LOCTITE 290 Wicking Threadlocker is a green, low-viscosity anaerobic adhesive designed to lock and seal preassembled metal threaded fasteners without requiring disassembly. Its capillary action allows the liquid to penetrate engaged threads, making it ideal for set screws, adjustment screws, electrical connectors, instrumentation fasteners, and other tightened assemblies. Once confined between close-fitting metal surfaces and isolated from air, the adhesive cures to resist loosening and leakage caused by shock, vibration, and repeated equipment operation.

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LOCTITE 290 Wicking Threadlocker Benefits

The primary advantage of LOCTITE 290 Wicking Threadlocker is its penetrating application method. Maintenance technicians can place several drops at the junction between the screw and the surrounding part, allowing the product to wick into the threaded interface. This post-assembly process reduces labor and avoids unnecessary dismantling of calibrated equipment.

The one-component formulation requires no mixing and is fluorescent under ultraviolet light, helping operators verify application during inspection. Its medium-to-high locking strength provides dependable retention for assemblies that must remain secure under vibration. The cured adhesive also seals the thread path against leakage.

Applications for LOCTITE 290 Wicking Threadlocker

Typical applications include preassembled fasteners on pumps, gearboxes, presses, motors, instrumentation, electrical connectors, machinery, and industrial control equipment. The product is especially useful for locking small screws and set screws after final adjustment. It may also be used to seal porosity in welds, castings, and powdered-metal components when the recommended heating and application procedure is followed.

Because the adhesive is formulated for close-fitting metal surfaces, users should confirm compatibility before applying it to plastics, particularly stress-sensitive thermoplastics. It is not recommended for pure oxygen or oxygen-rich systems, chlorine service, or other strong oxidizing materials. Application trials should verify the actual metal finish, thread geometry, service fluid, and temperature.

LOCTITE 290 Wicking Threadlocker Technical Properties

The uncured material is a green dimethacrylate ester liquid with a typical viscosity range of 20 to 55 mPa·s at 25°C and a specific gravity of approximately 1.08. Henkel lists a typical fixture time of about 20 minutes and a service temperature range from -55°C to 150°C. After 24 hours at 22°C, published performance on M10 steel nuts and bolts includes breakaway torque of approximately 10 N·m and prevailing torque of about 29 N·m.

These figures are typical technical values rather than guaranteed purchase specifications. Cure speed depends on substrate activity, temperature, thread clearance, adhesive quantity, and surface condition. Passive metals, low temperatures, or larger gaps may cure more slowly. LOCTITE SF 7471 or LOCTITE SF 7649 Activator may be evaluated when faster curing is required.

How to Apply LOCTITE 290 Wicking Threadlocker

Clean heavily contaminated threads with a suitable LOCTITE cleaner and allow them to dry. For preassembled through-hole fasteners, apply several drops at the screw-to-body junction and allow capillary action to draw the adhesive into the engaged threads. Avoid touching the bottle tip directly to metal because contact may contaminate the remaining product.

Allow sufficient curing time before applying demanding loads. Standard hand tools may remove many assemblies, but long engagement lengths or heavily locked fasteners may require localized heating. Store unopened containers in a dry location, ideally between 8°C and 21°C, and review the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.

Why Buy LOCTITE 290 Wicking Threadlocker?

LOCTITE 290 Wicking Threadlocker provides a practical solution for securing preassembled fasteners, sealing threaded joints, and repairing porous metal components. Its ultra-low viscosity, post-assembly application, vibration resistance, UV fluorescence, and industrial versatility make it valuable for maintenance teams and production facilities seeking reliable fastening without dismantling completed assemblies.

Review the official Henkel LOCTITE 290 Technical Data Sheet before use. Explore our industrial threadlockers for additional low-strength, medium-strength, high-strength, liquid, stick, and penetrating fastening solutions.

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