What is on this screw, and why did it make me hide my previous [awesome] video?

[@Kevinrichardsonministries]

Doing the Right Thing is always the Right Thing to do... always. Much Respect for the heads up and Thumbs Up...

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks, I appreciate the comment.

[@MikeBramm]

Yes, the blue stuff is typically Nylok Blue Nylon Torq-Patch Tuflok. It allows for repeated removal and re-assembly, and is typically applied as a service by many hardware vendors. For home use, Loctite 242 is probably your best bet, as it is strong enough to resistant loosening yet it can be removed with hand tools.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It makes perfect sense that a mass-production shop would want to decrease assembly time and avoid the variation risk inherent to applying a liquid thread locker that close to a moving part.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

I used to manage Quality Assurance in the furniture industry. We tested, specified and monitored hundreds of different fasteners. When it comes to screws, we used Ny-Lock brand Screws and Nuts in many applications exclusively… until the 90’s. Then, their competitors finally improved their ‘Nylon Dot’ and ‘Epoxy Spatter’ locking concepts enough to pass our tests. There were component tests where we mounted torqued and loose components in an eccentric chuck vibrating at varied frequencies. Another where they were tapped at various speeds and forces. Those tests took about 4 hours each. We then tested the fasteners in assemblies and sub assemblies. There were various shaker contrivances. Additionally, they were subjected to product life cycle testing. These could take from a day to a week to complete. One thing of interest is that the male to female thread clearance tolerances made very little difference… if the thread locker was applied properly! The most common error was locating a spot lock where it contacted too few nut threads. We shied away from using those when low torque fastenings were required. I’m sure the technology has improved by now… but 30 years ago it was an issue. Your testing method is pretty solid… nicely done sir!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Very interesting. It probably won't surprise you that I had to film that little test several times holding the bolt and hammer drill at different angles so the nut moved down the bolt instead of climbing up it.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@TheSnekkerShow yes, vibration makes things defy gravity. At the right frequency you can vibrate a cup of coffee up an inclined plane (3-ring binder) and into an electric motor! Don’t ask me how I know….

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Great follow up video! I would've made the same assumption myself that the "blue stuff" on that screw was Loctite, given the color match was spot on. Never knew that they had screws with nylon patches.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I'm guessing they did it so people would associate the color with the function. If it was green, I probably would have done some research first. Leave it to a former software tester to find a bug in an otherwise good plan.

[@dangkolache]

I appreciate your thoroughness, good on you!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you.

[@tippyzuk1]

Even more respect because of your correction!

[@JoriDiculous]

This was really useful information. I have always assumed the blue-stuff on screws etc was Loctite.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Glad I'm not the only one.

[@nefariousyawn]

I have seen those screws before, and didn't know that they were nylon locks. Thanks for making mistakes for us to learn from!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I knew I'd find my purpose in life eventually.

[@wwhurley]

Thank for your honesty.

[@squidskunk]

Thank you for the heads up... two thumbs up!!

[@matteason989]

I've never heard of nylon applied to bolts either. In motorcycle repair it is common for fasteners from the manufacturer (Harley in this case) to come pre-applied with Loctite Dri-Loc. It activates once torqued. They call these single use fasteners in the service manual and are used for connecting the pulley to the rear wheel, for connecting the inner primary housing to the transmission and engine, and I believe on the compensator bolt.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

This video was a win. I'm getting a crash course on thread locker that I didn't know I needed.

[@billk8579]

Great video. Learned much from this.

[@philshock3805]

Thanks for the update ... had no idea. Now I'm wondering how many screws I've applied Loctite to over the years that didn't actually need it. Guess there's no harm unless it locked up another function.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

True statement. I never would have noticed if it hadn't gotten on the part that was supposed to move.

[@scottturner3831]

Much appreciated!!!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thank you, and likewise.

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍

[@danharold3087]

Other than too much loctite did you make a mistake by using it? I am reading different now but seem to recall that the screws with nylon on one side only lock well the first time. But would not put money on it. Still at worst belt and suspenders.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Using too much was my biggest mistake, which probably wouldn't have happened if I wasn't trying to do it with my hands in front of a camera. It also probably would have been better if I applied it carefully to the female threads rather than the male. The last time I did this upgrade I didn't use any Loctite, and in two years nothing came loose. You're absolutely right though, it's unlikely to cause any real problems unless you get it on the moving parts.

[@danharold3087]

@@TheSnekkerShow I know how much more difficult it is to work in front of the camera. Thanks for the vids.

[@TheLukemcdaniel]

Yeah, I hate being wrong much more than I dislike admitting I'm wrong.

[@darodes]

I don’t like being wrong either, but I’d rather call myself out for being wrong than some whackadoodle call me out for being wrong…. I feel ya dude

[@cz_ww2117]

I did not know about the nylon patch, more useless knowledge, I am old so the expected useful life of this for me is relatively short.

[@michaelkeymont501]

The red stuff is often called the Devil’s Tears because once you apply it by mistake, you’re instantly transported to the depths of hell… Personally, I use the red stuff as toothpaste. It looks a little funny, but I haven’t had to go to a dentist in years………….

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Excellent. I can't even remember how long ago I bought those two tubes of Loctite, maybe 10 or 20 years, and I don't think I have ever used the red one for anything. I just keep in the drawer right next to the blue one so it can ruin my day when I least expect it.