Låselim

Låselim is the Swedish term for locking adhesives, a family of chemical products designed to secure threaded fasteners and assemblies to prevent loosening caused by vibration, shock, or temperature cycling. They are applied to the threads or between mating surfaces before joint assembly and cure to form a bond that resists loosening while allowing disassembly when needed.

Locking adhesives come in different strengths, typically described as low, medium, and high strength. Low- to medium-strength formulations are suitable for assemblies that may need maintenance and removal with standard tools. High-strength formulations provide stronger retention and require more effort, heat, or specialized solvent to release. Some products also function as bearing retainers or thread sealants.

Most locking adhesives are anaerobic; they cure when confined between metal surfaces in the absence of air, forming a solid polymer that adheres to the metal. They tolerate typical operating temperatures and resist moisture and many chemicals, though performance varies by product and substrate.

Typical applications include automotive and industrial machinery, bicycles and sporting equipment, plumbing fittings, and electronics housings where vibration could loosen fasteners. Surfaces should be clean and dry before application; a small amount is usually sufficient—often a drop on the threads or a thin layer inside the bore.

Removal and maintenance: disassembly may require heat, penetrating solvent, or mechanical disruption, depending on the strength of the product. Storage should be in a cool, tightly closed container to preserve shelf life.

See also: thread locker, anaerobic adhesive, fastening technology.