Reducing the risks of axle unscrewing with thread locker
If you are a regular skater, you probably already had the unpleasant feeling that one of your frame axles was coming loose or clearing off... and sometimes even without you realizing it! Hopefully, there's a solution called thread locker...
Par alfathor
Solution
Why do axles come loose?
The wheel is in direct contact with the ground. Even if the polyurethane absorbs some of the vibrations, most of them are transmitted to the axles that fix the wheel to the frame. So that over the kilometers, the axles come loose, micron by micron… until they make a little metal noise easily recognizable.
How to limit the risks of wheel loss?
You should regularly maintain your skates and check that they are in working order before use, just like your car. Make sure you always have a tool for your axles with you.
Then, if you’re used to skate on damaged grounds, you should always keep an ear on your skates. An axle coming loose makes quite a characteristic metal noise. Stop and take your time to check the tightening of your axles, especially before going downhill where you may reach high speeds.
Note: Also think about checking the fixing of your frame to your boot!
Another solution: thread locker
The use of thread locker is the most common solution for manufacturers to reduce the risks of axles unscrewing. It is a liquid that solidifies when dry. It is to be applied on the thread of screws or axles. That technique is frequently used in manufacturing and on a daily basis by mechanics. It also protects from damages due to vibrations.
How to use a thread locker?
- Unscrew your axle or your screw
- Clean the thread so that there is no dirt left before application
- Apply a few drops on the thread
- Screw your axle or your screw
- Let it dry for a few hours
Warning: Only a few drops are enough! Too much of it and you may block your axle for good.
Testing the Vibrastop thread locker
Tectorius Company sent us a sample of their Vibrastop thread locker. That product is used in the car and plane industries, as well as in the US Army! The least to say is that in terms of reliability, the brand has been tried and tested.
Test protocole
We applied it on several pairs of skates used on a day-to-day basis for commutation. The skates were used on smooth and varied grounds.
Easy use
Vibrastop is provided with a brush, which is appreciable and handy to apply the liquid on the thread with precision. Moreover, the product quickly got solid. It dried in a few minutes.
Results
After several weeks of use, no screw or axle loosening to declare, even if they were only moderately tightened for the occasion. Unscrewing an axle after having put some thread locker on it is often problematic (especially if you’re heavy handed). There was no difficulty to take off the axis. Moreover, the Vibrastop held on the thread so that we could screw is back without having to add some more.
Technical facts
- Usable on all types of components: bolts, rivets, screws, nuts, etc.
- Withstands extreme vibrations
- Possible multiple use (readjusting, taking off)
- Reduces dammages on threads
- Several versions (grades) existing with more or less strong anti-vibration properties
- Available in tubes of 30cc or 250cc or in spray
- Lifespan: indefinite
- Water resistant
- Resistant to acid environments
- Range of application: -50°C to 75°C (-60°F to 170°F)
- All metals, woods, and most plastics
- Reusable
Useful links
Extracting an axle or a screw stuck in a frame
Le site de Tectorius / Vibrastop
Photos : Alfathor
