Breaking loose Loctite

December 14, 2017, 11:11 AM

mark123

I have to return a stepper motor but it's attached to a worm with a set screw. The loctite just won't break with the tiny allen wrench (3/32"). I have my soldering iron set to 899° but it doesn't seem to be working. Is that not enough heat? Should I do a couple heat/cool cycles? Tips appreciated.

December 14, 2017, 11:32 AM

c1steve

You need a quantity of heat, so your iron is probably too small. Usually I use a small soldering torch, or an 80 watt iron. The torch definitely works best. If using the torch you may have to shield the components with aluminum foil, sheet metal, or other material.

December 14, 2017, 11:39 AM

mark123

They used blue loctite. I should be able to muscle it but the allen wrench is too small.

December 14, 2017, 11:51 AM

egregore

If you can do so without damaging other parts with a stray flame, try a little butane torch to put the heat on it.

December 14, 2017, 11:59 AM

mark123

I got medieval on it. Wrapped the motor in foil applied a bit of torch. It still needed muscled off but it snapped free.

Thanks for the tips.

December 14, 2017, 01:13 PM

Rey HRH

Loctite sells the stuff that removes their adhesive.

With regards to the heat, I think the rest of the motor is sucking away the heat from the area.

But I see that you've taken it off already.

"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.

December 14, 2017, 02:01 PM

ensigmatic

Next time, on such small screws, stick with purple. Or use a dab of nail polish, instead.

"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system,,,, but too early to shoot the bastards." -- Claire Wolfe
"If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living." -- Seneca the Younger, Roman Stoic philosopher

December 14, 2017, 02:31 PM

mark123

quote:
Originally posted by ensigmatic:
Next time, on such small screws, stick with purple. Or use a dab of nail polish, instead.

Yeah, I get they are going for stability but the loctite was a bit much. I'll take your suggestion.

December 14, 2017, 02:38 PM

nshumway

Since it is a small set screw, use a fine tip soldering iron for localizing high temp. Will come right out.

December 14, 2017, 03:07 PM

V-Tail

quote:
Originally posted by mark123:
I have my soldering iron set to 899°

Try 900.

הרחפת שלי מלאה בצלופחים

December 14, 2017, 03:38 PM

mark123

quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail:
quote:
Originally posted by mark123:
I have my soldering iron set to 899°
Try 900.

No can do. It's maxed. 900 must be dangerous or something.

December 14, 2017, 03:51 PM

45 Cal

Home depot sells those pencil torches,runs about $27.
The handiest addition to my tool box.
Just yesterday I bought two additional fuel cells as my second can was empty.

December 14, 2017, 03:51 PM

jbcummings

quote:
Originally posted by parabellum:
Tannerite. half a pound

This seems to be your answer for a lot of things.

That’s how you told me to open that safe.

———-
Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for thou art crunchy and taste good with catsup.

December 14, 2017, 04:26 PM

Skins2881

quote:
Originally posted by parabellum:
Tannerite. half a pound

I must have an error on my chart. It calls for only 6 oz with blue locktite.

Jesse

Sic Semper Tyrannis

December 14, 2017, 04:29 PM

msfzoe

Red Loctite is almost impossible to move.
Blue can move with application of heat and muscle.
Easier to use nail polish if future removal is desired,

December 14, 2017, 04:51 PM

GWbiker

quote:
Originally posted by msfzoe:
Red Loctite is almost impossible to move.
Blue can move with application of heat and muscle.
Easier to use nail polish if future removal is desired,

In my experience, Red Loctite IS impossible to move.

*********
"Some people are alive today because it's against the law to kill them".

December 14, 2017, 05:02 PM

RAMIUS

According to the loctite website....

Clean adhesive residue immediately with a damp cloth. Cured product can be removed with a combination of soaking in methylene chloride and mechanical abrasion such as a wire brush.

For disassembly, shear with standard hand tools and remove with methylene chloride. In rare instances where hand tools do not work because of excessive engagement length, apply localized heat to nut or bolt to approximately 482°F (250°C). Disassemble while hot.