I would like to try Loctite 222MS threadlocker compound, as an alternative to blue medium-duty for use with smaller fasteners.
I ordered from an industrial supplier a few months ago, and it arrived leaking. I asked for and received a refund.
I ordered from Zoro last week, and the tube they sent me has a sell-by date of 1/26.
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Is this because I ordered the mil-spec 222MS over the 222? I did that because it’s less expensive.
So, where would you buy something like this from, with high chance of freshness and low risk of poor packaging?
Maybe I’ll try McMaster Carr next.
Jared
Have you tried Amazon? It might be a situation where you get the best price and freshest product from the retailer moving the highest volume.
It’s available to me that way in Canada.
Stuart
I have had too many mishaps with Amazon shipping things in thin bags. Items have arrived damaged and leaking. I no longer trust them for things like this.
They have the 222ms 10ml from a 3rd party seller, which I trust even less since there’s never indication of where they’re getting the supplies from.
https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-22221-Purple-Strength-Thread/dp/B006GOL5CQ/?tag=toolguyd-20
Maybe I’ll give the 6ml a try from Amazon.
Josh R
Have you tried Amazon? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KKTT0
Stuart
Thanks! I’ve long completely dismissed Amazon for things like this. Maybe it’s worth giving them another chance.
I’m sure it’ll arrive in plastic bag packaging, but maybe the plastic blister pack will help protect it.
Nick S.
I ordered the 50ML size over the summer from Amazon to use when assembling a truck bed rack. Wanted to ensure nothing backed out from the road vibrations, but that I could still disassemble it if needed.
The 222 worked well for what I needed – and no issue with Amazon’s delivery. I have found that if I have liquid products, or things I’m worried about, ordering them individually (so they ship individually) is the best way.
The few problems I’ve had are typically caused by the other items in the package (i.e. ordering this along with a hard-cover book, which both get thrown in a box where the book (or other heavy object) becomes a battering ram smashing the more fragile stuff.
Andy Y
My work orders it from Hisco, Inc.
https://www.hisco.com/Product/135334-30769?option=135334-30769
MM
I prefer to buy loctite from local MRO or fastener shops, that way I can check the date before I buy. However, the purple stuff is very hard to find.
I have tried it before, I didn’t notice much of a difference vs. blue. And this is so obvious that many people overlook it: you are in control of how much you use. If you think that blue might be too strong for a given application you can always apply less of it. I’ve even used Red for temporary assemblies and small fasteners before in a pinch–if you apply a tiny little bit then it is undone with hand tools just like blue. Another tip to remember is that loctite is weakened with heat. If you are working with small fasteners you can use a soldering iron or a micro torch to quickly defeat the loctite.
The one that I find is interesting and worth trying if you haven’t yet, is the green “wicking grade” #290. That one is easily found, auto parts stores stock it, so does every industrial fastener or MRO shop.
Stuart
Thanks, that’s a good point. I’ve seen dot-like blobs of blue threadlocker on small set screws and fasteners before.
243 is an upgrade over 242, but I still use 242 because it’s lower strength. Maybe just more controlled and sparing application could avoid the need to seek out low strength purple.
Jerry
O’rielleys, RockAuto, etc has it I think.
Honestly, for something like loctite, where it can leak in shipping, I’d rather just go get a tube at the store. Not sure Home Depot would have it, but ACE should, as would about any auto parts store.
Stuart
I haven’t seen the purple at any stores near me. It looks like some auto parts stores might have Permatex instead.
Travis
I used to get it from our local Fastenal location.