By Harley Kata, General Manager, The Coating House
LOCTITE® pre-applied fasteners are revolutionizing assembly lines with speed, precision, and performance. But not all LOCTITE® coatings do the same job. Two of the most common types are DRI Threadlockers and Anti-Vibration Thread Sealants. While both are part of the LOCTITE® pre-applied ecosystem, they serve distinct purposes and are chosen based on very different engineering needs.
Threadlocker Coatings (DRI Series)
Threadlockers are adhesive coatings that chemically bond fasteners in place once assembled. These coatings are dry-to-the-touch, microencapsulated, and activate under pressure during installation.
Key Features:
- Strong mechanical retention.
- Activated during installation.
- Prevents loosening from vibration.
- Suitable for permanent or semi-permanent assemblies.
Common Uses:
- Engine bolts.
- Powertrain components.
- Aerospace assemblies.
- Applications where vibration or torque could compromise safety.
When is a threadlocker necessary? If your fasteners face frequent movement, vibration, or torque cycling, threadlockers are critical to maintaining integrity and safety.
Anti-Vibration Thread Sealants
Unlike threadlockers, sealants are typically water-based and designed to prevent fluid or gas leakage while resisting vibration. These coatings form a tight, elastic seal without requiring curing during assembly.
Key Features:
- Dampens vibration.
- Seals against leaks.
- Allows for disassembly.
- Ideal for tapered and straight threads.
- Compatible with metal and plastic assemblies.
Common Uses:
- Brake fittings.
- Pressure sensors.
- Electrical connectors.
- HVAC and plumbing components.
How do sealants help in dynamic systems? If your assembly is exposed to thermal cycling or movement, sealants help absorb shock and maintain leak-tight performance.
DRI Threadlockers vs Anti-Vibration: Which Should You Use?
| Application Need | Recommended Coating |
|---|---|
| Locking under vibration | DRI Threadlocker |
| Sealing and vibration | Anti-Vibration Sealant |
| High torque retention | DRI 201 ECO™, DRI 204™ |
| Leak prevention | DRI 503™, DRI 513HV™ |
If your assembly requires both sealing and locking, the Coating House team can help you determine if a dual-coating approach or specialty compound is best.
Want to Know More? | Contact The Coating House
Which coating do you need? The Coating House can help match the right LOCTITE® DRI product to your assembly.
What if your fastener needs to do both, lock and seal? Our engineers regularly assist OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and specialty manufacturers in selecting coatings for performance and compliance. Let’s figure out what works best for your specific environment.