Breaking loctite on screws

[Croc]

I still have the floppy SPA mirrors...

 

Further to my recent SPA mirror post, I took the mirror off to make the modification with spacer/washer find that the grub screw in the mirror mount had been loctited in using the red very strong stuff by the prevous owner. I could not shift it by hand nor could anyone else that I challenged.

 

What is the best way to break loctite in this instance?

[GBOLT]

You need to heat it. 400-500 f, about the only way I have ever got it loose.

[bsimon]

I don't know if you can do this without destroying something, but thread locker compounds can be loosened with heat. The molecular bond is permanently broken with elevated temperatures.

 

Maybe applying the tip of a soldering iron on the grub screw itself may break it loose without melting the surrounding assembly?

[BruceBowker]

Mike - I doubt you can do this since there may be no way of backing up where the screw is.

 

Place a screwdriver in the head and give it a very sharp whack with a hammer. This can shock the Loctite free so to speak. Works under ideal conditions.

 

Also using an impact driver can do the trick (under ideal conditions).

Bruce

[timax]

I use the red loctite on many threads and never really have a problem getting it undone. A little bit of weight and a quick turn at the same time should break the bond. Its strong stuff but no stronger than say epoxy of the same thickness.

[S1Steve]

Mike, Break out your hairdryer and put some heat to it. Like Bob said it will break the bond. If all things fail, Use the Aussie hammer on it !! LOL