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Editor's Choice

Loctite

Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 - Removable Thread Lock Glue for Nuts, Bolts, & Fasteners, Medium Strength Screw Glue to Prevent Loosening & Corrosion - 6 ml, 1 Pack 1 Pack Blue (Removable)

4.8
Based on 49,987 reviews
Independent Analysis
No paid placements

Quick Takeaways

  • 1
    Proven medium-strength threadlocker that secures fasteners against vibration and corrosion, earning 4.8/5 from nearly 50K reviews
  • 2
    Removable with hand tools, making it ideal for automotive maintenance like wheel lugs and engine bolts
  • 3
    Easy to apply with precise nozzle, but requires clean, dry surfaces for best results
  • 4
    Excellent value in 6ml size, lasting for dozens of applications

Customer Ratings

4.8out of 5

Based on 49,987 Amazon customer ratings

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Should You Buy It?

Our expert verdict

Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 stands out as a highly effective solution for securing fasteners across a variety of applications. Its ability to prevent loosening and corrosion, combined with ease of use and a favorable price point, makes it a valuable tool for both professionals and hobbyists. While the strength of the product may not meet the expectations of those seeking a heavy-duty solution, its medium strength is well-suited for most common tasks.

We recommend Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 for those seeking a reliable, user-friendly product to secure fasteners. Its versatility and positive reception from a vast user base underscore its utility in real-world scenarios. However, users requiring a stronger hold for heavy-duty applications may need to explore other options.

Value Assessment

Is it worth your money?

9/ 10

Exceptional Value

Why This Score?

At around $8-10 for 6ml, Loctite 242 delivers professional-grade performance that outlasts generics, with one tube handling 50+ bolts. It outperforms budget alternatives like Permatex in reliability per user tests, justifying the slight premium. High 4.8 rating from 50K reviews confirms exceptional longevity and ROI for DIYers and mechanics.

PoorFairGoodExcellent

Expert Insight

What our experts say

""Loctite 242 remains the benchmark for medium-strength threadlockers in automotive applications, offering reliable vibration resistance without the permanence of red formulas." - According to Popular Mechanics' 2023 fastener guide."
Expert Review Analysis

How It Compares

ProductKey Differences
Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 - Removabl...This Product
The product being reviewed
Permatex 24240 Medium Strength Threadlocker Blue (6ml)Similar performance and price (~$7-9), but Loctite 242 has higher user satisfaction (4.8 vs 4.6 stars) and better consistency on oily surfaces per Amazon comparisons.
Vibra-Tite 14050 VC-3 Vinyl Coated Threadlocker (10ml)Water-based and non-curing (no set time), cheaper per ml (~$10), but less reliable for high-vibration automotive use compared to Loctite's anaerobic formula.
3M Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42 (50ml)Industrial-grade with primerless aluminum compatibility, but significantly more expensive (~$25+) and overkill for DIY automotive tasks.

What We Loved

  • Effective at securing fasteners (85% of reviews give 5 stars)
  • Highly praised for quality (96% positive sentiment)
  • Versatile application across different tasks (94% positive sentiment)
  • Good value for money (91% positive sentiment)
  • Easy to apply (92% positive sentiment)

Room for Improvement

  • Mixed feedback on strength (50% mixed sentiment)
  • Reported as runny by some users (10% negative sentiment)

Perfect For

  • DIY enthusiasts
  • Professionals in mechanical and maintenance fields

Skip If

  • Users needing heavy-duty strength for industrial applications

In-Depth Review

Our comprehensive analysis

Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242: Secure Fastening Solution

In the realm of mechanical maintenance and assembly, securing fasteners is paramount to ensuring the longevity and reliability of equipment. Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 emerges as a critical tool in this domain, boasting a 4.8-star rating from nearly 50,000 reviews. Our analysis of customer sentiment data reveals a product that excels in application versatility, ease of use, and overall effectiveness in preventing loosening and corrosion. This review delves into the specifics of its performance, from the nuanced feedback on strength to the overwhelmingly positive reception on its practical utility.

Through a meticulous review of customer data, we have identified the strengths and potential drawbacks of Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242. From hobbyists to professionals, users across various sectors have provided insights that help us understand how this product performs in real-world scenarios. Our findings aim to assist you in making an informed decision on whether this threadlocker aligns with your specific needs.

Pros

  • Effective at securing fasteners (85% of reviews give 5 stars)
  • Highly praised for quality (96% positive sentiment)
  • Versatile application across different tasks (94% positive sentiment)
  • Good value for money (91% positive sentiment)
  • Easy to apply (92% positive sentiment)

Cons

  • Mixed feedback on strength (50% mixed sentiment)
  • Reported as runny by some users (10% negative sentiment)

Performance & Reliability

Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 has garnered praise for its ability to secure fasteners effectively, with 85% of users awarding it a perfect 5-star rating. Customers frequently highlight its reliability in preventing loosening due to vibrations, a critical feature for applications in small motors, mowers, and power equipment. However, the strength of the threadlocker receives mixed reviews, with 50% of sentiment data indicating a neutral stance. Some users appreciate its medium strength as it allows for easy removal, while others find it less robust than expected for certain heavy-duty applications.

Design & Build Quality

The physical characteristics of Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 are generally well-received, with 96% of customers expressing positive sentiment towards its quality. The product's blue color aids in identification and application, and its medium-strength formula is designed to suit a wide range of fastener sizes from 6mm to 19mm. Nonetheless, a notable 10% of users report the product as being too runny, which can affect precision during application.

Value for Money

At a 91% positive sentiment on value for money, Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 is seen as a cost-effective solution for securing fasteners. Customers appreciate that it eliminates the need for additional lock nuts and washers, which can be more expensive and less convenient. The 6 ml pack size is sufficient for most users, providing a good balance between quantity and price.

User Experience

The user experience with Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 is overwhelmingly positive, with 92% of reviews praising its ease of application. Users report that the product sets in just 10 minutes and fully cures within 24 hours, making it convenient for both professional and DIY projects. Specific use cases include securing screws in firearms, bolts in power equipment, and panel jacks in audio racks, demonstrating its versatility across different applications.

Verdict

Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 stands out as a highly effective solution for securing fasteners across a variety of applications. Its ability to prevent loosening and corrosion, combined with ease of use and a favorable price point, makes it a valuable tool for both professionals and hobbyists. While the strength of the product may not meet the expectations of those seeking a heavy-duty solution, its medium strength is well-suited for most common tasks.

We recommend Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 for those seeking a reliable, user-friendly product to secure fasteners. Its versatility and positive reception from a vast user base underscore its utility in real-world scenarios. However, users requiring a stronger hold for heavy-duty applications may need to explore other options.

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Technical Specifications

Complete product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
4.8 x 3.4 x 0.5 inches; 0.18 ounces
Item model number
Henkel / osi -tanch-it-
Department
Unisex-Adult
Date First Available
January 16, 2007
Manufacturer
Henkel Corporation
ASIN
B000I1RSNS
Best Sellers Rank
See Top 100 in Automotive
Brand
Loctite
Specific Uses For Product
Threadlocker
Material
Dimethylacrylate ester
Item Form
Liquid
Special Feature
Strong

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions answered

Blue 242 is medium strength and removable with hand tools, perfect for frequent adjustments; Red 271 is high strength and requires heat for removal, for permanent applications.
Fixture strength in 20 minutes, full cure in 24 hours at room temperature; heat accelerates curing.
No, surfaces must be clean, dry, and oil-free; use a degreaser or brake cleaner first for proper adhesion.
Yes, compatible with active metals like steel, stainless, brass; less effective on inactive metals like aluminum without primer.
Not recommended; use Loctite 401 or plastics-specific formula instead.
Apply heat if needed and use standard hand tools; no torch required unlike red formulas.
Yes, it seals threads against moisture and corrosion while preventing loosening.

Community Q&A

Questions from real customers

Customer Insights

What customers are saying

6Positive
1Mixed
1Negative

Works well

Positive

Quality

Positive

Locktite

Positive

Application versatility

Positive

Value for money

Positive

Ease of application

Positive

About This Review

Researched and written by the Review Atlas editorial team

How We Review This Product

Our independent, data-driven research process

Our Research Process

  • We analyze the full manufacturer specifications and compare them against competing products
  • We synthesize verified customer feedback to surface recurring praise and complaints
  • We track pricing and availability so recommendations reflect real value at today's prices
  • Manufacturers cannot pay for placement, scores, or favorable coverage
  • Evaluated using our Hardware Adhesives & Sealers review criteria
Last updated: October 27, 2025
Independent, reader-supported research