Loctite 542 Medium Strength Thread Sealant 10ml

Loctite 542 is a one-component, brown, medium strength anaerobic thread sealant. It is a dimethacrylate ester that cures without air between close-fitting metal threads and seals threaded fittings.

The liquid is thixotropic, which reduces migration after application. Properly tightened fittings seal instantly to moderate pressures.

Where this product is used

• Sealing metal pipe and fitting threads
• Threads where the liquid sealant needs to stay where it was applied
• Large-diameter fittings (over 1 inch), which can be released with localised heat
• Fittings where the DVGW (EN 751-1) or WRAS approvals on Henkel's Australian product page apply

Features

• Medium strength thread sealant
• One component, no mixing
• Brown liquid, thixotropic so it stays on the thread
• Seals instantly to moderate pressures when properly tightened
• Anaerobic cure, with an activator as secondary cure
• Breakaway torque 15 N·m on M10 steel nuts and bolts

Key specifications

Available sizes

Selecting the right option

For a medium strength paste that Henkel states is suited to stainless steel without surface activation, see Loctite 577 Medium Strength Thread Sealant. For low strength grades see Loctite 567 PST Low Strength Thread Sealant, Loctite 565 PST Thread Sealant 50ml or Loctite 569 Low Strength Thread Sealant 50ml.

Using it

Properly tightened fittings will seal instantly to moderate pressures. For maximum pressure and solvent resistance, allow a minimum of 24 hours to cure.

For large diameters (over 1 inch), apply localised heat to approximately 250 °C and disassemble while hot.

Henkel's Australian product page states the product is suitable for metal threads only.

Storage and handling

Store unopened in a dry location. Optimal storage is between 8 °C and 21 °C. Storage below 8 °C or above 28 °C can adversely affect the properties of the product.

Limits and safety

Not recommended for pure oxygen or oxygen-rich systems, or as a sealant for chlorine or other strong oxidisers. Not normally recommended for plastics. Henkel's Australian product page states it is suitable for metal threads only.

Frequently asked questions

What strength is Loctite 542?

Medium strength. Breakaway torque is 15 N·m and prevail torque 9 N·m on M10 steel nuts and bolts after 24 hours at 22 °C (ISO 10964).

How long does Loctite 542 take to cure?

Properly tightened fittings seal instantly to moderate pressures. Allow a minimum of 24 hours for maximum pressure and solvent resistance.

How do I remove a joint sealed with Loctite 542?

The Henkel data sheet covers large diameters (over 1 inch): apply localised heat to approximately 250 °C and disassemble while hot.

Is Loctite 542 approved for gas or water?

The current Henkel data sheet lists no approvals. Henkel's Australian product page lists DVGW (EN 751-1) and WRAS. Ask AIMS for the certificate and check it suits your application before specifying.

What temperature range can Loctite 542 handle?

The data sheet states no operating range. Henkel's Australian product page gives -55 °C to 150 °C.

Can Loctite 542 be used on plastic fittings?

Not normally. Henkel does not normally recommend it for plastics, and states it is suitable for metal threads only.

Related products

See also: Loctite 577 Medium Strength Thread Sealant, Loctite 567 PST Low Strength Thread Sealant, Loctite 565 PST Thread Sealant 50ml, Loctite 569 Low Strength Thread Sealant 50ml, Loctite 5770 High Temperature Thread Sealant 50ml.