Loctite 271 vs 272: Which Lube Is Right For Your Threadlocker?

In the hardware world, threadlocker is your true friend to put a perfect finishing to any nuts or fittings. And if you’re into automobile servicing, you definitely know how useful it is! Among all these thread locker brands in the market, Loctite is however impressing the consumers for quite some time.

Two of their best selling threadlockers, 271 & 272 definitely bear the witness for that. But which one should you use? To know that, let’s dive into an in-depth comparison of Loctite 271 vs 272:

What Is Threadlocker?

The first thing we need to know is what threadlocker is. This is a handy accessory which mainly seals any potential space at the threads of any nuts, bolts or fittings. It is kind of an adhesive or glue with a thin consistency & consisting mostly single components.

Most of the actions of a threadlocker include fastening two threaded hardware to prevent leakage, loosening or even any potential corrosion. It can be either permanent or removable, meaning you can use different products depending on your purpose. Most of the removable threadlocker can somehow be removed with the application of heat.

About Loctite Threadlockers, their products have been roaming around the market for a long time, rewarding them with popularity and high selling figures. Most of their products are quite top-notch compared to other threadlocker brands in the market. They have different types of threadlockers on the basis of strength and fixity.

The Loctite Threadlockers are mostly divided into Loctite Red (high-strength), Loctite Blue (medium-strength) & Loctite Purple (low-strength) series. Of their Loctite Blue series, the Loctite 271 & 272 are super popular for their high strength features. But how are they different? Let’s find out in the comparison down below—

Loctite 271 vs 272: The Comparison

Despite both belongs to the same series, the Loctite 271 and 272 actually offer different features and performances. They have different application purposes, different fastener sizes, maximum heats & even fixture times to make themselves distinct from one another. Let’s cut to the chase & check how they’re different!

Fastener Size

The first trait of our comparison is definitely the fastener size. Different fasteners actually needs different types of threadlockers. Because the viscosity and strength of a threadlocker is actually related to the size of fastener you’re using. The stronger your adhesive is, the larger fastener size you achieve from it.

Anyways, the Loctite 271 is perfect for any fastener ranging from ³/₈ inches to 1 inches. The viscosity is a little less than any usual high-strength threadlockers, providing extra ease when you’ll try to remove it.

The Loctite 272, on the other hand, has a higher viscosity than the former, providing a fastener size from ³/₄  inches to 1.5 inches, which is quite impressive as any high-strength threadlockers. Because usually any threadlocker in this category barely provides a fastener size of 1 inch, where an extra half an inch is super impressive as a high strength threadlocker.

Different fastener sizes actually makes them suitable for different purposes. So in terms of fastener size, both did a great job.

Maximum Heat Stability

Loctite 272 is a champion of heat stability having up to 450 F maximum heat stability in any threadlocker available in the market. The most heat stable threadlocker we have ever come across was actually Loctite 2620, making itself a beast having up to 650 F maximum heat stability. But that threadlocker quite rare to find, so Loctite 272 is the one you should be looking for.

The Loctite 271 has relatively less maximum heat stability than the Loctite 272. It can tolerate up to 300 F heat at it’s best. So it kind of gets inactive upon high heat, making it unsuitable for high temperature locations. But having a lower heat tolerance actually helps it to remove easily with no hassle at all.

Fixture Time

Having a lower viscosity and shorter fastener size, the Loctite 271 settles itself within only 10-20 minutes. You don’t have to wait all day for it after tuning the screws and bolts of your vehicle. On the contrary, the Loctite 272 has a fixture time of 40 minutes to 1 hour to settle it completely.

Application Purpose

The key reason to have different features and specification falls into the application purpose of them. The Loctite 271 is suitable for a set of actions that includes fitting shock absorber mounts, press fits, wheel studs installation, and so on. And the Loctite 272 is actually suitable for different purposes like tightening crankshaft bolts, ring gears, shock bolts, idler bearings, etc. So you have to choose the threadlocker considering not only their features but also their uses.

How To Remove Loctite Red Threadlockers

As they’re both high-strength threadlockers, removing them isn’t easy. To remove the adhesive from any threads, you have to know the details of the locker you used. And this is where the temperature feature comes in use.

Simply apply heat or sweat to the location from where you actually want to remove the threadlocker. Interpolating steam into the joints often helps a lot. It actually weakens the adhesive and let the fastener loose. That’s how it can be done.

In Conclusion

So that’s all for our in-depth comparison of Loctite 271 vs 272. Choose accordingly considering your needs and comfort. Both of them are excellent in quality & they’ll well-accomplish whatever reason you’re using them for. Happy gearing!

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