When I remove a bolt that has loctite on it, should I completely clean the old loctite out before reinstalling the bolt with more loctite or is it not that big a deal? If so, whats the best way to get the old dried up loctite out of the threads?

 

I use a 1/4 " die grinder with a wire wheel but I don't worry to much about cleaning it reel good but I always add a drop or two for reinstallation

 

I think its a good idea to clean off what you can.The Loctite will build up each time it is placed on the thread.This could cause problems with the thread clearance.

 

++1 these guy's have it right. Clean everything off before re-installing. If you fail to clean you risk breaking threads or even the bolt.

 

Clean it if you can and in most applications use blue loctite.

 

Thanks for the responses guys.

 

A wire brush will take care of it.

 

remember no matter what color you use, one drop does it!

 

I always clean them with brake cleaner for the reasons people have posted. Loctite makes a cleaner / prep but it is $$$.

 

I was told you don't have to clean it but I would anyway. A dremel tool with a small wire brush on it will clean it up in a hurry.