Loctite 638

[circus162]

I know "use buy" dates are not set in stone, just need to know how how safe it would be to use a bottle of Loctite 638 with a use by date of 05/14?
Thanks,
Rich

[Fluid]

How much is your prop worth? There is no way to know if it is safe to use past the due date. How was it stored? If kept in the refridgerator then it's probably fine. If kept in the garage over a summer or two then I wouldn't risk it. Up to your comfort level with risk.

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[martin]

Ive spoken to Loctite UK technical dept a number of times re questions like this on their retainer products, the reason they have a use by date is because they have to comply with ISO 9001 certification (UK). Speaking to the technical dept outside of the certification they say the retainers like 638 & 603 are good to use past these dates. Also 638 is also now oil tolerant as 603 has always been.

[ls1fst98]

Hmm, my bottle doesn't have a use by date. Of course I bought it cheap on ebay so maybe the seller removed it. But it's worked fine for me. But again now that I know maybe I'll buy a new bottle. Prop is worth more than one bottle.

[Fluid]

The only times I've had 603 fail was when using a bottle past the expire date. Others report the same, it DOES matter. If you are okay with the risk go for it, I'm not buying your props.....


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[Fella1340]

I month past due date will come down to how it's stored and when it was originally opened. If it's been open for a year and baking out in the garage it's not worth a chance. If it was opened a couple months ago and stored in a cool basement you should be good to go.
For an example I would use an unopened bottle a couple months past it's due date over a bottle that been open since new and still has a couple months left to go. It's obvious which one is the better choice. I have been using loctite products (dozens of different types) for 20 plus years in industry and at home, a product with a 2 year shelf life doesn't suddenly go bad overnight. Gauge the bottles history and make a choice. If it's been stored property I wouldn't think twice.

[Shooter]

Since we are on the subject, I bought a bottle of 638 and used it on a flexshaft yesterday. A lot of folks are saying 603 is the way to go and I very much respect their opinions, however, I'm stuck with the 638 bottle. I think the difference between 603 and 638 is the viscosity and the recommended clearance between the mating parts. So far, so good with mine. Anyone else use 638 on flex shafts with sucess?? Thx.

[srislash]

Since we are on the subject, I bought a bottle of 638 and used it on a flexshaft yesterday. A lot of folks are saying 603 is the way to go and I very much respect their opinions, however, I'm stuck with the 638 bottle. I think the difference between 603 and 638 is the viscosity and the recommended clearance between the mating parts. So far, so good with mine. Anyone else use 638 on flex shafts with sucess?? Thx.

Probably done a dozen or so and not lost one yet.

But now I have to check expiry dates.

[iridebikes247]

I have used loctite 638 on a lotttt of flex shafts and so have my friends, I snap prop shafts before the glue lets go lol. Make sure to use sand paper like 100 grit to just scuff everything up real quick, and clean it thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Fill the prop shaft up about 2/3 the way and slowlllly turn and push the flex shaft into the prop shaft. When done clean all exposed flex shaft with rubbing alcohol you don't want this stuff making its way up the flex shaft and stiffening it up.

I bake the flex at 160-170 degrees for a half hour on each side. I was a bit skeptical of how this stuff would work in a high load application after all its just glue, I have never had a problem and like I said I have snapped two modelbaupirate prop shafts before the glue let go.

[martin]

638 & 603 are both good on flexes, however I prefer to use 603 on wire drives where the tolerances between the wire & hole are much closer.

[rickwess]

I use 638 to lock my drive dog in place. For the price of a drive dog I figure I'd make it a permanent connection.

I still grind the prop shaft to get a small flat spot and install the drive dog the typical way. Once it solid though, I grind down what's left of the set screw and then polish the drive dog.