Permanent Loctite

I have a lower gudgeon screw that wants to loosen every other sail. I have been using the medium strength Loctite but it is not holding. Am I asking for trouble to use a small amount of the permanent loctite?

_________________
Greg

2016 AI - Spinn & Jib

“Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him.”
– Charles G. Davis

Depending on the size of the screw or bolt in question you can usually loosen them after using high strength loctite by applying considerable heat and torque. Of course if the bolt is anywhere near the plastic hull you have to be careful with the heat.

I wouldn't recommend high strength loctite on screws or bolts smaller than 1/4-20 (or 6mm) and/or in situations where you have to remove the bolt often. If you do decide to use it, be sure the screw or bolt is in good shape and can handle a lot of torque that will be required for removal. You also wouldn't want to use a screw with a weak removal head such a phillips or slotted. A hex head allen screw would be a better choice. Also keep in mind that stainless alloys used in bolts and screws are significantly weaker than hardened steel fasteners.

I wouldn't call high strength loctite "permanent" but it can be a bear to remove.

Before doing that I would measure the length of the screw carefully with calipers and see if it is long enough to engage the insert fully. I don't know if these inserts are bottomless which would allow a few threads to exit the other side into a void in the plastic but that would be helpful. The insert and/or screw may be a little worn in which case replacing the screw might be helpful. I would probably switch to a hex socket head if there is room in the counterbore of the gudgeon. It would allow you to apply a little more torque (carefully) when tightening.
You could put a SST external tooth lock washer under the head in combination with the removable locktite being sure both the insert and screw are cleaned with a solvent beforehand.
I would try these things before using non-removable locktite.
If the screw continued to loosen I would assume the insert is worn. It might be possible to drill through the gudgeon and tightened hex head cap screw and pin it with safety wire or a split pin as a last resort. This would require patience and careful layout as well as a sharp drill bit but is very doable.

chris

The inserts are not bottomless... so as to not allow water to enter the hull.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Try a different product, such as GOOP. It's not permanent but is tenacious. Even if the bolt "breaks" loose from a tight seat, it won't continue to unscrew itself.