[TowerTalk] Nut & Bolt Sealant

Tue Sep 7 23:32:47 EDT 2021

Lots of options as others have pointed out. Also I made an error, the specs say 48 hours for a full cure not 24. However, after 24 it’s very firm but technically not fully cured. It’s not cheap but as noted I’ve been able to use it well past a week after opening if careful in sealing it up. I’ve seen aluminum cleats and other hardware rip layers of fiberglass off when being removed without use of the chemical de-bonder or other nuanced techniques. While not designed specifically for thread/hardware locking it is used that way in the marine trades. Super UV resistant. As noted do your research before making the leap. It has been a mainstay in the marine trades for decades but you’ve received numerous other good suggestions as well.

W7TMT

From: Gedas <w8bya at mchsi.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 7, 2021 20:16
To: W7TMT - Patrick <W7TMT at outlook.com>; towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Nut & Bolt Sealant

Hi Pat. That sounds like great stuff but the part I do not like it the shelf life once it is opened up. But if it is not horribly expensive then it may be the ticket. Thanks !

Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT

Gallery at http://w8bya.com (under repair)

Light travels faster than sound....

This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
On 9/7/2021 9:47 PM, W7TMT - Patrick wrote:

You might want to give 3M 5200 adhesive/sealant a look. It comes in two formulas. Regular and "Fast Cure". The fast cure skins over in an hour or so and is fully cured in 24 hours. The stuff is incredibly tenacious and is often misused in the marine world where a permanent bond is not really what's desired. In your application, the use  of heat, no blow torch required, just a good heat gun, will soften it and allow disassembly at a later date. There are also chemical de-bonders that will release the bond. Highly UV resistant. Check-out the specs and see if it might do the job for you.

Comes in large tubes (9 or perhaps 11 oz.) and small tubes approx. 3 oz. The instructions warn that it must be used within 24 hours of opening. I've successfully kept it much longer by squeezing out a bit and then quickly sealing over the opening with tape. It's a moisture cure product so sealing it well and quickly is the key

73,

Patrick, W7TMT

-----Original Message-----

From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com><mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Gedas

Sent: Tuesday, September 7, 2021 18:21

To: towertalk at contesting.com<mailto:towertalk at contesting.com>

Subject: [TowerTalk] Nut & Bolt Sealant

I am looking for a product that I can dispense via a few drops onto assembles hardware that will dry hard, bond, and resist weathering and UV.

I assumed Locktite Blue or Red would do that for me but I have since learned there are dozens & dozens versions. I clearly picked the wrong products as they never "dried" or hardened. I have 263 Red and 242 Blue.

Even a week after application both can be rubbed off flat aluminum with little effort.......not what I am after.

For lack of a better description is there something out there that has the consistency of thick nail-polish that will dry hard and help keep the hardware from coming loose?

Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT

Gallery at http://w8bya.com (under repair) Light travels faster than sound....

This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

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