Secure Bearings, Gears and Cylindrical Assemblies with Loctite Retaining Compounds

Retaining compounds are anaerobic adhesive products applied to the mating surfaces of cylindrical assemblies — such as bearing-to-housing, bearing-to-shaft, gear-to-shaft, bushing-to-bore and sleeve-to-housing fits — to fill the microscopic voids between the surfaces and cure to a rigid, load-distributing bond that augments or replaces mechanical interference fit alone.

Retaining compounds prevent fretting corrosion on loose-fit assemblies, increase the shear strength of press-fit joints, seal the interface against moisture and contamination, and allow the transmission of higher axial and torsional loads through the joint than the metal-to-metal contact alone would permit. Loctite retaining compounds — including the widely-used Loctite 609, 638 and 680 products — are the engineering standard for cylindrical joint bonding in maintenance and manufacturing.

We stock retaining compounds from Loctite — the globally recognised standard in anaerobic adhesive, sealant and surface treatment technology, with a comprehensive range of retaining, threadlocking and sealing products used by engineers, maintenance professionals and production operators across every industry sector.

The Retaining Compounds Range

Our Loctite range covers retaining compounds in low-viscosity (wicking), medium-viscosity (general purpose) and high-viscosity (gap-filling) grades, in strengths from low-strength (removable) through to high-strength (permanent) for different assembly and disassembly requirements.

• Low-Viscosity Retaining Compounds (Wicking Grade): Low-viscosity grades — such as Loctite 609 — are thin enough to wick by capillary action into already-assembled joints, securing bearings, pins and bushings in situ without disassembly. Ideal for maintenance repairs where disassembly to apply compound is impractical.
• Medium-Viscosity General Purpose: Medium-viscosity grades provide the best balance of handling, coverage and bond strength for most new-assembly applications. Applied to the mating surfaces before assembly, they cure after the joint is closed and air is excluded.
• High-Strength Grades for Demanding Assemblies: High-strength grades — such as Loctite 638 and 680 — are used where maximum shear strength is required in the cured joint, including large-diameter fits, high-torque shaft-to-gear assemblies and applications subject to heavy vibration or shock loading.
• Strength Selection: Match retaining compound strength to the disassembly requirement. Low-strength grades allow disassembly with standard pullers and presses. High-strength grades create a near-permanent bond; disassembly typically requires the application of heat (250°C+) to break the cure. Never use a high-strength grade on assemblies that require periodic disassembly for service.
• Surface Preparation: Clean both mating surfaces thoroughly with Loctite 7063 or equivalent degreaser before applying retaining compound. Oil, grease or release agents on the mating surfaces significantly reduce bond strength. Apply the compound evenly around the shaft or bore before assembly.

Expert Support: Need help buying the right product for your application? Contact our team for application-specific advice or request a quote.

Australian Business, Local Supply: As a proudly Australian business since 1988, we stock locally and work with trusted local Australian manufacturers and distributors to ensure fast, reliable supply.

Also see our threadlockers, adhesives and gasket sealants ranges.