Is Adhesive the Best Bolt Locking Method?

Adhesives or Nord-Lock washers? Finding the ultimate bolt securing system is no easy task. Here is a guide to making the right choice.

  Nord-Lock Wedge-Locking Adhesives
Locking capability Reliable Varies
Range M3-M130 (standard range) Unlimited (not size dependent)
Temperature Same temperature characteristics as regular bolts/nuts. Sensitive to high temperatures.
Assembly No preparation required. Requires degreasing.
Curing time No curing time. Up to 12 hours (increased downtime of equipment).
Control over clamp load Linear relationship between torque/load thus possible to predict the clamp load. Does not increase the risk of torsion. Adds friction in the thread, making it difficult to predict the clamp load. Also increases the risk of torsion.
Disassembly No special requirements. Requires heating.
Reusability Reusable. Does not affect reusability of bolts/nuts. Not possible to reuse. Bolts/nuts needs to be cleaned before reuse, which is time consuming.
Environment Recyclable. Meets ELV and RoHS directives. Not recyclable, contains contaminous chemicals. May
cause allergic reactions.
Lubrication Possible to lubricate. Not possible.
Visual inspection Visual inspection possible. Visual inspection possible.
Life cycle cost (LCC) Low. Relative high price per unit. Long life cycle. Improves stability and minimizes maintenance cost. High. Relative low price per unit. Short life cycle. Increases maintenance costs and assembly time.


Junker vibration test comparison of adhesive vs wedge-locking washer

Which bolt locking product should I use?

Get your free eBook on the topic of bolt loosening and see how different bolt locking products perform.

What you will find in the eBook:

  • Pros and cons of the different bolt locking methods
  • Evaluation of different products
  • A print-friendly Guidance for Selection, to help you decide which product to use in your applications

 

Get the free eBook

To read more on how we handle your contact details please see our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! Your eBook is on the way to your mailbox.