Re: False sense of security, thread locker

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: Shaun Epp <scepp@xxxxxxx>

I've run into this with an Argon laser that I managed to get ahold 
of.  The 100% reflective rear mirror had adjusting set screws that 
were thread locked into place.   Once the laser heated up, the 
alignment would go out and the output would be almost nothing, then 
I'd try to realign it and it just slides out of alignment again.  It 
was old and only put out about 12 milliwatts, you couldn't even see 
the beam, just a bright blue dot.

BTW:  if anyone experiments with an argon laser, watch out for the UV 
emitted off the laser tube.

Shaun Epp


----- Original Message ----- From: "Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, April 08, 2006 11:33 PM
Subject: False sense of security, thread locker


Original poster: "Jim Mora" <jmora@xxxxxxxxxxx>

Hello All,

Through my own stupidity I applied 710 loctite
thread locker(red) to my set screws on my 12 "
rsg and twenty four hours later tried to break em
loose for better adjustments. I usually use the
blue on my motor cycle. Well needless to say I
was twisting allen wrenches into miniature wrought iron gates.

Then I went to their web site and discovered a
surprise. It liquefies at 250 C (450 F), I broke
out my circuit board iron (just kidding) a Weller
140watt gun. Appling heat to the longish set
screw liquefied the thread locker very well thank you.

Now this is a bit disturbing as the set screw is
holding the tungsten. My experiment allowed me to
twist the set screw at half that temperature
although I don't have a thermal couple.

Now the clincher. I'm only using set screws on
one side of my g10 through the allthread and
brass nut method the other side is securely
torqued down and double so with the new red paste
stick, nice stuff except for one caveavat: it
liquefies at 150 C (300 F) almost lubricates.

Weren't we just talking about flying tungsten?
Would any of you material engineers out there
like to offer a more suitable alternative?

Long Sparks and Secure nuts,
Jim Mora