Does the team think that it's a good idea for me to fix wheels on axles using Loctite 243? Or should I use something stronger?
Regards
Jon
Describe the fit please Jon, ie axle diameter, length of hub engagement, whether there is a flat, clearance (ie wobble) before bonding, and we'll have a think about it.
Cheers, Tim
I think of 243 as being a thread locker Jon.
For permanent bonds I've always used Loctite 603 - used it for wagon axles, bits stuck onto blank arbors, sleeves in pulleys etc.
"LOCTITE® 603 is designed for the bonding of cylindrical fitting
parts, particularly where consistently clean surfaces cannot be
assured. The product cures when confined in the absence of
air between close fitting metal surfaces and prevents loosening
and leakage from shock and vibration. Typical applications
include retaining roller bearings or oil impregnated bushings
into housings."
As Tim suggests, you need to make sure that the fit is just right. It's a bit 'Goldilocks' - not too tight, not too loose - just right!
:D
IanT
Regards,
IanT
Question, do you ever want to dismantle it at a later date?
Everything I make I like to be able to take to bits.
My favourite way of fixing wheels is to pop mark the axle hub once at 0, 90, 180, 270 degrees then press fit the wheel up against the axle shoulder.
The wheel axle hole is reamed to exact size. I have never had a wheel come loose, but a sharp heavy tap in my releasing jig & out it comes. But that is me & how I do it just for the record.
To re-assemble I re-do the pop marks.
This way I can assemble, re-assemble almost ad nauseum.
Dave
454
Thank you, all, for those comments and everything taken on board. I know that 243 is a thread lock but I was wondering, in the opinions of the far greater experienced, if it would double up as a sort of 603. The dimensions that Tim has asked for are, 3/16 diameter axle and 0.312" length of hub engagement. These are plain axles/wheels for a set of wagons that I am building and I don't envisage ever wanting to take them apart in the future. I would say that the fit is a good sliding one, little or no wobble with the wheel going up to a shoulder.
Regards
Jon
Couldn't say about using 243 for axles Jon, I've never done so as I've always used 603 .
But I've not needed to 'disassemble' any wagon wheels from their axles either - although I could if I needed to by applying heat to the joint, which would break the bond. Of course it would need re-painting afterwards but this should not be too problematic with most wagon wheels.
Regards,
IanT
Now you know why I don't use "glue" because the last thing I would like to do is apply heat to the joint causing consequent damage.
Dave
454
Jon, it sounds quite a good fit to me, ie longer than the diameter and little wobble, so I would be very tempted to try it and I would expect success. Wagon wheels after all do not suffer the pounding fatigue of connecting rods!
243 is quite a weak Loctite, designed for big threads to allow dismantling when needed.
Do let us know how you get on.
Good luck, Tim
Tim
Although I did go out and buy some 603, I decided that I would do a trial with a drop of 243. I applied a little to the axle stub and spread it as evenly as I could, slid on the wheel turning it a few times as it went on. I then left it for a couple of hours before I gripped the axle with a pair of pliers and tried to twist the wheel off, It didn't budge! I now have a small groove in my hand from the wheel rim which, I'm sure, will go in time and some grooves in the axle from the pliers but those I can file off.
Regards
Jon