker to “fix” a worn-out bolt, or as a substitute for strong and adequate threading. Your metal threading needs to be intact, clean, corrosion-free, and in good shape before you apply the threadlocker. If it’s not, go ahead and invest in a new pipe or bolt. It’ll be worth the money and your family will be safer for it, too.
Don’t go for cheap substitutes, either. While threadlockers can be a bit expensive, they’re well worth the money, especially if you’re going to seal up a gas line or work on a vehicle. Home remedies like super glue simply won’t cut it here, as these “make-do” products lack the specific chemical components and properties that make threadlockers so successful and reliable.
Other Things to Know
The kind of metal you’re bonding can affect how quickly the threadlocker works, too. Active metals like bronze, iron, and steel tend to rust easily, and your threadlocker will bond a bit quicker to these metals. Inactive metals such as aluminum and stainless steel may take a bit longer to set.
When working on your gas lines, always, always make sure that the natural gas to your home has been turned off before disassembling and working on any piping. This is crucial to ensure the safety of you and your family. Wait 24 hours after the project to turn your natural gas back on.
Threadlockers are also color-coded so that you know what strength product you’re using. Purple gels have the lowest bonding power. Blue gels have a mid-level bonding power, and red or green gels have the absolute strongest bond. Loctite 572 is a blue-level threadlocker and will do a great job holding just about any home job you can throw at it.
While the threadlocker may bond within 15-20 minutes, it will take about 24 hours for it to harden into a more permanent plastic bond. Don’t try to jiggle to test your bond job before this curing process is completed. It could lead to future safety and integrity issues with your project.
Conclusion
Alternatives to Loctite 572 include J-B Weld Perma-Lock, Permatex 59214, Gorilla Pro Threadlocker AT75, and Vibra-Tite 121. All of these products are medium-hold threadlockers that can help protect your piping and hardware from leaks, damage, and corrosion.
Make sure that your threading components are dust, corrosion, and dirt-free before starting any project. Simply apply the product on the first three lower rungs of your metal male threading or bolt, and allow the twisting and connective motion to work the threadlocker up the rest of the threading.
Threadlockers are only good for metal parts, and should not be used on plastics, or any other material. There’s also no substitute for threadlockers; don’t try to substitute a cheaper or alternative product in its place. Allow your threadlocker to cure fully for 24 hours, and always replace any worn-out threading or bolts with new hardware.
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