Loctite 262

Loctite 262

Breakaway torque, M10 Steel Bolts:23.0 N·m
Chemical basis / base:Methacrylate
Color:Red
Fixture time:40.0 min.
Key characteristics:Thixotropic
Recommended for use with:Metal: steel
Viscosity, Brookfield – RVT, @:1200.0 mPa·s (cP) – 1400.0 mPa·s (cP)

Overview

Loctite® 262 is a red, high-strength, medium-viscosity anaerobic threadlocker designed for the permanent locking and sealing of threaded metal fasteners. It cures in the absence of air between close-fitting metal surfaces, forming a tough, thermoset plastic that locks threads in place and seals the helical gap.

Once cured, Loctite 262:

  • Resists loosening from shock, impact and continuous vibration

  • Helps prevent micro-leaks along the thread helix

  • Provides a barrier against rust and corrosion on engaged threads

It is typically chosen where fasteners are not expected to be removed during normal service, or where removal can be done with heat and high torque.

Why choose Loctite 262?

1) Permanent-strength retention
Loctite 262 is formulated as a high-strength grade, providing very high breakaway and prevailing torque on steel fasteners. It is suited to joints where unplanned loosening would cause safety concerns, damage or costly downtime.

2) Medium-viscosity, thixotropic liquid
The product has medium viscosity and is thixotropic, so it flows well during assembly but resists running once applied. This helps keep adhesive where it is needed—on the threads—especially on vertical bolts or overhead assemblies.

3) Locks and seals in one step
By filling the entire thread engagement, Loctite 262 locks the fastener and seals against fluids and gases at the same time, without additional thread sealants or mechanical locking devices in many applications.

4) Suitable for common industrial fastener sizes
Loctite 262 is typically used on medium to large bolts and studs up to around M20 (3/4″). This covers a wide range of common fasteners on motors, pumps, gearboxes, presses and structural joints.

5) Single-component, easy to inspect
It is a one-part, red liquid supplied in squeeze bottles, requiring no mixing or metering systems. The uncured adhesive is fluorescent under UV light, enabling quick visual confirmation that threadlocker was applied.

Typical Applications

Heavy-duty industrial equipment

  • Bolts and studs on pumps, compressors and gearboxes

  • Fasteners in presses, crushers, mixers and heavy machinery

  • Mounting bolts in industrial motors and drive systems

Automotive, truck and off-road

  • Engine and powertrain fasteners that must resist vibration

  • Suspension and chassis bolts where permanent locking is preferred

General permanent threadlocking

  • Metal fasteners where maximum resistance to loosening is required

  • Joints where mechanical locking devices alone (lock washers, split pins) are not sufficient

Loctite 262 is intended for metal-to-metal threaded joints and is not recommended for plastics or for use in pure oxygen or strong oxidizing environments.

How to Use Loctite 262

Step 1 – Surface preparation

  • Remove loose rust, dirt and old threadlocker from the threads.

  • Wipe off heavy oil, grease and anti-seize. Light factory oil films may be tolerated, but clean metal surfaces give better and more consistent strength.

Step 2 – Product application

  • Shake the bottle before use.

  • Apply a continuous bead of Loctite 262 to the male threads, covering the full engagement length.

  • For blind holes, add a small amount into the female threads as well, so the adhesive is pushed through the entire engagement during assembly.

Step 3 – Assembly and tightening

  • Assemble the fastener and tighten to the specified torque.

  • Do not repeatedly back off and re-tighten after the adhesive begins to fixture, as this can disturb the bond line.

Step 4 – Cure and return to service

  • Allow sufficient time for the adhesive to reach handling strength before moving the assembly.

  • For maximum performance, allow up to 24 hours at room temperature before subjecting the joint to full load, pressure or high vibration.

Step 5 – Disassembly (if required)

  • Loctite 262 is a high-strength, permanent grade.

  • For larger fasteners, disassembly usually requires localized heating of the fastener area (only if compatible with your materials and design) followed by high torque with appropriate tools.

Safety & Handling

Typical safety information for high-strength anaerobic threadlockers like Loctite 262 includes:

  • May cause skin and eye irritation, and can cause an allergic skin reaction in sensitive individuals.

  • Vapours or mists may cause respiratory irritation in poorly ventilated areas.

  • Uncured product may be harmful to aquatic life if released uncontrolled.

Basic precautions:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas.

  • Avoid contact with skin and eyes; wear safety glasses and suitable protective gloves.

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

  • Do not allow uncured product to enter drains or watercourses.

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat and ignition, in the original, tightly closed container.

Always read and follow the latest Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Loctite 262 issued in your country or region.

FAQs

Q1: When should I choose Loctite 262 instead of a medium-strength product like Loctite 242 or 243?
Choose Loctite 262 when fasteners must not come loose in normal service and routine disassembly is not expected, such as in heavy-duty machinery, structural joints or safety-critical connections. Medium-strength grades like 242/243 are better when you know bolts will need to be removed regularly with simple hand tools.

Q2: Is Loctite 262 removable?
Loctite 262 is designed as a high-strength, permanent threadlocker. Small fasteners might still be removable with strong hand tools, but larger bolts and studs typically require localized heating of the joint and high torque to break the bond.

Q3: What fastener sizes is Loctite 262 best suited for?
It is most commonly used on medium to large metal fasteners, typically up to around M20 (3/4″). For very small screws you might prefer a lower-viscosity or lower-strength grade; for very large studs, a high-viscosity heavy-duty grade like Loctite 277 can be a better match.

Q4: Can I use Loctite 262 on stainless steel or plated fasteners?
Yes. Loctite 262 is suitable for most common metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel and many plated or coated fasteners. Cure may be slower on “passive” metals like stainless or heavily plated parts, so allow extra cure time or consider an activator if rapid strength build-up is critical.

Q5: Is Loctite 262 oil-tolerant?
Loctite 262 can cope with light oil residues, but heavy contamination with oil, grease or cutting fluid will reduce performance. For heavily oiled fasteners, clean surfaces thoroughly or consider an explicitly oil-tolerant, primerless high-strength grade such as Loctite 263.

Q6: Can I use Loctite 262 on plastic threads or mixed metal/plastic joints?
No. Like other anaerobic threadlockers, Loctite 262 is intended for metal-to-metal joints. It does not cure properly on plastic and can cause stress cracking in some plastics. For plastic or mixed joints, choose a product specifically designed for those substrates.

Q7: Does Loctite 262 also seal against leakage?
Yes. Because it fills the thread gap, Loctite 262 locks and seals in one step, helping prevent fluid and gas leakage along the thread helix and protecting threads from corrosion. It is not a substitute for flange gaskets, but it is very effective at sealing through-thread leak paths.

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